Thomas Magnus, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: It pleases me to make Medicare simple. Go ahead - shop around. The come back to me to untangle the spaghetti brain! My clients really appreciate this feature/benefit.

Answer: Original Medicare does NOT cover Hearing Aids. The cost of these must be borne by you. HOWEVER - some Medicare Advantage plans have SOME coverage for Hearing Aids.

Answer: It is ALWAYS prudent to purchase Travel Insurance when traveling outside the USA. One must simply program this cost into your travel plans. Plans are available via several companies - do a google search for more information.

Answer: Medicare spending increases annually. This is due to more and more people qualifying for Medicare, earlier diagnosis and longer life expectancies, advances in technology and the cost of delivering services through medical professionals.

Answer: These costs vary depending on where you need ambulance services, the type of transport required(ground or air), the condition and en route treatment needs of the patient and number of miles transported. Average basic and advanced services cost $940 and $1,277, respectively in 2025.

Answer: For written guidance, consult unbiased documents such as the 2025 Guide to Medigap published by our Federal Government: https://www.medicare.gov/publications/02110-choosing-a-medigap-policy-a-guide-to-health-insurance-for-people-with-medicare.pdf

Actions speak louder than words. Rely on friends, relatives, associates for referrals to Professionals with a Proven Track Record. Their success comes from doing well by their clients. There is no better or reliable advertising!

Answer: Do not rely on TV advertising. Use your network. Word of mouth cannot be beat as it will guide you to those with a proven and trustworthy track record.

Answer: It is a downgrade from the commercial insurance I've had over the years. And...nothing could be further from the truth! Most people are thrilled with their Medicare coverage.

Answer: Yes Indeed. With passage of the IRA - Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare Beneficiaries will pay no more than $2,000 annually for their medications. Since some people cross this threshold already on January 1 and since we know there is no free lunch - we can also deduce that these costs don't simply vanish and vaporize in mid air. There are MANY changes affecting premiums, co pays, broker commissions - all in an attempt for the Rx industry to claw back some of their losses caused by this consumer friendly provision.

Answer: The philosophy behind insurance is to protect against large, unexpected catastrophic loss. When focusing on one aspect of a Medicare Plan, one must also consider what is MOST IMPORTANT for that plan to do for them when being admitted to the hospital for whatever reason. So...the answer is - probably yes. And another question becomes: What are my potential OVERALL costs via one plan versus another?

Answer: Part of the 2024 Inflation Reduction Act/IRA, the $2,000 cap applies to all costs for drugs covered by Medicare Part D plans, including deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. It does NOT apply to premiums and medications not covered by Part D plans, including those under Medicare Part B. For more details visit: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/medicare-advantage-and-medicare-prescription-drug-programs-remain-stable-cms-implements-improvements

Answer: Let me answer this question with a question - Better for who? There are too many variables to address in a short post. This link goes over the basics and gives one a "rough" idea of some differences - speaking with a Medicare Expert with some fine grit sandpaper will ensure a good fit.

https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/get-more-coverage/your-coverage-options/compare-original-medicare-medicare-advantage

Answer: It depends on the cost/benefit of that coverage vs Medicare. Part A/Hospital coverage is premium free. Part B/Medical Insurance has a $185 monthly premium in 2025 - more if you are a high income earner. Cost of Medicare Supplement and Part D Rx plan $125-$150/month. Or...a Medicare Advantage plan with zero to $100/month premium and copays for services - While your employer coverage may or may not be 100% paid by your employer, the plan probably has a $1,000 annual deductible and Medicare has @57 this year. A bit of discussion and planning with a Medicare Professional will go a long way for you!

Answer: ALWAYS(and rarely do I use that word) consult UNBIASED data sources such as the official government medicare website: www.medicare.gov or Kaiser Family Foundation: kff.org or Medicare Rights Center: https://www.medicarerights.org/

Note: KFF is the leading health policy organization in the U.S.

As a one-of-a-kind information organization, we bring together substantial capabilities in policy research, polling, and journalism in one organization to meet the need for a trusted, independent source of information on national health issues—one with the scope and reach to be a counterweight to health care’s vested interests and a voice for people.

We are headquartered in San Francisco with a building in Washington, DC, conference centers in both offices, and staff members in almost every state. Dr. Drew Altman, KFF’s president and chief executive officer, founded the modern-day organization in 1991. You can read more about the organization’s history, mission, focus, and key programs in a president’s message by Dr. Altman.

Answer: Maybe - open this link for details:

https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/bone-mass-measurements

And - open THIS link for a COMPLETE list of 2025 Medicare Approved and FREE Preventive Services - NOTE - Double Check as These Benefits may change Annually

https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/preventive-screening-services

Answer: Typically Medicare operates on a tern known as "Medical Necessity" which is usually established and supported by your Primary Care provider and Specialist(s) labs, images and documentation. . As long as these criteria are met, an exception is a probability. It may also helpful to be able to Advocate for oneself or have another close by that possesses those characteristics.

Answer: Medicare enrollemnt cannot be back dated. However, one is always able to appeal to CMS. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. There's always the possibility that your appeal will be successful - depending on circumstances surrounding the appeal. While one is always easily able to appoint a friend or relative as one's Legal Representative to transact on one's behalf, circumstances may have prevented this. It never hurts to ask - worst case scenario is to be told "no".

Answer: Learn about the Birthday Rule. If your state of residence recognizes it, you'll have the option of moving to a Medicare Supplement plan of equal or lesser value, ie., Plan G with one carrier to Plan G or N or a Hi Deductible G, to another without having to answer health questions - in other words, you cannot be denied to option of switching if your state allows it. Best to speak with a Broker specializing in Medicare to receive professional guidance.