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PHONE : (520) 205-1116

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Let's Connect

PHONE : (520) 205-1116

EMAIL:  medicarebymallory@gmail.com

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Let's Connect!

PHONE: (520) 205-1116

San Diego Coast

Frequently Asked Questions 

Of course you have questions... it's Medicare! To the right are a few inquiries I get most often, but more as more arise, I'll be right by your side to answer them.

    • As your independent insurance broker:

      • I have the necessary tools coupled with specific access to a variety of health plans that give me the unique capability to help you save time and money.  Instead of you having to make a dozen phone calls to various health plans or searching the internet, and then having to write everything down for comparison, you’ll only have one person to talk to who has all the answers. 

      • I provide expert advice when it comes to understanding the nuances of various health plan coverage options.

      • I will advocate for you and ensure that you are updated annually about coverage changes and new offerings that could save you money or improve your coverage.

    • Ensure that you have enrolled in Medicare Part A & Part B.

      • You can Enroll in Medicare Part A & Part B by going online to Social Security (SSA.gov) as early as three months prior to the month of your 65th birthday.  

      • Or, call SSA (1-800-772-1213).

      • This is your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP).

    • Once you’ve completed the enrollment process you can:

      • Determine if you qualify for Part D Extra Help.

      • Determine if you qualify for the Medicare Savings Program.

    • Contact me (Mallory) by calling 520-205-1116 or emailing medicarebymallory@gmail.com.

  • You can sign up during Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period (January 1–March 31), and your coverage will start July 1st of that year.

    • Standard Part B premium in 2025 is $185.00, however it can be higher depending on your income.
    • The high-income threshold (where premiums increase based on income) grew to $106,000 in 2025 if you file an individual tax return or are married and file separately; Otherwise, if you are married and file a joint tax return, the high-income threshold is $212,000.
    • The full Part B Premium chat can be found here.
    • The Part B deductible in 2025 is $257.00.
  • No. Medicare drug coverage helps pay for prescription drugs you need. It's optional and offered to everyone with Medicare.​​

     

    However, even if you don’t take prescription drugs now, you should consider getting Medicare drug coverage.  If you decide not to get it when you’re first eligible, and you don’t have other creditable prescription drug coverage (like drug coverage from the VA, TriCare, or an employer or union) or get Extra Help, you’ll likely pay a late enrollment penalty if you join a plan later.

  • Medicare calculates the penalty by multiplying 1% of the "national base beneficiary premium" ($36.78 in 2025) times the number of full, uncovered months you didn't have Part D or creditable coverage. The monthly penalty is rounded to the nearest $.10 and added to your monthly Part D premium.

    • For example: If you waited 14 months after your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) to join a Medicare drug plan, and you didn’t have creditable drug coverage, you’ll have to pay a 14% late enrollment penalty in addition to your monthly plan premium.  I.e. - 14% of $36.78 = $5.15. So,  This amount is added to your plan’s monthly premium for 2025.

  • It can take roughly 4-6 weeks to get your approval during the enrollment process.  Your benefits should become effective the first of the month after you apply, but not before the first of the month of your birth. This lag time means if you want to be on Medicare when you turn 65, finalize and send your paperwork at least two months before your 65th birthday.

  • You can check your Medicare status several ways:

    • Log in to your My Social Security account, or

    • Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213, or

    • Log into your MyMedicare.gov account, if you have your Medicare number.

  • Medicare Advantage Plans are offered by Private insurance companies that provide comprehensive coverage that combines Medicare Part A and Part B and absorb the high deductibles, all in one plan. It often includes Part D Prescription Drug coverage, dental, vision, hearing, gym, OTC - Over the Counter benefits, as well. These are also called Part C plans.  Private insurance companies are able to do this because Medicare pays them a portion of your Medicare Part B premium to be able to offer these plans. 

    • NOTE - Medicare Advantage Plans then become the Primary Payor instead of Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).

  • Medicare Supplement Plans, also called Medigap, help pay the out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Original Medicare (Part A and B).  It is not part of the government’s Medicare program, but provides coverage in addition to it.  Part D Prescription Drug coverage is NOT included but can be added as stand-alone benefits that you can purchase. 

    • NOTE – Medicare Supplement Plans are the Secondary Payor and Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) remains the Primary Payor.

  • The chosen Medicare Advantage Plans are selected based on

    • Your current list of providers (to ensure they are In-Network)

    • Your current list of medications (to ensure they are priced correctly)

    • Your unique individual benefit needs and wants (i.e. – dental, vision, hearing, gym membership, chiropractic, OTC allowances, etc.)

     

    Having an Independent Medicare Insurance Agent ensures that you are enrolling in the plan that best fits your individual needs

  • Medicare agents get paid by the insurance carriers we represent, not the clients we work with. I'm contracted with most major insurance companies in San Diego County, so you have multiple plan options to choose from.

     

    My goal is to make the Medicare process as simple and seamless as possible by learning about your, doctors, medications, lifestyle, etc. and in turn, providing you with a the best options to suit your wants and needs.

     

    I encourage my clients to take as much time as they need to mull over the information, which is why there is zero obligation to enroll in a plan during our consultation. I understand that this is an important decision which requires careful consideration, so I want to be sure you're 100% confident in your choice. 

pexels-daniel-frese-2984224.jpg

Frequently Asked Questions 

Of course you have questions... it's Medicare! These are a few inquiries I get most often, but more as more arise, I'll be right by your side to answer them.

    • As your independent insurance broker:

      • I have the necessary tools coupled with specific access to a variety of health plans that give me the unique capability to help you save time and money.  Instead of you having to make a dozen phone calls to various health plans or searching the internet, and then having to write everything down for comparison, you’ll only have one person to talk to who has all the answers. 

      • I provide expert advice when it comes to understanding the nuances of various health plan coverage options.

      • I will advocate for you and ensure that you are updated annually about coverage changes and new offerings that could save you money or improve your coverage.

    • Ensure that you have enrolled in Medicare Part A & Part B.

      • You can Enroll in Medicare Part A & Part B by going online to Social Security (SSA.gov) as early as three months prior to the month of your 65th birthday.  

      • Or, call SSA (1-800-772-1213).

      • This is your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP).

    • Once you’ve completed the enrollment process you can:

      • Determine if you qualify for Part D Extra Help.

      • Determine if you qualify for the Medicare Savings Program.

    • Contact me (Mallory) by calling 520-205-1116 or emailing medicarebymallory@gmail.com.

  • You can sign up during Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period (January 1–March 31), and your coverage will start July 1st of that year.

    • Standard Part B premium in 2025 is $185.00, however it can be higher depending on your income.
    • The high-income threshold (where premiums increase based on income) grew to $106,000 in 2025 if you file an individual tax return or are married and file separately; Otherwise, if you are married and file a joint tax return, the high-income threshold is $212,000.

    • The full Part B Premium chat can be found here.

    • The Part B deductible in 2025 is $257.00.

  • No. Medicare drug coverage helps pay for prescription drugs you need. It's optional and offered to everyone with Medicare.​​

     

    However, even if you don’t take prescription drugs now, you should consider getting Medicare drug coverage.  If you decide not to get it when you’re first eligible, and you don’t have other creditable prescription drug coverage (like drug coverage from the VA, TriCare, or an employer or union) or get Extra Help, you’ll likely pay a late enrollment penalty if you join a plan later.

  • Medicare calculates the penalty by multiplying 1% of the "national base beneficiary premium" ($36.78 in 2025) times the number of full, uncovered months you didn't have Part D or creditable coverage. The monthly penalty is rounded to the nearest $.10 and added to your monthly Part D premium.

    • For example: If you waited 14 months after your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) to join a Medicare drug plan, and you didn’t have creditable drug coverage, you’ll have to pay a 14% late enrollment penalty in addition to your monthly plan premium.  I.e. - 14% of $36.78 = $5.15. So,  This amount is added to your plan’s monthly premium for 2025.

  • It can take roughly 4-6 weeks to get your approval during the enrollment process.  Your benefits should become effective the first of the month after you apply, but not before the first of the month of your birth. This lag time means if you want to be on Medicare when you turn 65, finalize and send your paperwork at least two months before your 65th birthday.

  • You can check your Medicare status several ways:

    • Log in to your My Social Security account, or

    • Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213, or

    • Log into your MyMedicare.gov account, if you have your Medicare number.

  • Medicare Advantage Plans are offered by Private insurance companies that provide comprehensive coverage that combines Medicare Part A and Part B and absorb the high deductibles, all in one plan. It often includes Part D Prescription Drug coverage, dental, vision, hearing, gym, OTC - Over the Counter benefits, as well. These are also called Part C plans.  Private insurance companies are able to do this because Medicare pays them a portion of your Medicare Part B premium to be able to offer these plans. 

    • NOTE - Medicare Advantage Plans then become the Primary Payor instead of Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).

  • Medicare Supplement Plans, also called Medigap, help pay the out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Original Medicare (Part A and B).  It is not part of the government’s Medicare program, but provides coverage in addition to it.  Part D Prescription Drug coverage is NOT included but can be added as stand-alone benefits that you can purchase. 

    • NOTE – Medicare Supplement Plans are the Secondary Payor and Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) remains the Primary Payor.

  • The chosen Medicare Advantage Plans are selected based on:

    • Your current list of providers (to ensure they are In-Network)

    • Your current list of medications (to ensure they are priced correctly)

    • Your unique individual benefit needs and wants (i.e. – dental, vision, hearing, gym membership, chiropractic, OTC allowances, etc.)

     

    Having an Independent Medicare Insurance Agent ensures that you are enrolling in the plan that best fits your individual needs

  • Medicare agents get paid by the insurance carriers we represent, not the clients we work with. I'm contracted with most major insurance companies in San Diego County, so you have multiple plan options to choose from.

     

    My goal is to make the Medicare process as simple and seamless as possible by learning about your, doctors, medications, lifestyle, etc. and in turn, providing you with a the best options to suit your wants and needs.

     

    I encourage my clients to take as much time as they need to mull over the information, which is why there is zero obligation to enroll in a plan during our consultation. I understand that this is an important decision which requires careful consideration, so I want to be sure you're 100% confident in your choice. 

pexels-daniel-frese-2984224.jpg

Frequently Asked Questions 

Of course you have questions... it's Medicare! These are a few inquiries I get most often, but more as more arise, I'll be right by your side to answer them.

    • As your independent insurance broker:

      • I have the necessary tools coupled with specific access to a variety of health plans that give me the unique capability to help you save time and money.  Instead of you having to make a dozen phone calls to various health plans or searching the internet, and then having to write everything down for comparison, you’ll only have one person to talk to who has all the answers. 

      • I provide expert advice when it comes to understanding the nuances of various health plan coverage options.

      • I will advocate for you and ensure that you are updated annually about coverage changes and new offerings that could save you money or improve your coverage.

    • Ensure that you have enrolled in Medicare Part A & Part B.

      • You can Enroll in Medicare Part A & Part B by going online to Social Security (SSA.gov) as early as three months prior to the month of your 65th birthday.  

      • Or, call SSA (1-800-772-1213).

      • This is your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP).

    • Once you’ve completed the enrollment process you can:

      • Determine if you qualify for Part D Extra Help.

      • Determine if you qualify for the Medicare Savings Program.

    • Contact me (Mallory) by calling 520-205-1116 or emailing medicarebymallory@gmail.com.

  • You can sign up during Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period (January 1–March 31), and your coverage will start July 1st of that year.

    • Standard Part B premium in 2025 is $185.00, however it can be higher depending on your income.

    • The high-income threshold (where premiums increase based on income) grew to $106,000 in 2025 if you file an individual tax return or are married and file separately; Otherwise, if you are married and file a joint tax return, the high-income threshold is $212,000.

    • The full Part B Premium chat can be found here.

    • The Part B deductible in 2025 is $257.00.

  • No. Medicare drug coverage helps pay for prescription drugs you need. It's optional and offered to everyone with Medicare.​​

     

    However, even if you don’t take prescription drugs now, you should consider getting Medicare drug coverage.  If you decide not to get it when you’re first eligible, and you don’t have other creditable prescription drug coverage (like drug coverage from the VA, TriCare, or an employer or union) or get Extra Help, you’ll likely pay a late enrollment penalty if you join a plan later.

  • Medicare calculates the penalty by multiplying 1% of the "national base beneficiary premium" ($36.78 in 2025) times the number of full, uncovered months you didn't have Part D or creditable coverage. The monthly penalty is rounded to the nearest $.10 and added to your monthly Part D premium.

    • For example: If you waited 14 months after your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) to join a Medicare drug plan, and you didn’t have creditable drug coverage, you’ll have to pay a 14% late enrollment penalty in addition to your monthly plan premium.  I.e. - 14% of $36.78 = $5.15. So,  This amount is added to your plan’s monthly premium for 2025.

  • It can take roughly 4-6 weeks to get your approval during the enrollment process.  Your benefits should become effective the first of the month after you apply, but not before the first of the month of your birth. This lag time means if you want to be on Medicare when you turn 65, finalize and send your paperwork at least two months before your 65th birthday.

  • You can check your Medicare status several ways:

    • Log in to your My Social Security account, or

    • Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213, or

    • Log into your MyMedicare.gov account, if you have your Medicare number.

  • Medicare Advantage Plans are offered by Private insurance companies that provide comprehensive coverage that combines Medicare Part A and Part B and absorb the high deductibles, all in one plan. It often includes Part D Prescription Drug coverage, dental, vision, hearing, gym, OTC - Over the Counter benefits, as well. These are also called Part C plans.  Private insurance companies are able to do this because Medicare pays them a portion of your Medicare Part B premium to be able to offer these plans. 

    • NOTE - Medicare Advantage Plans then become the Primary Payor instead of Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).

  • Medicare Supplement Plans, also called Medigap, help pay the out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Original Medicare (Part A and B).  It is not part of the government’s Medicare program, but provides coverage in addition to it.  Part D Prescription Drug coverage is NOT included but can be added as stand-alone benefits that you can purchase. 

    • NOTE – Medicare Supplement Plans are the Secondary Payor and Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) remains the Primary Payor.

  • The chosen Medicare Advantage Plans are selected based on:

    • Your current list of providers (to ensure they are In-Network)

    • Your current list of medications (to ensure they are priced correctly)

    • Your unique individual benefit needs and wants (i.e. – dental, vision, hearing, gym membership, chiropractic, OTC allowances, etc.)

     

    Having an Independent Medicare Insurance Agent ensures that you are enrolling in the plan that best fits your individual needs

  • Medicare agents get paid by the insurance carriers we represent, not the clients we work with. I'm contracted with most major insurance companies in San Diego County, so you have multiple plan options to choose from.

     

    My goal is to make the Medicare process as simple and seamless as possible by learning about your, doctors, medications, lifestyle, etc. and in turn, providing you with a the best options to suit your wants and needs.

     

    I encourage my clients to take as much time as they need to mull over the information, which is why there is zero obligation to enroll in a plan during our consultation. I understand that this is an important decision which requires careful consideration, so I want to be sure you're 100% confident in your choice. 

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