Tammera Marrs, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: Medicare and Medicare products can seem complicated and a bit overwhelming. My job is to simplify the information, and I love seeing my clients feel like a burden has been lifted off of them.

Answer: There are Medicare Advantage plans that offer $0 premium, but there are out of pocket costs to the client when using a Medicare Advantage plan for healthcare. Every plan varies with out-of-pocket costs, as well as copays, coinsurance, deductibles, and networks. There may be added benefits including dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.

Answer: The answer is, "It depends." Part D may be the best option to some clients and Medicare Advantage could be the best option to other clients. Each situation is different. Working closely with clients we will be able to answer that question together

Answer: Yes, most definitely! Some of my clients get bombarded with daily phone calls multiple times a day. Blocking those calls doesn't work, as the callers just call on a different number. Several of my clients have been duped into thinking they are buying a Medicare Supplement policy when they are buying a Medicare Advantage policy that isn't in the local network. Luckily, we have been able to reverse the problem.

Answer: It depends on the individual's situation. Some clients prefer to have peace of mind knowing what their annual out of pocket costs are. Others do not want to spend what it costs for a high-end Medicare Supplement and prefer to assume they are healthy enough to not need major health care services.

Answer: Reviewing the current plan with the client, and explaining what options are available is the best way I know to analyze what is best for 2025.

Answer: Presenting both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement options is how we help clients decide. Normally during our presentation the client has a definite decision before we are even done presenting. We feel education is the best option

Answer: Many clients have helped or are helping their parents navigate Medicare. After learning more about Medicare our clients are well equipped to help their parents.

Answer: There are some Federal and State progams. Pharmacy programs, Discount programs, and Patient Assistance programs. So far my clients have been able to afford their prescriptions. Some clients have had help with one of the programs mentioned above. The out of pocket change of $2,000 for formulary covered prescriptions on the prescription drug plan (Plan D) has helped.

Answer: The best way to save money on a Medicare Supplement is to compare the same plan with different companies. Medicare Supplement plans are standardized by the government, so all plan benefits are the same, however, price can vary. Why pay more for the same coverage?

Answer: After a client pays the Part B deductible Medicare will pay 80% of the therapy that is deemed medically necessary. If a client has a Medicare Supplement plan as well as original Medicare a higher percentage of the therapy could be paid. It is always best to check with a provider's office to make sure Medicare has approved the therapy.

Answer: If your doctor diagnoses you with high cholesterol, Medicare Part B will cover any blood work that is medically necessary to monitor your cholesterol levels.

If you have medically necessary outpatient tests and doctor visits that help you manage your high cholesterol, Medicare will help cover them.

Medicare covers MNT (Medical Nutririon Therapy) for high cholesterol, particularly associated with other health conditions like diabetes or heart disease. The therapy aims to help manage cholesterol levels through dietary changes and lifestyle modifications.