Thomas Poeck, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: A Medicare Broker represents you and contracts with multiple insurance companies to give you options that best match your needs. A captive Agent represents one company and only works with their products. Sometimes Agents can be independent and work with multiple carriers.

Answer: Medicare does not but some Medicare Advantage plans offer it as part of their plan. You can also check your local states Medicaid program to see if they offer it.

Answer: Medicare has an Extra Help Program called LIS (Low income Subsidy) that you can apply for to see if you qualify. If you do not there is also Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs and drug company programs available.

Answer: Less people paying into the program will reduce the funds, which in turn will lower the money available for Medicare to fund the program.

Answer: Start by asking the agent/broker for their NPN (National Producer Number). You can then visit your local state insurance commissioner or department of insurance website to confirm that you are speaking with a licensed agent/broker.

Answer: You can log into your Medicare.gov account and under find coverage there is an option to add your specific medication(s) so you can compare all the plans in your area ad what the premiums and copayments for your drugs will be.

Answer: The MOOP limit for a plan shows you the maximum you could get charged for any Medicare related services.

Answer: Formularies and plan benefits can change annually. Your specific carrier for your part D is sending you an ANOC letter (annual notice of change) at the end of September and will highlight what changes they have made to your benefits for the following year. It is important to check during the Annual Election Period (AEP) FROM 10/15-12/7 if your current plan is still the right option for you for the next year.

Answer: Medicare is an individual plan and getting divorced doesn't doesn't change your eligibility to stay on Medicare. The cost of your part B and in some cases part A might be affected.

Answer: I have been helping people virtually and in person and I believe it is truly personal preference. About 95% of my clients are doing it virtually now because it saves them the time of driving to my office.

Answer: If you are already enrolled in Medicare it is during AEP (Annual Election Period) from October 15 to December 7. If you are new to Medicare and in your IEP (Initial Election Period) it is 3 month prior to the month you turn 65. (4 month if your birthday is the 1st of the month)

Answer: If you are currently enrolled in Part C or Part D and you are moving to a new state you have a 60 day SEP (Special Enrollment Period) where you can compare all the plans in the new state and pick one that fits for you.

Answer: You must live in the U.S. as a legal permanent resident for 5 continuous years to get Medicare, along with being age 65 or older.