Vernon Pate, Medicare Insurance Broker
Vernon Pate
Pate Insurance Agency
Medicare Broker Licensed in AR, MO and OK
5+ Years of Experience
Contact Details
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Location
Fayetteville, AR
About Me
5 years experience offering Individual/Family, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Supplement Insurance.
Directions to My Office
Q&A with Vernon Pate
What are the reasons why I should work with a Medicare agent?
Answer: 1. A Medicare agent will help you find the best options for your healthcare.
2. A Local Medicare agent is someone you can always talk to.
Why do some agents push Medicare Advantage plans over Medigap-should I be skeptical?
Answer: Yes, you should be skeptical. Licensed and appointed agents should offer options that best meet your health and financial needs. A Medicare Advantage Plan may be a good fit for one person, whereas a Medicare Supplement Plan might be a better fit for another. Find a LOCAL, licensed, and appointed agent who will listen to your needs and help you find a plan that fits your healthcare needs and lifestyle.
I just moved to a new state. Do I need to do anything with my Medicare coverage?
Answer: You do not have to do anything with Original Medicare Parts A & B. However, you may need to enroll in a different Medicare Part D plan. If you have a Medicare Advantage with Part D (MAPD) or a Medicare Advantage plan (MA), your current plan may not cover you in your new state. A Special Enrollment Period allows moves to a different location or state. Please get in touch with your local licensed and appointed agent or a licensed and appointed agent in your new state.
Are all types of blood tests covered by Medicare?
Answer: Original Medicare covers "medically necessary" laboratory tests. Medicare Advantage Plans will cover "medically necessary" tests, as well. However, check your plan's "Statement of Benefits" for copays, coinsurance, or other limitations.
I have Medicare Advantage with a PPO, and I'm curious if my annual wellness visit is free or if I'll owe something for it.
Answer: My first answer is "always check your statement of benefits provided by your Medicare Advantage provider."
If you've had Medicare Part B for over 12 months, Medicare will cover the cost of an annual wellness visit.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has a phone app called "What's Covered. " It is available on the App Store and the Google Play Store. It contains information about what is covered under Original Medicare Part A and Part B.
What's the trade-off between a Medicare Advantage PPO and HMO when it comes to flexibility?
Answer: 1. Always review the statement of benefits when comparing a PPO to HMO plans.
The trade-off in flexibility between a PPO and HMO Medicare Advantage plan has been dwindling as more primary care physicians and specialists are added to the Medicare Advantage Plan networks. Some HMOs are strict and do not allow any out-of-network providers. Some HMOs have a Point of Service (POS) that will enable you to see an out-of-network specialist. If you are traveling or visiting relatives, please don't hesitate to call your health plan to find in-network care while you are out of town.
Will my Medicare plan work when traveling to Europe?
Answer: Except for certain circumstances, Original Medicare does not cover you while you are outside the US and its territories. Please review your statement of benefits for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans to determine what is covered when traveling outside the US. I always recommend health travel insurance when traveling abroad. GeoBlue or HTH.
I signed up for a Medicare Advantage HMO, and I'm wondering if I can see a cardiologist out of network without paying everything myself.
Answer: 1. Always check your Statement of Benefits first.
2. Some HMO plans may allow "out-of-network" services. But most do not.
Is Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage better? Why do you recommend one over the other?
Answer: I generally will NOT recommend one over the other without knowing the client's needs and wants. However, the one advantage of a Medicare Advantage is the Maximum out-of-pocket limit set by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. Original Medicare does NOT have a maximum out-of-pocket limit.
Is Medicare's coverage for cataract surgery enough, or do seniors still face high out-of-pocket costs?
Answer: As always, I check my Medicare "What's covered" app, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. Cataract surgery is covered under Medicare. With Original Medicare coverage, you will have to pay the Part B deductible if the deductible has not been met for the year, and your 20% coinsurance. You can get a cost estimate at this website: https://www.medicare.gov/procedure-price-lookup/cost/66982/