Tim Newsome, Medicare Insurance Agent
Tim Newsome
Medicare Agent Licensed in TN, KS and MO
Contact Details
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Location
Smyrna, TN
About Me
Hi! My name is Tim, and I am your dedicated Medicare consultant and agent. My focus is on Medicare, and I am committed to assisting you in finding the most suitable plan that aligns with your unique needs and budgetary constraints. I will tackle the challenge of sifting through plans from nationally and locally recognized companies, so you don't have to. What's more, my services are entirely free! Reach out to me today to explore your Medicare insurance options and be sure to mention that you discovered me on Medicare Agents Hub!
Q&A with Tim Newsome
Why would you not choose a medicare Advantage plan?
Answer: Medicare Advantage plans are great options for some and not ideal for others. The most common reasons for someone to not choose a Medicare Advantage plan are:
1. Networks - you have to work within the plans defined network of providers
2. Providers Change plans that they work with because of the networks, providers can choose to be in or out of network.
3. If you have been on a Medigap/Medicare Supplement plan, it can be difficult to get back on a Medigap/Medicare Supplement plan once you choose to use a Medicare Advantage plan. Medigap/Medicare Supplement plans only have guaranteed issue during initial enrollment or during specific special scenarios.
When can a Medicare agent sell a standalone Part D prescription drug plan?
Answer: There are 4 key times that stand alone Part D plans can be sold.
1. Initial enrollment period. When a person is first enrolling into Medicare. Typically, 3 months before the month they turn 65 through 3 months after the month they turn 65.
2. Annual Enrollment Period. Each year between October 15 and December 7th Medicare members can make changes to their plans for the upcoming calendar year.
3. Special Enrollment Periods. These are enrollment periods that are triggered most frequently by life events such as loss of credible coverage, moving service areas, or leaving employer provided coverage.
4. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 - March 31 each year) ONLY if a Medicare member is changing from a Medicare Advantage plan to traditional Medicare.
I'm getting conflicting information about whether Medicare covers my specific medication. How can I get a definitive answer?
Answer: Plans change what medications they cover fairly often. The most effective way to make sure your medication is covered is to have a full plan review with a licensed insurance agent. A licensed agent will be able to check to ensure your medications, doctors, and preferred pharmacy are in network while also being able to provide an accurate cost estimate for your medications.
What are the reasons why I should work with a Medicare agent?
Answer: Medicare is a great healthcare option for people but, there are a LOT of avenues to explore. There is no perfect plan for everyone so, each person needs to sit down with a licensed agent to get educated on what their options are. Medicare is also not a set it and forget it health plan. Plans change coverage for doctors, medications, pharmacies, etc. every year. This makes it crucial to make sure that people get assistance both on the front end when they initially enroll in Medicare but, also review their plans each year during annual enrollment.
What states have the Medigap "birthday rule" and what is it?
Answer: California, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Delaware, Indiana, Louisiana, Utah, Virginia, and Wyoming all have the birthday rule.
This rule allows for a special enrollment period window around either your birthday or in some instances around the “plan birthday” to change your Medicare Supplement policy without medical underwriting. This means no health questions and that companies cannot deny you based on pre-existing health conditions. Often limited to changing to equal or lesser coverage.