Health Insurance & Medicare FAQs

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) begins 3 months before your 65th birthday, includes your birth month, and ends 3 months after. Missing this window may result in penalties or gaps in coverage.

• Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare and may include extra benefits like prescriptions, dental, or vision.
• Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works with Original Medicare to cover out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copays.

If you choose Original Medicare or a Supplement plan, you’ll need to enroll in a standalone Part D plan for prescription drug coverage. Medicare Advantage plans often include drug benefits.

Yes. You can switch plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7), or a Special Enrollment Period if your situation qualifies (e.g., moving, Medicaid eligibility).

Yes. Delaying Medicare Part B or Part D without other creditable coverage may result in lifelong late enrollment penalties. I’ll help you enroll on time and avoid costly mistakes.

ACA plans — often called “Marketplace” or “Obamacare” plans — offer comprehensive health coverage and are available to anyone regardless of pre-existing conditions.

Yes. Most people qualify for subsidies (premium tax credits) based on household income and size. I’ll help calculate your eligibility and apply correctly.

The Open Enrollment Period typically runs from November 1 through January 15. You may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period after life events like losing employer coverage, marriage, or moving.

These tiers reflect how costs are shared:

• Bronze: Lowest premiums, higher out-of-pocket costs
• Silver: Balanced premiums and cost-sharing
• Gold: Higher premiums, lower costs when you receive care

Short-term health plans may be an option, but they don’t meet ACA standards and often have coverage limitations. I’ll help you compare the pros and cons.

Original Medicare does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing services. I can help you find affordable standalone or bundled plans to fill the gap.

Yes — dental and vision policies are available as standalone coverage or add-ons. They often include preventive care and discounts on services or hardware.

Some plans include hearing exams, hearing aid fittings, and discounts on hearing aids. I’ll help you find the right plan if hearing care is a priority.

Yes — especially if you want to cover funeral expenses, leave something for your family, or help pay off debt. Final expense plans and guaranteed issue policies are available for seniors.

• Term Life: Covers you for a set number of years (e.g., 10–30). Lower cost.
• Whole Life: Permanent coverage with fixed premiums and cash value. More expensive, but lifelong. I’ll help you decide which is right for your goals.

Yes. There are simplified issue and no-exam policies available, especially for final expense coverage. Approval is often quick and easy.

No. My consultations are 100% free. I’m paid by the insurance companies, not by you — and I never charge fees for advice, comparisons, or enrollment.

No. I’m an independent broker affiliated with HealthMarkets, which gives me access to a wide range of top carriers. That means I can provide unbiased recommendations based on your needs — not a company quota.

Great! I’m happy to review your existing coverage, explain your options, and help you decide if you should keep it, switch, or adjust your benefits.

Yes. I offer appointments in-person, over the phone, or virtually — whatever is most convenient for you.