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