Fast Friday Q&A: Clear Answers to Your Top 20 Medicare Questions

Welcome to Real Easy Medicare’s Fast Friday Q&A with Al Kushner! In this episode, Al delivers rapid-fire solutions to common Medicare dilemmas—no fluff, just straightforward guidance based on 40 years of expertise.EnrollmentMissed Part B IEP? Enroll during General Enrollment (Jan 1–Mar 31), coverage begins July 1; 10% penalty per year delayedSwitch MA to Original Medicare during Jan 1–Mar 31 MA OEP or Oct 15–Dec 7 OEPDelay Part B with active employer coverage (20+ employees); retiree plans don’t countCost & CoverageZero-premium MA plans may hike deductibles/copays—always review total plan changesPart D removal: 60-day SEP to change plansMedigap pricing varies by state, age, and plan—shop multiple insurersBenefits & ServicesDental: minimal under Original Medicare; some MA plans include limited dentalAmbulance: covered under Part B with 20% coinsurance after deductibleOut-of-network doctors: Original Medicare pays approved rates; MA requires networkPlan Changes & AppealsUnhappy with MA? Switch during OEP windows; first-year beneficiaries have guaranteed rightsMedigap changes subject to underwriting post-IEP; birthday-month rule in select statesClaim denials: request redetermination within 120 days (Original Medicare) or follow MA appeal processSpecial SituationsMoving states: Original Medicare nationwide; MA/Part D requires new plans via SEPDual VA coverage: VA not creditable for Part B delay; take Part A and consider Part BFinal AdviceKeep personalized Medicare questions coming for future Fast Friday episodesAlways verify details with 1-800-MEDICARE or consult qualified advisors for complex scenarios