Toni Johnson, Medicare Insurance Agent
Toni Johnson
MRS Insurance Inc
Medicare Agent Licensed in FL, IN, MO, NJ, OH, TN, VA and WV
9+ Years of Experience
Contact Details
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Location
Tampa, FL
Toni Can Help With:
About Me
With over 24 years of experience running a small business and a career spanning 18 years in the nursing field, I have gained invaluable insights into the challenges and rewards of the insurance industry. My nursing background has also exposed me to the financial, medical, and emotional difficulties people face when it comes to selecting life and health insurance.
The task of choosing the right insurance plan to meet individual needs and lifestyle can be overwhelming and confusing. That’s why since 2016 I have made it my personal mission to guide people and ensure they avoid the pitfalls and misinformation that plague our industry.
Q&A with Toni Johnson
I'm turning 65 next month; what are the first steps I should take regarding Medicare enrollment?
Answer: Your question is a good one. If you have not yet applied for Medicare parts A and B, the first thing you should do, as soon as possible, is go to www. ssa.gov on your computer and set up a personal account. Second on your list should be to sign up for Medicare A and B, once you are on the site you will see 3 boxes with choices in each box. Go to the middle box and click on 'sign up for Medicare'. Once you have applied, contact an independent agent such as myself, set up an appointment and get a full Medicare Education. You will find out the choices you have. There is not a 'One for all' choice. Thank you for contacting Medicare Agents Hub. I look forward to being able to assist you. You may go to www.medicare.gov for all your questions.
How do you educate clients who are completely new to Medicare?
Answer: I educate new Medicare recipients by fact finding first. I need to know where the person is in the process.
We are all unique and have different needs. I tailor my education to the beneficiary taking into consideration the budget, the needs, and the current lifestyle. I always let beneficiary's be aware that not every shoe fits every foot.
Thank you for your question. If you have another question please do not hesitate contacting me again. You may also go to www.medicare.gov to get additional information.
Toni Johnson
Are preventative screenings covered by Medicare?
Answer: Most all preventative screenings are covered by Medicare no matter which plan or policy you have. This includes Original Medicare with or without a Medigap Policy or a Medicare Advantage Policy. There is a list of preventative screenings listed with every plan's policy sold.
An agent asked me to sign a scope of appointment for before we could discuss my Medicare insurance or part D plan. What is an SOA? Is this normal? Are call centers exempt from this practice?
Answer: An agent must have a Scope of Appointment (SOA) signed currently 48 hours prior to meeting one-on-one with a beneficiary either by the beneficiary or an authorized representative. This is a form that the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has designed to protect the beneficiary. All the information provided on the form is kept confidential and retained by the agent for a number of years set forth by CMS. You either initial or check the box of the type of product you want the agent to discuss.
Keep in mind that by signing the form it does not obligate the beneficiary to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan nor does it affect current or future Medicare enrollment. If You call the 'Call Center' then they are exempt from requiring you to sign the form.
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: Check to see if your employer provides dental with your major medical plan. If they do not, you may purchase a 'stand alone' dental plan, You do not have to purchase a Medicare Advantage Plan just to cover your dental needs.
Can I enroll in Medicare if I've never paid into Social Security due to working overseas?
Answer: You may enroll in Medicare parts A and B but you will have to pay a monthly premium for part A as well as your part B. You must be age 65, disabled, or have End Stage Renal Disease to enroll.
Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?
Answer: You may have heard of neighbors or friends leaving the Medicare Advantage Market however I can say I have more people on the Medicare Advantage Market than on Original Medicare with or without a Medigap Plan. If people are leaving, it may be for the freedom they have utilizing Original Medicare with a Medigap Plan of being able to go to any physician or provider that accepts Medicare anywhere in the United States. No network restrictions and with a few plans no co-pays.
Remember, if you are not in your initial election period you will have to go through underwriting when going with a Medigap plan to pair with Original Medicare.
My Medicare Advantage plan denied coverage for a specialist I need to see. What are my options now?
Answer: Your specialist may be Out-of-Network for the type of you plan you have. You may still see the specialist and pay full price or find a specialist that is in-network of providers for your selected plan.
What is the biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage?
Answer: The biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage is the provider. No matter the type of provider, imaging facility, physician, or hospital, they can leave the plan you chose at any time during the year. Medicare Advantage plans are yearly contracts only.
Does Medicare Advantage cover acupuncture or alternative therapies in some plans?
Answer: Medicare Advantage does cover some some types of alternative therapies or acupuncture on certain plans. If there is a need, make sure when the Annual Enrollment Period, October 15th through December 7t, you look for plans that carry the specific benefits you are needing.