Terri Curcio, Medicare Insurance Agent
Terri Curcio
ProCore Health Brokers
Medicare Agent Licensed in OH
Contact Details
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Location
Hilliard, OH
About Me
Licensed agent in central Ohio for 29 years. Started Medicare 2006, when Rx coverage was added to plans. Offer national and local plans, get the plan that includes your doctors along with best pricing for your medications. Year round service, no cost / or obligation.
Directions to My Office
Q&A with Terri Curcio
I want to switch to Medicare Advantage this year. How do I do this?
Answer: First, I’m assuming you are enrolled in a Medicare Gap/Supplement policy. In working with my clients, if they are interested in switching - or wanting to try a Medicare Advantage plan for up to 12 months, I suggest we change during the Annual Election Period (AEP).
Choose your MAPD plan during AEP, the enrollment will go effective January 1st. Once you are notified the MAPD has been approved - terminate your MedSup policy. And, you have up to 12 months to decide to keep it or go back to your MedSup plan without underwriting. These details are further explained in the Medicare & You handbook.
My neighbor says I'm crazy for paying for a Medigap plan when Medicare Advantage is "free." What should I tell him?
Answer: Medicare allows a person to chose which type of plan works best for them both financially while providing access to their preferred providers. For my clients, if he or she has an ongoing rather costly illness, I suggest trying a Medicare Gap plan w/a stand alone RX plan if he or she can afford it, when he or she first turns 65 or is eligible for Medicare. Knowing, that if a Medicare Gap policy becomes to expensive - a Medicare Advantage is always a later option w/no underwriting. The Medicare Advantage plans have been on the market for 20 years, very robust networks - and can provide coverage nationally with certain insurance carriers. The RX coverage is usually richer on a Medicare Advantage plan than a stand alone RX plan.
If your monthly Medicare Gap premium is more than a Medicare Advantage plan medical out-of-pocket max., you might be over paying.
Try a Medicare Advantage plan for a year, per the Medicare guidelines - you can for up to 12 months and then go back to your Medicare Gap w/out underwriting - only one time, to try it.
Medicare Advantage plans are similar to group plans…mostly copays for services w/a few having percentages owed by the member. But, since you have an out-of-pocket maximum for both medical services and pharmacy - your out-of-pocket exposure is know according to the plan you select. Knowing and understanding your financial exposure is key to having the plan that works best for you!
I am on disability insurance Medicare now I will be 65 in October do I have to to sign up for Medicare again?
Answer: No, you do not need to sign up again. either with Medicare and/or your Medicare Advantage plan.
But, it does give you another opportunity for a Special Enrollment - you can shop the market again in October (3 months before, month of and three months afterwards) and possibly change plans effective 10/1/26 if you sign up three months before.
Are there any changes I should expect for Medicare in 2026?
Answer: Great question…the answer is yes. Legislation that passed in 2022, The Inflation Reduction Act included pharmacy changes for all Medicare beneficiaries that receive their Rx coverage via Part D plans or that are included in their Medicare Advantage plan.
Please take the time to review with your local insurance agent that works with Medicare insurance plans.
You don’t know what you don’t know till you look at the details. Be sure and call today!
I'm worried about choosing the wrong plan and being stuck with it. How often can I change my Medicare coverage?
Answer: Sometimes, this timeframe is very rushed, and mistakes happen. Maybe, you forgot to mention a doctor that you absolutely need/want to visit in the coming year. Please review the Medicare and You 2025 handbook - on page 13, it references another enrollment period. Open Enrollment Period (OEP), that runs from Jan 1st thru March 31st.
It is for those individuals already on a MA plan, and allows them to switch to another MA plan, or drop their MA plan for Original Medicare. Only one change is allowed - it offers MA members to make a better selection than made during the Annual Election Period (AEP).
My mom is considering switching to a Medicare Advantage plan because her friends say it's better. She's scared of losing her current doctors. How can we check?
Answer: Your Mom should visit a local insurance agent... ask for referrals from her friends. As an insurance agent, each of the insurance carriers I work with provides a link through which I can check if a doctor is participating in their network or not.
Doctors/facilities usually don't accept only one type of insurance; they need financial resources to keep their doors open. Also, your Mom can review page 78 in the Medicare and You 2025 booklet. Medicare Supplement (GAP) members are given a 12-month look period in which to try a Medicare Advantage plan.
How do I appeal a decision by Medicare or my plan if they deny coverage for a procedure or medication I need?
Answer: If you want to file an appeal for a claim that wasn’t paid, call the customer service dept. at your insurance plan. The phone number you call is listed on your ID card. Have your denied claim letter when you call, you will need the claim date of service and the amount. If not available, have at least the date of service along with the provider of service’s name. Reach a “live” rep and tell him or her you want to file a verbal appeal, be ready to explain why you believe the claim should have been paid. Have a pen and paper ready to write down the reference number you will be given concerning your appeal. Or, you can write up the appeal, ask for the address to mail the appeal or fax number to forward it to the correct department. Be sure to include your name, full address and policy number on the written appeal.
Concerning a medication denial, contact the prescribing doctor’s office and speak with the nurse, or rep handing RX refills. He or she should be able to assist by calling the insurance company, hitting the prompt for providers office and filing the appeal.
Don't you think Medicare's focus on treatment rather than prevention is backwards?
Answer: Not at all - preventive tests, procedures and exams are at no charge. I review the literature with my clients, especially all of the preventive services offered at no copay or coinsurance. And, I kindly explain don't get caught up in self diagnosing yourself with the assistance of Google... make it a habit to get your preventive care annually. Make it a habit!!
Are x-rays, exams, or therapies done by chiropractors covered under Medicare?
Answer: These services can be limited when completed by a chiropractors; for more details concerning the coverage the certificate of coverage should be reviewed.
What are the reasons why I should work with a Medicare agent?
Answer: Working with a local independent agent, will allow you to review the plans available in your county. You need each year to select Medicare options to serve you financially and with access to your preferred providers!