THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, July 25, 2025 Page 17 Say nr Sa a B y Senior Seni by Jim Miller Beware of the Medicare Advantage Trap f th M di Dear Savvy Senior, I will be enrolling in Medicare in a few months and would like to know if I initially enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, am I able to switch back to original Medicare and get a supplemental (Medigap) policy and prescription drug plan later with without paying a fi ne? Almost 65 Dear Almost, You won’t be subject to any fi nes for switching Medicare plans, but you will be subject to medical underwriting for the supplemental (Medigap) policy. That means the private insurance companies that offer these plans can deny you coverage or charge you a lot more for preexisting conditions. This is known as the Medicare Advantage trap. Here’s what you should know. Understanding MA Plans Medicare Advantage plans (also known as Medicare Part C) are government approved health plans sold by private insurance companies that you can choose in place of original Medicare. The vast majority of Advantage plans are managed-care policies such as HMOs or PPOs that require you to get your care within a network of doctors. If you join an Advantage plan, the plan will provide all your Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) coverage like original Medicare does. But many Advantage plans also off er extra health perks like dental, hearing and vision coverage along with gym/fi tness memberships, and most plans include prescription drug coverage too. Medicare Advantage plans are also cheaper than if you got original Medicare, plus a separate Part D drug plan and a Medigap policy. This can be very attractive to new enrollees who are relatively healthy and don’t require much medical care. But the benefi ts and networks of Advantage plans can change from year to year. And if you get care outside the networks, you’ll usually pay more – sometimes a lot more. Advantage plans are also criticized for pre-authorization requirements which can delay or deny patient access to medical care. The rap on Medicare Advantage has always been that they’re great when you’re healthy and don’t require much health care, but depending on the plan, may not be so great if you get sick. With original Medicare, benefits remain the same and you can use any provider that accepts Medicare (most doctor’s do). But original Medicare has coverage gaps (deductibles, coinsurance and copayments) that can be very expensive, which is why you’ll need a supplemental (Medigap) plan off ered by a private insurer. If you opt for original Medicare when you’re fi rst eligible, insurers are required to issue you a Medigap policy and can’t charge you more based on your health status. In most states, Medigap plans are automatically available only in the fi rst six months after an enrollee becomes eligible for Medicare. But if you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan when you’re fi rst eligible, you’ll miss the Medigap enrollment window, which means an insurer can refuse to write you a Medigap policy or charge you a lot more for signing up later. And in case you’re wondering, you can’t buy a Medigap policy while you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan. There are, however, four states — Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine and New York — that prohibit insurers from denying a Medigap policy to eligible applicants, including people with pre-existing conditions. For more information on how Medigap works visit Medicare.gov/health-drugplans/medigap. Send your questions or comments to questions@ savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070. nior ior OBITUARIES Dennis M. Moore O f Eve r - ett. Age 69, died u n e x - pectedly on July 17th at Beth Israel Medical Center, Boston. He was the fi ancé and partner of Anne Peach of Everett. Born in Boston and raised in Charlestown, he was the son of the late Charles R. and Eileen M. (Harrington) Moore. A graduate of Charlestown High School Class of 1974 and a resident of Everett for the last 12 years, Mr. Moore was a member of the First Congregational Church in Chelsea and the Knights of Columbus in Charlestown. He was known to DJ many events in Charlestown and the Greater Boston area. Mr. Moore was a constant blood donor, volunteer and cat Dad. An avid Bruins fan, the family kindly asks you wear your Bruins attire or any other New England sports team to the wake and service. Besides his fi ancé, he is survived by his children; Patricia Kiely and her husband Michael of Nashua, NH, Shannyn R. Moore and her fi ancé Howard Henninger of Medford, Meaghann Moore of Medford. He was the brother of Charlene Kenney of Woburn, Charles Moore of CA, Colleen Healey of Marshfield, Gerard Moore of CT. Mr. Moore was pre-deceased by his infant daughter Stephanie Moore and brother Stephen Moore. He was also survived by many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends were invited to attend visiting hours in the Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Home, Saugus, on Thursday, July 24. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Friday at 11 a.m. In lieu of fl owers donations in his memory may be made to the American Red Cross @redcross.org. Lena R. (Fenno) Colasanti A lifelong resi d e n t of E v - er ett , passed aw ay peacefully on July 20, at the Kaplan Hous, surrounded by her loving family at the age of 83. Born on January 25, 1942, to Lawrence and Mildred Fenno, Lena was predeceased by her beloved husband Johnny, her daughter Debbie, and her sister Diane Berman. She is survived by her children Maria, Johnny and his wife Judy, and Joey; her grandchildren John, Nickolas, Joey Jr., and Breanna; and her great-grandchild, Arianna. Lee worked for many years as a waitress at Donut Villa, where she was cherished by all who knew her. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love and dedication to her family. She will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched. A funeral Mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, Broadway, Everett, at 10:00 AM on Friday, July 25, 2025.
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