FAQs

You need to sign up for Medicare. You can go to www.ssa.gov and under "Apply" click on "Sign up for Medicare". You can also call or visit your local social security office.

PLEASE explore your options carefully, this can be a costly mistake if you do not sign up in a timely fashion.

That depends, you need to compare what you are getting through work (deductibles, copays and benefits) to the cost and benefits of Medicare. If you have expensive prescriptions, you might be better off staying on group. Otherwise Medicare could be a better option. Most of the time you are better off staying in a group.

PLEASE explore your options carefully, this can be a costly mistake if you make the wrong decision

Two (2) months before leaving your employment, you need to sign up for Medicare. You need to have your HR department sign a form (click here) The form needs to be included with your application for Medicare. I feel the best way to do this is to visit your local social security office or follow the instructions on the form.

PLEASE explore your options carefully, this can be a costly mistake if not followed properly.

No, if you are currently getting treatment at the VA and are satisfied with the care that is fine.  But I say there is always a back up plan.  You can have both VA and a Medicare Advantage plan (must have Part B) so you can get a second opinion if needed or you want to go to a doctor outside the VA.  Or there are plans that pay you back most of your Part B premium and extra benefits like dental, vision & other features the VA doesn’t give you.

If you didn’t get Part B when you were eligible you will have to pay a penalty.

PLEASE NOTE: if you do not sign up for Medicare during the eligibility period, you WILL PAY A PENALTY if you sign up later. So please review your decision carefully. The cost later is can be significant. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

If you doctor is not in the network, your choices are to pick a different doctor or look for a plan that your doctor is in.  I always check the doctors first and ask which one you absolutely must have. Together we can review your doctors and make sure the plan you chose includes your doctor. Or if not, you are making a decision on a plan based on this knowledge.

Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) is a health insurance policy that helps pay for out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. Medigap policies are sold by private companies and are standardized, with most states using letters A–N to name them.

A Medicare supplement plan there is no network.  You can go to any provider that accepts Medicare.  There is a monthly premium for it.  You would have to purchase a stand-alone RX plan to cover your Part D.

Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Part C or MA plans, are private health plans that provide Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) coverage. They are an alternative to Original Medicare and are offered by companies approved by Medicare. Most plans also include Part D (Medicare prescription drug coverage). 

Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional benefits, such as dental, vision, hearing, and health and wellness programs. They may also have lower out-of-pocket costs than Original Medicare. However, there are some things to consider before choosing a plan, such as: Network, out of pocket costs, and prescriptions.  There are HMO, PPO, CSNP and DSNP plans. 

Going directly to an insurance company they are going to only offer you what they have.  When you call you will get a different person and probably a different answer when you have a problem.

Linda represents many different plans available in your area. I will help you pick the best plan based on a review of your doctors and prescriptions to make sure you have the best plan for your situation. I will see if you qualify for a special needs plan or help with other benefits you may want. I is your advocate who works for you, not the insurance company, and will answer your questions and calls. I can help with claims and an annual review before open (re) enrollment to make sure you continue on the best plans for you needs. I work for you, not the the insurance company and I offer many different plans.

The best time to plan is when you are healthy! We cannot predict the future so we can only prepare for it.  These policies are very inexpensive and they cover at least 10-15 illnesses.  When you have a serious illness and you can’t work, these plans pay for expenses like medical or can use it for rent, food, utilities or whatever your need is. 

Linda Bullerman, CLTC, can assist you by providing expert guidance on your insurance policy, reviewing documentation, advocating on your behalf with the insurance provider, and helping negotiate a resolution. If necessary, I can also connect you with legal resources for further support.