Vernon Pate, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: Check your summary of benefits from your Medicare Advantage Plan. If the summary of benefits isn't clear, contact your Medicare Advantage Plan customer service department.

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/

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.

Answer: 1. Always check your Statement of Benefits first.

2. Some HMO plans may allow "out-of-network" services. But most do not.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.