William Lewkowski, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: You will automatically be enrolled into Medicare Part A and Part B. If you do not want Part B at 65 and want to delay it, you must contact Medicare.

Answer: You must go through medical underwriting (answering medical questions) to get approved for a Medicare Supplement if you are switching from Medicare Advantage. The only exception to this is if your current Medicare Advantage plan is being terminated for the next year. If that's the case, you receive a "guaranteed right" to get a Medicare Supplement and not requiring medical underwriting.

Answer: You have very significant freedom with Original Medicare:

1. You can go to any Doctor and any Hospital across the United States that takes Original Medicare which is over 98%. And you will not need a referral. You are in charge of your healthcare, not an Insurance Company.

2. You do not need to get preauthorized and approved for procedures from an Insurance Company.

Answer: Your Original Medicare combined with your Medigap Plan F will completely cover your emergency room visits. You will not have any co-pays or any other out-of-pocket costs. You are 100% covered.

Answer: If you need to switch to a Medicare Advantage policy, then a hospital indemnity policy is recommended to lessen the amount of out-of-pocket costs if admitted to the hospital. Another option is to replace your Medicare Supplement policy with a less expensive policy, but in most cases, you will be required to pass medical underwriting.

Answer: You can change your Supplement/Medigap plan anytime during the year but in most States, you will need to pass medical underwriting. This is basically answering a number of medical questions and the carrier will determine if you qualify. If most cases, you should be able to save money.

Answer: Medicare Advantage requires you to utilize a specific provider network for your care. You do not have the freedom to go to any physician and any hospital and health system. Also, Medicare Advantage requires pre-approval of many medical procedures. Also, depending on your health issues, you may have significant out-of-pocket expenses. And if you want to leave Medicare Advantage and change to traditional Medicare with a Medicare Supplement (medigap), you may be denied because of a pre-existing condition.

Answer: My recommendation would be Plan "N" for those new to Medicare. It has a much lower monthly premium and it's yearly increases are less that the more popular plan "G".

Answer: It will limit your yearly out-of-pocket costs to $2000 IF the medication is in the plan's formulary.

Answer: Medicare Advantage may sound good at first but as you age, potentially develop medical conditions, it can sometimes lead to limited options and costly out of pocket expenses.

Answer: A common misconception is that I must sign up for Medicare when I turn 65. This is not true especially since many people are working beyond 65. It may not be in their best interest.

Answer: It's my passion to be a trusted advocate for our seniors. It can be confusing and difficult to navigate Medicare and the various options and decisions that are unique and best for each individual senior. I enjoy getting to know my clients and forming a lifetime relationship to support them.