Tosha Morell, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: Thank you for the question. Medicare Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, tests, and preventive services. It’s solid coverage, but it doesn’t include things like prescriptions, dental, or vision, which is why many people add extra coverage.

Answer: Thank you for the question. Many people feel that Medicare should do more to address health disparities among minority seniors, but the program itself is limited in what it can control. Medicare provides the same benefits to everyone, but differences in access, income, chronic conditions, and local provider availability can still create unequal outcomes. If you’d like, I can explain how Medicare benefits work or what factors contribute to health disparities.

Answer: Thanks for the question. Medicare plans aren’t random, they’re based on your ZIP code, county, and the plan options available in your area. Some areas have more $0 plans, and others don’t.

Answer: Thank you for the question. The new $2,000 out of pocket maximum is important because it protects people from very high drug costs. Once someone reaches that limit, they won’t pay anything else for their covered prescriptions for the rest of the year. It gives Medicare members more predictable, affordable, and manageable drug expenses.

Answer: Thank you for your question. Yes, if you ever need hospice care in the future, Medicare does cover it. Hospice is a Part A benefit, and as long as you meet the eligibility requirements, Medicare pays for almost all hospice services with very little out of pocket cost.

Answer: Thank you for your question. Someone might choose a higher cost Part D plan because it can actually save them money overall if it offers better coverage for their specific medications. A higher premium often means lower drug copays, fewer restrictions, or better coverage for expensive prescriptions.

Answer: Hello, thank you for your questions. When you say Medicare has “coverage gaps,” what gaps are you referring to? Medicare can mean different things depending on whether someone is talking about Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or specific benefits like prescription drugs, dental, or vision.

Once I know which gaps you mean, hopefully, I can answer your question.

Answer: Hello. You can change your Medicare Advantage Plan during the Annual Enrollment Period which runs from October 15 to December 7 and again during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31.

Answer: Hello. The most common Medicare penalties are the late enrollment penalties for Part B and Part D, which add permanent monthly surcharges if you delay signing up without qualifying coverage. Another frequent penalty is the Medicare Advantage Part C late enrollment issue, where delayed enrollment can limit plan options or cause gaps in coverage.

Answer: No, I don’t think Medicare’s technology systems are outdated. They’ve made major improvements in recent years, especially in digital processing and telehealth efficiency.

Answer: Medigap Plan G offers the best value because it provides the most comprehensive coverage for out of pocket costs, leaving you with only the small Part B deductible. Plan N can be a good lower premium alternative if you’re healthy and don’t mind small copays.

Answer: Hello - Complete privatization of Medicare is unlikely anytime soon, though partial privatization is already happening. About half of beneficiaries are in Medicare Advantage, private plans funded by the government.

Answer: Thank you. If your employer has 20 or more employees, you can wait to sign up for Medicare without penalty.

If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, you should sign up when you turn 65.

If you have an HSA, don’t sign up for Medicare yet if you want to keep contributing.

Answer: Hello - Thank you for your question. Original Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental care. You’ll need a Medicare Advantage plan or separate dental insurance for that. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, please refer to their site to search for providers or call the carrier. A representative will help you.

Answer: While you’re eligible for care through the Indian Health Service (IHS) at no cost, IHS isn’t considered comprehensive health insurance, it’s dependent on federal funding and availability of services.

Answer: There are counseling options. Under Original Medicare (Parts A & B), your medical insurance (Part B) covers tobacco cessation counseling if you are a Medicare beneficiary who uses tobacco. Usually Medicare will cover up to two quit-attempts per year.

Answer: List your prescriptions and include name, dose, and frequency.

Use Medicare.gov to compare plans and see your total yearly costs.

Answer: Yes the Medicare Extra Help program will stay in place for 2026, but beneficiaries will see lower drug costs due to the new $2,100 annual out of pocket cap and potentially expanded savings.

Answer: I am not sure. I understand your question. Can you please explain a little bit more?

If you are referring to an agent, I don’t see any problem working with a younger Medicare advisor.

Answer: If you contact my office, I can check this for you. Please have the following information ready:

Her Medicare number

Part A and Part B effective dates

Medicaid number (if available)

Names of her doctors

Any prescriptions she is taking

Tosha, Licensed Agent