Tony Capraro III, Medicare Insurance Agent

What's one Medicare decision that too many people regret later?

Answer: Waiting too long to get the information they need to make the Best Decisions for their particular situation and not getting enough information to make those decisions!

I'm turning 65 soon, when can I enroll in Medicare?

Answer: If you are currently receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration or the Railroad Retirement Board, you will be automatically enrolled in Part A and Part B. You will receive your red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail 3 months before your sixty-fifth birthday. Your coverage will begin on the first day of the month you turn 65. If your sixty-fifth birthday falls on the first day of the month, your coverage will begin the first day of the month before your birthday. There are so many important decisions to be made-that's why I help folks everyday with their Medicare planning! :)

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: There were many changes in 2025 to the Part D prescription drug plans. They change annually so you want to make sure you're checking to see that your Prescriptions are covered. PS Lots of my clients use Good RX and have been pleasantly surprised with the low cost for generics using it!

Why would you not choose a medicare Advantage plan?

Answer: There are both Pros and Cons with Medicare Advantage! There are usually OOP (out of pocket maximums from $4500-$10,000 per year) and with Med Advantage the Insurance company makes the decisions on what surgeries are "necessary". We give client options between both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement! We provide the Pros and Cons of both and let the client make the decision that's best for them! Let US help YOU!

I'm still working at 67, and I don't know if I need Part B. Why is something so basic so hard to figure out?

Answer: It seems hard but when you know the specifics you can make the right decision for you!

If you work for a company with 19 or more employees you can stay on that work plan until you retire and then get Part B! Work with someone like me-who works with Medicare Planning every day for clients! We give great information so folks can make good decisions!

Can I change my Supplemental/Medigap plan at any time?

Answer: Yes you can-however once enrolled in a Supplemental/Medigap plan and you want to change -most companies will require you to be "medically qualified" by answering the medical questions on the new application! PS Always look for companies that are Financially Stable!

What are some ways to ensure your parents feel supported during the Medicare decision-making process?

Answer: What a great question. WE do a "family" meeting where we bring in the kids with the Parents! Medicare decisions are so important and can truly have a huge impact on Seniors AND their families! WE help folks everyday with these huge decisions! So glad you're in their corner!

What's one piece of advice you wish every senior knew before picking a Medicare plan?

Answer: Get all the facts- not the hype! Get a Seasoned Professional to go over ALL the options--not just Medicare Advantage but also Medicare Supplement and Part D prescription plans! Once you know the Pros and Cons of each plan -YOU make the decision that's best for you! Let us HELP!

What benefits are there to working with a Medicare Agent near me vs remote/virtual?

Answer: IF you like the "face to face" meetings and contact-great! In 2025 we do "virtual meetings" with many folks who live 2 or 3 hours away and it works very well for all! All depends on YOUR preferences! Let us HELP YOU!

I have multiple medications; how can I ensure my Medicare Part D plan covers them all without breaking the bank?

Answer: Medicare.gov you can log on and literally put in all your meds and then you can choose different plans and see what is/isn't covered!

What's the best way for seniors to protect themselves from Medicare-related scams?

Answer: Work with an Agent who works for a Reputable Company like State Farm! :) We help our clients every day-make the right decisions for them!

What do seniors often misunderstand about Medicare's coverage for long-term care?

Answer: They believe that Medicare covers LONG term Care and it does not ! That is why it's so imprtant to work with someone who knows ALL the specifics about Medicare and all the other options!

What is the biggest mistake seniors make when enrolling in Medicare?

Answer: In my experience working with Seniors and helping them with the Medicare "alphabet soup" what I often see is that they have not looked into either a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement/Medigap Plan to offset the OUT OF POCKET expenses they WILL have with just enrolling in Medicare Part A and B ! There are Deductibles for Both Part A and B and Part B will ONLY cover 80% of the costs and YOU will be responsible for the other 20% with NO Maximum out of pocket! WOW! Work with someone who can show you both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement/Medigap options then make the best decision for YOU!

Do I have to answer health questions when switching from one Supplemental/Medigap plan to another?

Answer: Yes-you are offered a Non-Medical Supplement/Medigap when you turn 65! Once enrolled in the plan and you want to switch--Most companies will require Health Questions to be answered!

How does life insurance contribute to financial planning?

Answer: Life insurance plays a crucial role in financial planning for several reasons:

Income Replacement: In the event of the policyholder's death, life insurance provides a death benefit to beneficiaries, which can replace lost income and help maintain their standard of living.

Debt Coverage: Life insurance can cover outstanding debts, such as mortgages, car loans, or personal loans, ensuring that the burden doesn't fall on family members.

Education Funding: Parents can use life insurance proceeds to fund their children's education, ensuring that their educational aspirations are not jeopardized by the loss of a parent.

Estate Planning: Life insurance can be an effective tool in estate planning. It can provide liquidity to pay estate taxes or cover other expenses, preventing the forced sale of assets.

Business Continuity: For business owners, life insurance can fund buy-sell agreements, ensuring that the business can continue operating smoothly after the death of a key stakeholder.

Cash Value Accumulation: Certain types of life insurance, like whole life or universal life, accumulate cash value over time, which can be borrowed against or withdrawn for various financial needs.

Peace of Mind: Knowing that loved ones will be financially protected in the event of an unexpected death provides peace of mind, allowing individuals to focus on their current financial goals.

Tax Benefits: In many jurisdictions, life insurance death benefits are paid out tax-free to beneficiaries, making it an efficient way to transfer wealth.

Supplementing Retirement Income: Some life insurance policies allow for withdrawals or loans against the cash value, which can be used to supplement retirement income.

Which Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap) offers the best value for most seniors, and why?

Answer: Both Plan G and Plan N offer great coverage for OUT of pocket Expenses and deductibles and depending on the company are generally reasonably priced! Before making any decisions get all the FACTS of coverage and costs!

What role do annuities play in retirement planning?

Answer: Annuities can play a significant role in retirement planning by providing a reliable income stream and offering various benefits that help retirees manage their finances. Here are several key roles that annuities serve in retirement planning:

Guaranteed Income: Annuities can provide a steady, guaranteed income for a specified period or for the lifetime of the annuitant, helping retirees cover essential living expenses and maintain their standard of living.

Longevity Risk Mitigation: Annuities help protect against the risk of outliving one’s savings. By offering lifetime income options, they ensure that retirees receive payments for as long as they live, regardless of how long that may be.

Tax-Deferred Growth: The funds in an annuity grow tax-deferred until they are withdrawn. This can be beneficial for retirement planning, as it allows the investment to compound without the immediate impact of taxes.

Investment Options: Many annuities offer various investment options, including fixed, variable, and indexed accounts. This allows individuals to tailor their investment strategy based on their risk tolerance and retirement goals.

Inflation Protection: Some annuities offer options for inflation protection, such as increasing payment amounts over time. This can help maintain purchasing power in retirement as the cost of living rises.

Estate Planning Benefits: Annuities can have death benefit provisions that allow the remaining balance to be passed on to beneficiaries, providing a financial legacy.

Flexibility in Withdrawals: Many annuities offer flexible withdrawal options, allowing retirees to access funds as needed. Some may also allow penalty-free withdrawals under certain conditions.

Diversification: Including annuities in a retirement portfolio can enhance diversification, as they can behave differently than other investment vehicles like stocks or bonds.

Peace of Mind: The predictability of income from annuities can provide retirees with peace of mind.

What do you enjoy most about working with Medicare clients?

Answer: In my 37 years of working with Seniors the thing I truly like the most is the Expression of Relief and appreciation they show-when you've helped them by giving them all their Options and being able to OFFER both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement/Medigap as well as Retirement Planning and the heartfelt Thank you they extend! Helping Seniors is what we do!

What are the most overhyped benefits of Medicare Advantage plans that seniors should be wary of?

Answer: The ZERO premium monthly hype! Why do you think those commercials are shown 24/7? The insurance companies are making huge $$$ with them. There are always an OUT OF POCKET maximum the client is responsible for! Most Plans are Max Out of Pocket from $4500-$10,000 and that's ANNUALLY! Disclosure-I offer Medicare Advantage Plans through Humana -and they are great plans for folks who know both the Pros and Cons of these plans! Work with someone who offers BOTH Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement/Medigap like I do!

Who can help me figure out this Medicare "maze and alphabet soup" it's so confusing.

Answer: Work with someone who can OFFER both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement/Medigap options! Start the process well in advance of your 65 Birthday.

Work with a Professional with a Financially Strong/Reputable company. Look up that Professional's Google Reviews that gives you a "spotlight" into how their clients truly feel about them and the Services they provide(d). Take a deep breath-YOU got this! WE can HELP YOU!

Why is regular Medicare better than an advantage plan?

Answer: There's a lot of confusion with Medicare-Medicare Supplement/Medigap/-Medicare Advantage "alphabet soup"! Do your homework and learn the Pros and Cons of each Option! Work with someone -like ME-who can offer both: Medicare Supplement/Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans! This was you get the FACTS not the HYPE and then make the best decision for YOU! :) WE can HELP!

Does Medicare Advantage cover acupuncture or alternative therapies in some plans?

Answer: That depends on what Medicare Advantage plan you have. Simply call the plan you have and inquire! Good luck!

How do you educate clients who are completely new to Medicare?

Answer: WE have a power-point presentation explaining in detail how Regular Medicare works. We describe in detail what the Deductibles are for Part A and Part B and what the "out of pocket" costs are after Medicare pays its portion. We will always let clients know that Medicare on its own may OPEN them up to Major Financial losses due to their Health care costs. We then go through: Medicare Supplement/Medigap and Medicare Advantage Plans- the Pros and Cons of each plan. This allows the client to make their own decisions on what's best for them. The fact that we can offer both types of plans is a huge PLUS to our clients! Let us help YOU!

I'm turning 65 next month and the amount of Medicare mail I'm getting is overwhelming. How do I sort through all this?

Answer: Throw all of it in a bag for recycling! Work with a Professional who's been helping folks for decades with Medicare Planning! Work with someone who can offer BOTH Medicare Supplement/Medigap AND Medicare Advantage and make sense of the "Medicare Alphabet Soup" for you! WE do that! WE make is simple and understandable! You got this!

I thought I signed up for both Part A and B when I got my Social Security, but now I'm getting bills for Part B. Did I miss something during the enrollment period?

Answer: Part B has a deductible each year (increases a little each year-2025 is $257) and a 20% co-pay WITHOUT a maximum out of pocket! Have you looked into either a Medicare Supplement/Medigap OR Medicare Advantage Plan that can help with the Part B "out of pocket costs"?

Can I keep seeing my current doctors if I switch to a Medicare Advantage plan, or do I have to find new ones?

Answer: You'll have to use the DR's that are part of the Medicare Advantage Plan-you can easily check with Dr's and Hospitals to see if they're part of the Medicare Advantage plan you are looking to switch to. Have you looked into Medicare Supplement/Medigap-you'd be able to see any Dr that accepts Medicare!

I tried calling Medicare and got transferred five times. Is there any way to get straight answers from them?

Answer: It's much better using a chat on Medicare.gov! Get on the site and set up an account and then get on the Chat feature! I use it regularly and there is almost Immediate help and answers for all your questions!

Why do some people regret choosing a Medicare Advantage plan over Original Medicare?

Answer: What we've seen in helping our clients with Medicare planning-is that when you go with a Medicare Advantage Plan -the Insurance company will make the decisions on what they will cover and not cover. Another important difference is with Original Medicare as long as your doctor(s) take Medicare you are covered -with a Medicare Advantage Plan-you'll be working with a PPO or HMO type organization and you NEED to make sure YOUR doctors are Part of that plan! Medicare Advantage plans change year to year too! We have several situations this year where Doctors who were prior a part of the network are NO longer in the network! Work with someone who can go over all the Medicare "alphabet soup" and who can offer both: Medicare Supplement/Medigap AND Medicare Advantage and can give you the Pros and Cons of both so YOU can make smart decisions!

My kids keep telling me to get a Medicare Advantage plan, but my friends say stick with Original Medicare. Who should I listen to?

Answer: Someone who deals with helping clients with Medicare planning every day! Get the facts-not the hype! Work with someone who can explain the "medicare alphabet soup" so it's easily understandable and who also sells both: Medicare Supplement/Medigap AND Medicare Advantage! We can go over all the Pros and Cons of each plan and with staying with Original Medicare!

I just moved to a new state. Do I need to do anything with my Medicare coverage?

Answer: Do you have Original Medicare -Parts A and B only? Medicare Advantage? Medicare Supplement? With Original Medicare and Medicare Supplement as long as the Dr(s) take Medicare in the new state you're all set! If you have a Medicare Advantage-you'll have to look at getting a new plan!

I've been on my employer's health plan but am retiring soon. What should I consider when moving to Medicare?

Answer: You should sit down with a Medicare Agent to go over all your options! I usually have folks come in for a quick meeting and see exactly where they are and what their plans and goals and objectives are! We'd be glad to help you! :)

Why are people unhappy with Medicare Advantage plans?

So my friend told me I should just go with the cheapest Medicare plan. That sounds too simple - what am I missing?

Why does Medicare have so many coverage gaps, and is it designed that way on purpose?

So I heard something about Medicare drug costs being capped at $2,000 in 2025. Is that really happening or just talk?

Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?

If Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are better for long-term coverage, why don't more people choose them?

I'm worried about the 'donut hole' in my Part D plan. How do I manage my medication costs once I enter it?

I'm worried about choosing the wrong plan and being stuck with it. How often can I change my Medicare coverage?

What's the financial risk of sticking with Original Medicare without a Medigap plan?

I picked a Medicare Advantage plan based on the low premium, but now I'm facing high copays. Did I make a mistake?

Is it better to get Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage?

Should there be stricter regulations on Medicare Advantage marketing and sales practices?