Vachik Chakhbazian, Medicare Insurance Agent
Vachik Chakhbazian
Medicare Agent Licensed in NC, AL, AR, CA, FL, GA, IA, ID, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MS, NM, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, TX, UT, VA, WA and WV
Contact Details
-
Serving
Butner, NC
-
LinkedIn
-
Facebook
About Me
Hello! I’m Vachik Chakhbazian, a dedicated Life and Health Insurance agent with a passion for helping individuals and families navigate the complex world of insurance. With expertise in Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Final Expense plans, ACA, Covered California, Medicare, and Medicaid, my goal is to ensure that you and your loved ones are protected and prepared for whatever comes your way. I'll handle the research and comparison of plans from top national and local companies, so you can relax. Plus, my assistance comes at absolutely no cost to you. Reach out to me today to discuss your Medicare insurance possibilities, and remember to mention you found me through Medicare Agents Hub!
Q&A with Vachik Chakhbazian
What's the most important question I should be asking about Medicare that I probably haven't thought of yet?
Answer: How will my current and anticipated healthcare needs align with the coverage and flexibility of different Medicare plans.
Are Medicare Advantage plans really "free," or is that just clever marketing?
Answer: While some Medicare Advantage plans advertise zero monthly premiums, they aren't truly "free." You'll still need to pay your Medicare Part B premium and may incur costs like deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments for medical services.
Isn't Medicare headed for a crisis with so many baby boomers aging into the system?
Answer: Treasury is good at printing money out of thin air, you will be OK. With the number of Baby Boomers entering retirement every day, the demand for Medicare guidance is escalating.
Does Medicare cover Ozempic and other drugs prescribed for weight loss?
Answer: Medicare does not cover drugs solely for weight loss, but it may cover drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy when prescribed for other conditions like type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease
Can I use a health savings account (HSA) to pay Medicare premiums after I retire?
Answer: Yes. You can withdraw money from your HSA to reimburse yourself for Medicare premiums that are automatically deducted from your Social Security benefits check.
My doctor prescribed physical therapy, but I'm not sure how many visits Medicare will cover. How do I find out?
Answer: You need to call me as your agent to review your Medicare SOB and let you know your options. coverage is based on medical necessity, not a set number of visits, and there is no longer a therapy cap for Original Medicare.
I'm interested in a robotic knee replacement surgery that my surgeon recommends for my specific anatomy. How does Medicare coverage work for this advanced procedure?
Answer: Medicare covers knee replacement surgery, including robotic-assisted procedures, if your doctor determines it's medically necessary.
I need a new wheelchair, and I'm not sure if Medicare will cover it. What's the process for getting durable medical equipment?
Answer: you'll need a prescription from your doctor stating the medical necessity and then find a Medicare-approved supplier.
I've been diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 66. How should I structure my Medicare coverage to ensure I get the mental health care I need?
Answer: Yes, Medicare covers mental health services, including treatment for bipolar disorder, through both Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and Medicare Advantage plans, covering both inpatient and outpatient services, as well as prescription medications.
My Medicare Advantage plan listed my doctor, but now they say he's out of network. How is that even allowed?
Answer: which is allowed because these plans are contracted by commercial insurance companies, not the government.
Should there be stricter regulations on Medicare Advantage marketing and sales practices?
Answer: Yes, stricter regulations on Medicare Advantage marketing and sales practices are needed. More oversight is needed
I need help at home after my surgery. Will Medicare cover a home health aide or am I on my own?
Answer: Medicare will typically pay for the full cost of these services if a Medicare-certified home health agency provides them.
I'm a smoker trying to quit. What smoking cessation benefits does Medicare offer for someone in my situation?
Answer: Medicare provides support for quitting smoking through Part B, Part D, and Medicare Advantage plans. Part B covers counseling, while Part D and some Advantage plans may cover prescription smoking cessation medications.
I keep hearing about free preventive services with Medicare. What exactly is free and what will I still pay for?
Answer: With Original Medicare (Parts A & B) and Medicare Advantage plans, many preventive services are covered at no cost to you. These include screenings, vaccines, and counseling services aimed at preventing or detecting health problems early.
How could a shrinking workforce affect Medicare funding in the next 20 years?
Answer: could significantly strain Medicare funding within the next 20 years due to reduced payroll tax revenue, the primary source of Medicare funding.
I'm planning a long trip overseas. What happens if I need medical care while I'm away from the US?
Answer: If you need medical care while traveling abroad, it's crucial to know that the U.S. government does not provide insurance coverage or pay for medical bills overseas. You are responsible for all costs. Before your trip, it's essential to purchase travel insurance and to know how to access healthcare abroad.
My doctor mentioned something about Medicare not covering my procedure. How do I find out for sure before I get stuck with a bill?
Answer: To ensure your procedure is covered by Medicare before incurring unexpected costs, you should first ask your doctor or the facility if they accept Medicare and if they will accept assignment. You can also verify coverage on the Medicare.gov website . If coverage is uncertain, inquire about potential out-of-pocket costs and ask if the provider will file a claim with Medicare, even if they anticipate a denial.
I'm homebound and need remote monitoring for my heart condition. What Medicare benefits might apply to someone in my situation?
Answer: Medicare will reimburse for remote patient monitoring. home heart monitor is deemed medically necessary by your doctor then it will be covered by Medicare
I need both a psychiatrist for medication and a therapist for talk therapy. How does Medicare coordinate coverage for these different providers?
Answer: Medicare Part B covers outpatient mental health services from various providers, including psychiatrists and therapists. However, it doesn't cover all mental health services. Medicare Part D covers mental health medications. To get medication, you'll likely need a prescription from a psychiatrist, and the medication itself is covered under Part D.
Isn't it time for Medicare to completely overhaul how it approaches senior care?
Answer: Traditional Medicare and even Medicare Advantage may not fully meet the diverse and evolving needs of all seniors, particularly those with chronic conditions or significant health needs.
The current system can be confusing and difficult to navigate, leading to errors and potential financial losses for beneficiaries.
Reforms to Medicare are likely to face political opposition and may require significant compromise.
My income fluctuates significantly year to year from investment distributions. How can I avoid IRMAA surcharges when I have an unusually high-income year?
Answer: focus on strategies to lower your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), which is used to calculate IRMAA. This can include shifting from traditional to Roth IRAs, maximizing tax-deductible retirement account contributions, and utilizing tax-efficient withdrawal strategies. You can also consider appealing the surcharge if you have a life-changing event that significantly impacts your income
I just moved from New York to Florida and have Original Medicare with a New York Medigap plan. Do I need to change my coverage?
Answer: No, you likely do not need to change your Medicare coverage when moving from New York to Florida, as long as you have Original Medicare and a Medigap plan. Original Medicare coverage remains the same regardless of your location, and most Medigap plans are transferable if you remain within the US. However, you should notify your Medigap insurance company of your new address.
What benefits are there to working with a Medicare Agent near me vs remote/virtual?
Answer: virtual agents can provide convenience and potentially broader coverage options, allowing you to compare plans from multiple companies.
Are mental health services like therapy fully covered under Original Medicare?
Answer: Medicare Part B covers certain outpatient mental health services, there are still out-of-pocket costs like copayments or coinsurance. Original Medicare, which includes Part A and Part B, provides coverage for both inpatient and outpatient mental health services, but it's important to understand that not all mental health treatments are covered without any conditions.
How does Medicare handle coverage for experimental treatments or clinical trials?
Answer: Medicare generally covers the routine costs of clinical trials and may cover certain experimental treatments or services, especially those that are part of a "Coverage with Evidence Development" (CED) study. Routine costs include services that would normally be covered by Medicare if not part of a clinical trial.
Don't you think Medicare's technology systems are outdated and inefficient?
Answer: Yeah, you're definitely not alone in thinking that. A lot of people—especially those working within or alongside Medicare—have raised concerns about how outdated and clunky some of their systems are. These outdated systems can make data sharing between providers real headache.
I've heard about new AI-powered diagnostic tools for early disease detection. Does Medicare cover any of these cutting-edge technologies?
Answer: Yes, Medicare has begun covering several AI-powered diagnostic tools that aid in early disease detection, particularly in areas like cardiovascular health and cancer surveillance.
If I need hospice care in the future, can my Medicare plan cover it?
Answer: Yes, Medicare provides comprehensive coverage for hospice care through Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance). To qualify, you must meet the criterias.
I'm at high risk for heart disease based on my family history. What additional preventive services might Medicare cover for someone with my risk factors?
Answer: If you’re at high risk for heart disease, Medicare actually offers a pretty solid range of preventive services designed to catch issues early and manage your risk.
How can I verify if a Medicare Advantage plan's advertised benefits are legit?
Answer: There are legit plans with strong benefits, but verifying them is key so you’re not misled by marketing fluff. Go to Medicare.gov/plan-compare or call me and i will be more than happy to help 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: Medigap plans can be more expensive than Medicare Advantage plans, but Medigap policies cover all the areas where Medicare has limitations, which is beneficial for travelers. Medigap might not always be the best choice for everyone.
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: you can delay enrolling in Part B and may not need it until you retire. if your employer has fewer than 20 employees, you'll likely need Part B to avoid gaps in coverage.
Do Medicare Advantage plans really save seniors money in the long run? Why or why not?
Answer: Depending on your health condition. it's a complex decision that depends on individual circumstances. may have lower premiums or offer extra benefits, they often come with trade-offs like network restrictions and potential higher costs for out-of-network care.
I'm considering concierge medicine but already have Medicare. How would these work together?
Answer: they can work together. but Medicare doesn't cover the membership fees for concierge care. You'll need to pay the membership fee out-of-pocket, but your Medicare Part B may cover services provided by a concierge physician that would normally be covered under Part B.
Does Medicare cover emergency care if I'm traveling in a U.S. territory like Puerto Rico?
Answer: Yes, Medicare covers emergency care in U.S. territories like Puerto Rico. This includes both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans.
Why is it helpful to follow up with your parents after discussing Medicare?
Answer: can help ensure they fully understand their coverage and make informed decisions, as well as provide ongoing support and address any questions or concerns that may arise.
How might artificial intelligence change how Medicare approves claims in the future?
Answer: faster approvals, reduced errors, and more efficient use of resources. AI can also enhance the accuracy of claims documentation and streamline the overall process.
What shift has been observed in Medicare spending, particularly regarding Medicare Advantage plans?
Answer: spending on these plans significantly increasing as a percentage of total Medicare spending. ith Medicare Advantage enrollment growing rapidly and representing a larger portion of Medicare spending than traditional Medicare. Furthermore, Medicare Advantage plans are, on average, paid more per beneficiary than traditional Medicare.
How does moving to a new state affect my Medicare enrollment timeline?
Answer: You have up to four months to enroll in new Medicare coverage insurance following your move, if you let your Medicare provider know before you leave. In this situation, you can enroll a month prior to the move date, and up to two months after the moving month.
I'm on Medigap Plan G, and I'm curious how my upcoming knee replacement surgery will be billed. Does the plan cover it all after my deductible?
Answer: Yes, Medigap Plan G will help cover your knee replacement surgery costs after you meet your Part B deductible. Once you've met the deductible, Plan G will cover the remaining out-of-pocket costs, including copayments and coinsurance
Isn't it suspicious that Medicare Advantage plans offer gift cards and incentives to enroll?
Answer: Yes, it can be suspicious While legitimate Medicare Advantage plans may offer some extra benefits, such as flex cards for certain expenses, it's crucial to be aware of potential scams and misleading marketing tactics.
What's the trade-off between a Medicare Advantage PPO and HMO when it comes to flexibility?
Answer: With a PPO, you have the flexibility to visit providers outside of your network. However, visiting an out-of-network provider will include a higher fee and a separate deductible. HMOs don't offer coverage for care from out-of-network healthcare providers.
My Advantage plan says I need a referral just to see a dermatologist. I thought PPOs didn't require that - was I wrong?
Answer: Yes, you may be wrong. some PPOs, may require referrals, even for specialists. rules can vary between different insurance companies and even between different plans offered by the same company. You might be required to use specialists within the plan's network, and some plans may require referrals to use in-network specialists.
I just started on Medicare Part D, and I'm confused about whether my new cholesterol medication counts toward my coverage gap. Can you explain?
Answer: as of 2025, the Medicare Part D coverage gap is eliminated. Beginning January 1, 2025, there are now three phases of part D coverage: deductible phase, initial coverage period, and catastrophic coverage.
I've heard Medicare covers home health care, but what exactly does that include?
Answer: can cover a range of home health care services, including skilled nursing care, therapy, and medical supplies. Skilled Nursing Care, Therapy, home health aides, social services, telehealth,.