Frequently Asked Questions

With so many terms centered around Medicare, it’s hard to find exactly what you need to know. At Southern Nevada Medicare, we understand that you may have some questions, so, we’ve put together a list of some of the most commonly asked.

 

If you need help with any application, appeal form or verification forms listed below, set up a time to come to the office, sit down, and we’ll walk you through it step by step.

 

If you have any questions that you don’t see listed, contact us online or call us at (702) 582 5605

Can I have both a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medicare Supplement plan?

No, an individual can only pick one or the other. It is against Federal Law to have both a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medicare Supplement plan.

How much do your services cost?

You will never pay a fee for our services. Our paycheck comes from Medicare partnered insurance companies for current and actively enrolled Medicare recipients.

Does Southern Nevada Medicare write for only one insurance company?

Southern Nevada Medicare is an independent insurance brokerage. We are contracted to represent almost all of the major insurance companies here in Clark County, so we can help you find the right coverage and the best price for your unique situation.

Does Medicare cover drugs?

Drug coverage is not included with Original Medicare, however being enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B make it so you are eligible to apply for drug coverage. There are two ways to get drug coverage:

1. A stand alone Medicare Prescription Drug plan (Part D) in conjunction with Original Medicare (Parts A and B)

2. A Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) may which include Prescription drug coverage as part of the plan enrollment.

Does Medicare cover Vision?

Original Medicare only covers “medically necessary” eye procedures such as cataract surgery. But most Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) cover some extent of vision care including, routine vision exams, eye glasses, and contact lenses. Much of the time with $0 copays.

Does Medicare cover Dental?

Original Medicare only covers “medically necessary” dental procedures procedures such as extractions. But most Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) cover some extent of dental care including preventative and comprehensive services upwards of $4,000 a year. And much of the time with $0 copays.

How much does Medicare Part B cost?

Medicare Part B has a standard monthly premium of $164.90/mo in 2023. If you get Social Security, Railroad Retirement Board, or Office of Personnel Management benefits, your Part B premium will be automatically deducted from your benefit payment. If you do not receive any benefits, premium payments will get sent to you via bill, once you receive your bill for Medicare Part B you can call Medicare and set up automatic ACH payment.

Most people will pay the standard premium amount. If your modified adjusted gross income is above a certain amount, you may pay an Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). Medicare uses the modified adjusted gross income reported on your IRS tax return from 2 years ago (the most recent tax return information provided to Social Security by the IRS).

Frequently income will decrease after retirement. If the 2 year lookback by IRMAA does not accurately reflect your current income in retirement you may submit an appeal form requesting reconsideration based off recent Marriage, Divorce, Death of Spouse, Work Stoppage, Work Reduction, Loss of Income-Producing Property, Loss of Pension Income or Employer Settlement Payment. Keep in mind, documentation will be needed to support the appeal.

How does a Medicare Supplement work?

A Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy, sold by private companies, can help pay some of the health care costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Some of the benefits include, low to $0 copays, low to $0 deductibles, no network restrictions and no specialist referrals are necessary.

When Should I Enroll in Medicare?

You can enroll in Medicare during the seven-month period that begins three months before the month you turn 65. Coverage can start as early as the month of your 65th birthday.

How do I decide what coverage is best for me?

As your independent consultant, we help provide you with the education necessary to make the determination. We will also make recommendations to help narrow the field of options based off your doctors, medications, and medical needs to evaluate what coverage would be best for you. Our consultation, as always, are at no cost to you.

New to Medicare? Think you might qualify for Medicaid?

Give us a call and we’ll help you fill out your Medicare or Medicaid application to ensure it gets done right the first time!