Lt Col Tim Brown, Medicare Insurance Broker
Lt Col Tim Brown
Insurance Services of KY & TN
Medicare Broker Licensed in TN, AL, CO, FL, GA, IN, KY, MO, NC, OH, TX, VA and WV
37+ Years of Experience
Contact Details
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Location
Gallatin, TN
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Phone
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Website
About Me
Hello! I'm Tim, your trusted Medicare agent and broker in the 13 states. My specialty is Medicare, and I'm passionate about helping you select the ideal plan that caters to your individual needs and budget. I'll efficiently sort through plans from reputable national and local companies, saving you time and effort. Best of all, my services are provided at no cost to you. Contact me to discuss your Medicare choices and don't forget to mention that you found me on Medicare Agents Hub!
Q&A with Lt Col Tim Brown
What is the biggest mistake seniors make when enrolling in Medicare?
Answer: Not consulting an agent broker with time in grade. In other words, experience. The other thing would be to select an agent broker with multiple companies.
What is one of the the most common misconceptions people have about Medicare?
Answer: Not really knowing the difference between supplements and Medicare Advantage plans called Part C. And there is a lot of confusion about which Part D (drug card) to choose with a supplement plan.
I've been on a Part D plan for a while, and I'm wondering why my generic prescriptions suddenly cost more. Did something change?
Answer: I would need to know what medications you’re on. That way I can work on that answer by looking at the different formularies from different companies.
Could Medicare ever adopt a tiered premium system based on lifestyle factors?
Answer: That doesn’t appear to be in the horizon. No one in my circles have mentioned anything to the effect either.
What is the main benefit of Medicare Part D?
Answer: Co-pays (although not always) are better than the discount cards. The problem is that the government tells you if you don’t get Part D,when eligible, then you’ll be penalized should you want one later and the penalty is forever. That is just wrong. So that is the two reasons to have one. The drug card that is part of Part C Medicare AKA Medicare Advantage plans has no premium associated with that program.
What's the deal with Medicare covering medical equipment like wheelchairs- do I need a special approval?
Answer: Your doctor starts that process. If you have a Medicare Supplement and already met your deductible then it pays for it. If your on a Medicare Advantage Plan, it pays 80% leaving you 20% to pay.
What should I do if I miss the Medicare Open Enrollment period, and I want to change my plan?
Answer: Medicare supplement plans can be applied for and changed anytime of year you wish. Part C AKA known as Medicare Advantage plans, if you’re on one, can be changed up until March 31st. After that the next time (Unless a person is just gaining Medicare Part B) is the Annual Enrollment Period that starts on Oct 10 to Dec 7.
Other enrollment periods called Special Election Periods (SEP’S) come into play or allows a person to change plans such as moving from one service area to another, or a plan pulls out, or a person is released from incarceration. There are a lot more more SEP”s than I just mentioned.
Need help? Give me a call Monday thru Saturday to about 6:30 in the evening at 615-506-9024.
Why are people unhappy with Medicare Advantage plans?
Answer: I don’t think they are. My wife and I are on one and we’re very satisfied with it, not to mention the well over a thousand people I’ve written plans for. I think people have preconceived notions and for them that’s reality. Typically you have no premiums for them. Some plans pay down the part B premium Medicare charges, and you have co-pays when you use the plan. Contact me if you’d like to discuss.
How do I know if a Medigap policy is right for me, and what's the best time to buy one?
Answer: By using someone who has experience in the business to explain the pro's and con's of the plan, how it works. Medigap is the name Medicare calls it. It is actually a Medicare Supplement Plan. The best time to buy one is when your in your enrollment period for Medicare. If you already have a supplement plan, you can change those plans anytime of the year you like as long as you can qualify.
How can I get dental and vision coverage with Medicare?
Answer: On Medicare Advantage plans also called Part C, it comes with those plans. If you get a supplement plan then you purchase it separately. I provide both types of products and offer those to my clients that choose supplements. I have 30 different companies. I am in 13 different states and have 36 years experience. Feel free to call me. 615-506-9024
What are the red flags I should look for when interviewing agents? I want to make sure I'm not just getting sold to but genuinely advised.
Answer: Someone that’s been doing it awhile. I’m in this business 36 years now. A new agent doesn’t have a lot of experience. Someone who is a captive agent, meaning they work for one company, they can only offer the one or possibly two companies. That’s not enough. You need someone you feel comfortable with.
I want to be proactive about my health. What preventive services should I be taking advantage of with Medicare?
Answer: There is a list of preventative services on Medicare.gov. Of course your annual physical, exercise and diet.
Does Medicare cover hearing aids, or do I have to pay out of pocket?
Answer: Medicare does not. There are Medicare Advantage plans that pay towards it. Also the VA if a person qualifies for those benefits.
I've heard that once you're on Medicare, you might not need life insurance as much. Is that true?
Answer: No it’s not true. A person still has final expenses or other expenses that they would want to leave a spouse money for. Or perhaps they just want to leave a gift for certain family members. People get life insurance for two reasons. They either owe somebody or love somebody.
I'm turning 65 soon, when can I enroll in Medicare?
Answer: You are supposed to get your Medicare card 3 1/2 months before your birth month. So three months. If you’re enrolled to start receiving social security payments, then it’s supposed to be mailed automatically. If you’re not going to draw it, or they failed to send it, you will need to sign up yourself. You can do it one of three ways; go on line to www.ssa.gov or make an appointment to go down to social security or call them. Going on line is the best method.
Hey, I keep hearing about Medicare Advantage plans everywhere. What's the real deal with those compared to regular Medicare?
Answer: There are two types of plans that go with medicare. A Medicare Supplement plan and a medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage comes with dental, vision, hearing and a drug card. They are co pay driven. Example is primary care doctor no co pay, specialists (depending on the plan) you pay $15 to $50 for a visit. They come with other benefits too.
What are the reasons why I should work with a Medicare agent?
Answer: The same reason you should work with other professionals. I have to certify every year to provide Medicare products to people. I’ve been doing insurance for 36 years. I have 30 companies. You’re just stepping into the Medicare arena. Think that might be a reason.
How could a shrinking workforce affect Medicare funding in the next 20 years?
Answer: It doesn't at all. They are just cutting out the deadwood. Workforce has nothing to do with funding.
Why do some people regret choosing a Medicare Advantage plan over Original Medicare?
Answer: First you have to stay enrolled in Medicare to have a Medicare advantage plan. It’s just that the advantage plan pays instead of Medicare. I don’t see much regret for advantage plans. I’m on one myself and I’m very happy with it. There is no perfect plan so what do people not like? Sometimes their doctor is maybe not on the plan, some approvals are needed but that’s the same under group insurance plans. The thing I don’t like myself is that Part B drugs you pay 20%. This is expensive and in that year you would hit your maximum out of pocket. But good plans? Yes.
I'm on an expensive specialty medication. Will the 2025 Part D changes help someone in my situation?
Answer: In 2025 the most anyone can spend on medications in a Callander year, no matter how many medications they take is $2,000.
What if I missed my window to sign up?
Answer: It’s possible you may have another special election. You can call me to discuss and to see if you really did miss your enrollment window. 615-506-9024
I got a call from a "Medicare agent" promising me free groceries and I almost fell for it. Why is this kind of marketing allowed?
Answer: There are some Medicare advantage that offer that. Many times it’s tied to being on Medicaid but not all plans.
I keep hearing about Medicare Part D changes for 2025. Will these actually lower what I pay for my prescriptions?
Answer: It could. If you are on expensive meds like Jardiance and Trulicity, the most anyone could pay in 2025, no matter how many meds they are on is $2,000. If your on generics, you will have cheap to no copays.
My doctor mentioned something about Medicare not covering my procedure. How do I find out for sure before I get stuck with a bill?
Answer: You can contact your insurance company and ask. Get the persons name you talk to, phone, badge number if it applies and the date and time of your call. You can go onto Medicare.gov and search there too. You can contact the billing department of your doctors office and ask. They bill insurance and know what they pay on or don’t. Hope that helps.
I have Original Medicare, and I'm wondering if I'd save more on my dental cleanings if I switched to a Medicare Advantage plan instead.
Answer: Most Medicare Advantage plans (MAPD) come with Dental, hearing and vision and if you have an MAPD plan with a zero premium, then you certainly are getting that dental benefit at no charge to you. I'd be glad to help you if you'd like to call.
I'm licensed in 13 states.
Lt Col Tim Brown, LUTCF
Gallatin TN 37066
615-506-9024