Tom Kowalczyk, Medicare Insurance Broker
Tom Kowalczyk
TKI Navigators
Medicare Broker Licensed in NJ, DE, FL, PA and SC
14+ Years of Experience
Contact Details
-
Location
Sewell, NJ
-
Phone
-
Website
-
Schedule An Appointment
-
Facebook
About Me
At TKI Navigators, our priority is helping our clients understand Medicare and their available health insurance options. We take the time to sit down with you to simplify the confusing world of health insurance.
As an Independent agency, we work with a wide variety of top carriers to help you find the best plans and program’s to suit your exact needs.
We are proud to say we have dozens of five star reviews. Find out for yourself how the right Medicare Broker can help you.
Q&A with Tom Kowalczyk
What happens if I am already retired and collecting Social Security when I turn 65?
Answer: Medicare will automatically enroll you in Medicare Part A and and send you your Red, White and Blue Medicare card about 3 months before the month you turn 65. Your Medicare Card will have both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B on it.
You will have the option to decline Medicare Part B if you have other credible health coverage(ex. from a spouses employer). If you do nothing, Medicare will begin deducting the Medicare Part B premiums from your social security or disability income.
I'm retiring next year - do I need to do anything with my Medicare?
Answer: It depends. If you are eligible for Medicare and you have other health insurance from a spouse or retiree coverage from an employer and the coverage is considered creditable coverage, you may not need to do anything.
Individuals who do not have spousal coverage or retiree benefits will need to enroll in Medicare parts A and B. Then evaluate your health insurance needs and decide if you would like to add additional coverage to cover things Medicare does not.
I recommend talking with a local health insurance broker to learn about your options and determine what works best for you.
I went with Medigap because I travel a lot, but now I'm paying a fortune in premiums. Did I make a mistake?
Answer: The short answer is you did not make a mistake.
The choice between choosing a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medigap(aka Medicare Supplement policy) is a personal choice based on ones health personal needs and preferences.
Over time many individuals needs or situation may change and your choice for your insurance coverage may change as well. There are opportunities to review your coverage and needs to see if a different plan or program would work best for you.
Contact an independent broker for a no obligation benefits review.
I'm turning 65 soon, when can I enroll in Medicare?
Answer: The initial enrollment period for Medicare is typically a 7 month window.
You can enroll in Medicare starting three months before the month you turn 65, the month you turn 65 and up to 3 months after the month you turn 65.
I'm on a fixed income and struggling to afford my medications. What's this Extra Help program I've heard about for Medicare Part D?
Answer: Extra Help, also know as Low Income Subsidy is a program from Social Security that helps eligible individuals with the cost of there Medications. It works with any Medicare Prescription drug plan( stand alone plans and Medicare Advantage plans with Prescription Drug coverage). To qualify in 2025 your income must be below $1,903 a month and you must have less than $9.660 in countable assets.
If you qualify you will not pay more than $4.90 for any covered Generic medication or $12.15 for any covered Brand medication. The Extra Help program will cover all cost above these copays. In addition the Extra Help program may cover a portion of your plans monthly premium.
Can I show my Original Medicare Card instead of my Medicare Advantage card, if my provider doesn't take my advantage insurance?
Answer: Great question. No you should not show your Red, White and Blue Medicare card if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. When you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, the plan you are enrolled in is financially responsible for your claims. If you show your Medicare card and the provider bills Medicare. Medicare will deny the claim because they will recognize you are enrolled in an Advantage plan and all claims should go to that plan.
Is my Medicare deductible supposed change from year to year?
Answer: Medicare updates the Medicare Part B Premiums each year. The premiums increase to adjust for inflation and other costs. Some years premiums remain stable others they go up.
Will I be penalized if I do not enroll in Medicare when I turn 65?
Answer: Most people think they have to sign up for Medicare at 65, but that is not always true. It depends on your situation.
If you have credible health and prescription drug insurance through an employer or spouse's employer, then no. You do not need to sign up for Medicare at that time.
If you do not have credible health and prescription drug insurance then you may face late enrollment penalties, which can last a lifetime.
Work with a local independent agent to help you understand your situation.
I am on disability insurance Medicare now I will be 65 in October do I have to to sign up for Medicare again?
Answer: You do not need to sign up for Medicare again if you already have both Medicare part A and Medicare part B.
Now that you are turning 65, you are entitled to your second eligibility period which provides you some guaranteed issue rights. This is an important time to review your health and prescription coverage options and make any changes you feel necessary.
Talk with a local independent health insurance broker to understand your situation.