Vickie Simpson, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: No, when your husband's insurance terminates, you will need to sign up for Part B. You will need a statement showing the last day of coverage.

If you do not have the termination of coverage statement, you will be penalized.

Answer: The clients think their Medicare number is the same as their Social Security number.

Getting all of their medications by name and mg.

and the doctors.

Answer: You are not the only one who thinks it is.

An Ambulance is filed under Medicare Part B, which will leave you owing 20% of the approved charge

Answer: Agents are not always aware of which medications require prior authorization.

I know this is frustrating, but your doctor can explain to the insurance company why you need this drug. And get the authorization. Or the doctor can put you on a comparable medication

Answer: Yes, you can. That choice is yours. You need to trust and be comfortable with the agent that is advising you, and you feel they are looking out for your best interests.

Answer: You need to find out what the changes are and if your current plan still meets your needs.

If not, you may want to switch your plan.

Make sure your preferred doctors are still in network, and your medications are covered

Answer: Original Medicare pays 80% of approved services you will owe 20%.

If you have an Advantage plan, you will have copays and coinsurance.

With a Medigap Plan, you will not have copays, depending on the plan you choose.

Answer: In general, a Medigap plan will cover the entire charge. Part B pays first, and the C plan will cover copays and deductibles.

You could have charges if Medicare does not cover the test.

Answer: No, these are cards to help our seniors purchase over-the-counter supplies and cut down on their out-of-pocket expenses

If they are on Medicare and Medicaid, they receive additional benefits because they have low incomes, which can help keep them healthier.

Some chronically ill individuals can also receive extra benefits. They often have hefty out-of-pocket expenses.

Answer: They have to pay for Part B, and if they do not get it at 65 and have no credible coverage, they will be penalized.

Medicare does not cover everything.

They need a drug plan, or they will be penalized later when they do need it

There is a deductible

Answer: The ability to go to see any doctor who accepts Medicare.

This gives you more freedom, especially if you travel.

Answer: Not taking advantage of a Medi Gap or Advantage plan. Which is why they need to discuss the options with a licensed agent, so they understand all of the options and can make a informed decision.

Answer: If you are receiving SSDI, a disability check, you may already be eligible for Medicare. That is the first thing we need to check. If you have been on disability for less than 25 months, you will receive a packet from Medicare. You will have Part A and Part B. If you do not receive it you will need to contact your closest office.

Answer: The lifetime penalties on Medicare Part B and D.

The 3-day hospital stay. This can be a high cost to the beneficiaries.

Prior authorizations are a headache and lead to anxiety and fear.

$2100 out of pocket is great for some people who have high-dollar drugs.

Not so good for the people who will not reach that $2100 plus a deductible. Or the ones that are prescribed high-dollar medication halfway through the year, it can make important medications unaffordable.

Answer: Not if you are covered under a credible insurance program, such as through work, or your spouse's employment

If you are not covered by a credible insurance plan, you will be penalized for Part B. Part A is assigned to you; generally, there is no cost for Part A. You will also get penalized on the drug plan.

Answer: A Critical Illness plan can provide you with cash to help with copays and out-of-pocket expenses, in the event of a heart attack, stroke, or Cancer. Depending on your plan, you may have out-of-pocket expenses.

Having the extra coverage can give a financial cushion in the event of a critical illness.

With a critical illness, there are generally out-of-pocket costs, some of which are not covered by insurance, extra gas, parking fees, and possibly needing help at home.

However, if it is not affordable, you should wait until it is. We can look at different benefit amounts and costs if you would like to explore them.

Answer: If you take it at 62, you will receive a lower monthly benefit; at 67, you will receive the full benefit.

Social Security can provide you with the exact amounts. You should contact them so you can make the best decision for you.

Answer: With an agent, you have someone who is working for you. An agent should make sure you understand your different options, so you can make a well-informed decision.