Wade Lashley, Medicare Insurance Broker
About Me
I'm focused on helping people make sense of Medicare. I'm 9 years into this and have literally helped hundreds of people along the way. I'd be glad to assist you as well. I offer both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans from multiple companies providing you with a variety of coverage choices to best meet your unique needs and monthly budget.
It's obvious that you would want to work with someone you can trust when making important decisions about Medicare but you also need someone who is here for the long haul and that's me. I'm just a phone call away anytime throughout the year to answer your questions or address any concerns you might have. Reach out today for a no obligation review of your Medicare options.
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Q&A with Wade Lashley
My kids keep telling me to get a Medicare Advantage plan, but my friends say stick with Original Medicare. Who should I listen to?
Answer: Ultimately it's a choice you have to make yourself. Other people's opinions can be helpful but how much do they really know about Medicare? There are pros and cons to both options. If your uncertain as to which is the right choice for your needs I'd recommend contacting a Local Agent to clarify the differences between the two so that you can make an informed decision.
What's a red flag in a phone call that it might be a Medicare scam targeting my personal info?
Answer: Anyone calling claiming to be from Medicare or Social Security and asking for personal info. Medicare will only contact you by phone if you have requested a call back.
How does life insurance contribute to financial planning?
Answer: The death benefit is a great way to replace lost income due to the unexpected passing of a spouse or loved one. The cash value of permanent insurance that accumulates over time can be used to supplement retirement income.
Does Medicare cover weight-loss programs or bariatric surgery if I’m classified as obese?
Answer: Obesity behavioral therapy
If you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, Medicare covers obesity
screenings and behavioral counseling to help you lose weight by focusing on
diet and exercise. Medicare covers this counseling if your primary care doctor
or other primary care provider gives the counseling in a primary care setting
(like a doctor’s office), where they can coordinate your personalized plan with
your other care.
From Medicare.gov: Medicare covers some bariatric surgical procedures, like gastric bypass surgery and laparoscopic banding surgery when you meet certain conditions related to morbid obesity. I'd consult your PCP for more info.
I just enrolled in Medicare, and I've got my Part A and B, but I'm hearing there are gaps in coverage. What are these gaps exactly?
Answer: For Part A (Hospital insurance) there is a $1,676 deductible if you're admitted as an inpatient. You could be responsible for additional charges if you had a hospital stay of 61 straight days or more.
For part B (Medical services) you are responsible for the deductible of $257. Once the deductible is met Medicare covers 80% of the approved charge and you would be responsible for the remaining 20% whether the bill is $100 or $100,000,
Purchasing a Medigap plan or enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan can help you reduce your out of pocket costs. Speak with a local Agent for more info on all of your options.
What are the reasons why I should work with a Medicare agent?
Answer: The Medicare program can be complicated and confusing. A local Agent can be of great assistance to you in determining what option might be the best fit for your unique needs and monthly budget.
Your local Agent can become your first point of contact for questions regarding plan benefits, claims, Rx costs etc. Better to have a local contact than wait on hold to speak with someone in a call center.
A local Medicare Agent can also assist with annual coverage reviews during the Medicare Annual enrollment period to be certain you're on the right track with coverage for the coming year.
Is it ok to meet with multiple Medicare Brokers and Agents as I start looking for help?
Answer: Yes it is and a good idea to do so. You’ll want an Agent who is knowledgeable and trustworthy in addition to someone that you have a good rapport with. Take a long term view when selecting an Agent.
Can you help me understand Maximum Out-of-Pocket (MOOP) limits in Medicare plans, from your experience as an agent?
Answer: A MOOP is generally associated with Medicare Advantage plans. Think of it as max out of your pocket. It’s your annual cap on copays and coinsurance like the amount you pay for a Specialist office visit, X-ray or a night in the hospital.