Tracy Brown, Medicare Insurance Broker
Tracy Brown
AskTracyB DBA MedWiseTrust
Medicare Broker Licensed in AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IN, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, WA, WI and WY
10+ Years of Experience
Contact Details
-
Location
San Diego, CA
About Me
MEET TRACY BROWN
License Number: 0K24204
Founder & Licensed Broker:
Tracy Brown, born and raised in Southern California and a San Diego State graduate, spent 28 years raising her family in Coronado. Her journey into Medicare began after caring for her father which ignited her passion for ensuring seniors receive high-quality care. Founding AskTracyB first and now MedWiseTrust with her son Brad and niece Angie, Tracy brings over 14 years of insurance experience. Her friendly and patient approach ensures you feel comfortable and supported throughout your Medicare journey. Tracy’s dedication to simplifying the Medicare process means you can focus on what matters most—enjoying life with confidence and security.
Directions to My Office
Q&A with Tracy Brown
What do you like most about being a Medicare agent?
Answer: “I didn’t choose Medicare—it chose me. When I helped care for my 88-year-old father in his final months of life, I saw how critical the right coverage was. That experience changed everything. Now, I bring that same heart, grit, and first-hand understanding to every client I work with. If you want someone who truly gets it—not just the policies, but what's best you aimed at having a lifelong working experience—let’s talk.”
Are Medicare Advantage plans really "free," or is that just clever marketing?
Answer: Free' sounds great—but nothing in healthcare is ever truly free. Many Medicare Advantage plans have $0 premiums, but you pay in other ways. Co-pays, prior authorizations, network restrictions, and expensive bills to pay if you go out of network.
The #1 reason some people steer clear? Loss of control. With Medicare Supplements, you can see almost any doctor or specialist in the country without referrals. Advantage plans have networks that need approvals to access certain treatments.
With my clients, about 30%, the trade-offs are worth it. For others, they’re deal-breakers. With MedWiseTrust, it’s not about ‘free’—it’s about what 'fits' you. I’m here as your partner to figure that out.
I'm on a supplemental Plan N, and I'm curious if my recent MRI is covered or if I'll get stuck with a big bill.
Answer: MRIs are typically covered under Part B if medically necessary and when ordered by a doctor.
So what do you owe? First, you pay the annual deductible. ($257 in 2025) A medically necessary MRI, with Plan N, has a $20 copay. The total would be $20 or $277. Legally I need to explain the possibility of paying Part B excess charges. Some providers charge up to 15% more than Medicare’s rate if they don’t accept Medicare. Always ask your provider if they “accept Medicare”, first. Personal note: since 2015 I haven't had a client pay part B excess charges. These are very rare.
I'm participating in a clinical trial for a new cancer treatment that uses personalized medicine based on my genetic profile. How does Medicare coverage work in this situation?
Answer: Medicare Part B does cover certain costs related to qualifying clinical trials, especially for treatments like yours that involve cancer and personalized medicine. Here’s what’s typically covered:
1. Routine costs – These are things you’d get even if you weren’t in a trial, like: Doctor visits,
hospital stays (100 days per calendar year), lab tests, imaging (like MRIs or CTs), standard cancer treatments you’re receiving in conjunction with the trial
2. Any side effects treatment – If something unexpected happens as a result of the trial and you need care, Medicare generally covers it.
3. Medicare doesn’t cover: The actual drug or treatment being tested. Most of these are likely not FDA-approved. Sometimes it is covered by the trial sponsor (such as a drug company, research institution, or cancer center) but no guarantees. Also, Medicare doesn't cover the extra procedures for research that are not part of routine care.
Good news! There is a personalized Medicine Twist:
If your trial involves genetic testing or biomarker analysis, Medicare may cover this if it's part of your standard care plan (if it's not solely for research). Coverage for precision medicine is growing, especially in cancer care. Please be aware, I cannot make any personal guarantees. It does look good for a genetic cancer in your health or family history.
I'm a smoker trying to quit. What smoking cessation benefits does Medicare offer for someone in my situation?
Answer: Probably but it doesn't do the work for you. Remember Medicare Part B covers up to 8 face-to-face counseling sessions every 12 months with a doctor or other qualified provider
What is the cost? If the provider accepts Medicare: $0 (no copay, no deductible)
Prescription medications to help you quit (like Chantix, bupropion, or nicotine patches/gum**) are usually covered under Medicare Part D. Coverage and cost depend on your specific plan’s formulary (drug list) also on whether the medication is generic or preferred. Name-brand medication copays depend on paying a deductible.
Tracy's tip: Call MedWiseTrust first. Or call your Part D plan (phone number on the back of your member ID card). Or log on to your online account, see what’s covered, and the copay.
MedWiseTrust - Preventive Visit Tie-In. Bring up quitting smoking at your free “Welcome to Medicare” or Annual Wellness Visit—they’re required to assess your tobacco use and help you make a quit plan.
Bottom line. You’re entitled to a personalized quitting plan including free counseling sessions, and, mostly, low-cost meds. (Depends on your Part D coverage). Medicare has your back.
What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?
Answer: ❌ 1. Long-Term Care (Custodial Care) Such as nursing homes, assisted living, or help with bathing, dressing, and eating. Medicare covers short-term rehab, not ongoing personal care.
❌ 2. Dental Care (Ask me for good PPO dental) Medicare Advantage plans have preventative dental cleanings x-rays and annual visits, but Original Medicare does not.
❌ 3. Vision Care. No routine eye exams, glasses, or contacts. Some Advantage plans have this. Medicare only covers eye care for conditions like cataracts or glaucoma.
❌ 4. Hearing Aids & Exams. Audiology exams may be covered but fitting hearing aids and the hearing aids themselves are not covered. Medicare Advantage has hearing benefits but they are rare the good devices or high-level hearing aids.
❌ 5. Prescription Drugs (Outpatient) Original Medicare doesn’t cover retail prescription meds. You need a stand-alone, Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage.
❌ 6. Care Outside the U.S. Medicare usually doesn’t cover medical services while traveling internationally. Some Medigap plans (like Plan G or Plan N) offer limited emergency coverage abroad. The key word is "Emergency". Tracy's tip; Buy a travel plan before leaving the USA
My plan covered my cataract surgery but not the lenses I actually needed-how do they get away with that?
Answer: Well, that is partially true. Rumors are everywhere and it's frustrating, right? People talk about having cataract surgery. Medicare pays for the surgery itself... but then you’re left footing the bill for the lenses you need. Really? Most people can get the "Free" standard intraocular lens. (Nothing is free if you have astigmatism). Eye doctors will 'upsell' you saying you don't have to wear 'cheaters' to see up close afterward. My personal experiences with my mother and first cousin, who both got the 'free' Medicare lenses, were very happy! They also saved $5K-$7K per eye! Call MedWiseTrust. Ask about this when we meet on Zoom or in person.
Original Medicare (Part B) does cover cataract surgery, including:
✅ Surgery to remove the cataract
✅ A standard intraocular lens (IOL)
✅ One pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses post-surgery
✅ Anesthesia, facility fees, and some follow-up care
❌ What’s not fully covered?
Premium or advanced lenses, like: Toric lenses (for astigmatism) and multifocal or accommodating lenses (for seeing near & far). Anything beyond the basic mono-focal lens
Medicare considers those “elective” or not medically necessary—even if they would improve your quality of life dramatically. So they “get away with it” because they only promise to restore basic vision, not necessarily your best vision.
What can you do?
Appeal – If your doctor documented a medical reason why a premium lens was necessary (not just preferred), you might have a case. (I have never seen anyone win an appeal) Pay with a pre-Medicare FSA or HSA may be able to used toward the cost.
What is the biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage?
Answer: At MedWiseTrust, we are not promoters of the Advantage plans. They do work for about 30% of our clients. The biggest disadvantage of Advantage plans is the limited provider network and the potential for higher out-of-pocket costs. We advise that only our healthy clients choose this option. For people who need a lot of care or have costly healthcare needs we explain the benefits of Medigap plans. 60% of our clients choose Medicare supplements.
Why?
1. Limited Network of Doctors & Hospitals
Unlike Original Medicare, seeing any doctor or specialist that accepts Medicare nationwide, Medicare Advantage plans (HMOs and PPOs) want you to use a network of approved providers. Some hospital networks do not accept them at all; Scripps Hospital in San Diego and the Mayo Clinic are just two examples of networks that do not accept Advantage plans.
If you can go out-of-network, you pay more. Some services may not be covered at all. (HMOs).
2. Potential for Higher Out-of-Pocket Costs
While MA plans often have lower monthly premiums, they can come with higher copays or coinsurance for certain services, especially: Out-of-pocket maximums.Hospital stays, specialist visits, and durable medical equipment all cost more and have limits
3. If you have chronic conditions or need a lot of care, these costs can add up quickly, possibly making the plan more expensive than Original Medicare + a Medigap plan.
4. Prior Authorization Requirements
Many MA plans require prior authorization for services like MRIs, rehab, home health care, and even some medications. This can delay care and cause stress if approvals are slow or denied.