- Now, over the past several months,
you've probably been inundated with Medicare ads
promising lots of free benefits.
If you feel overwhelmed or confused
by the ads you are not alone,
but help is here to sort it all out.
Please welcome Andromada Deberry,
a licensed insurance agent and spokesperson
for medicareadvantage.com.
So, welcome.
(audience applause)
So nice that you're back.
Let's start with the basics.
What's the number one thing my viewers
should know about Medicare?
- Well, it's great to see you again, Dr. Phil.
Well, it's important to know that if you just
have Medicare parts A and B,
there's no limit to how much you could pay out of pocket.
If you need surgery, if you're hospitalized
or if you visit the doctor a lot,
your Medicare costs could add up quickly
and again, there's no limit to how high these costs can go.
- Well, that's probably pretty scary for a lot of people.
So, what's the alternative?
- Well, there's an affordable option,
it's called Medicare Advantage.
These plans cover the same benefits as Medicare
parts A and B and may offer extra benefits as well.
All plans limit your Medicare out of pocket costs
which can help you save money and stay on budget.
In fact, a 2020 report found that people
with Medicare Advantage saved an average of $1,598
compared to those with original Medicare alone.
- Well, that's a big savings, that's huge.
Are there extra benefits available as well as the $1,598?
- Yeah, absolutely.
So, I plans may offer benefits
like prescription drug coverage, dental care with dentures,
vision care with free eyeglasses
or hearing care with free hearing aids.
But that's not all, plans offer free wellness checkups
and may even offer free transportation
to doctor's appointments, chiropractic care
and low cost insulin.
- Well, how much could somebody save with these plans?
- Well, a plan could include extra benefits
that add up to thousands of dollars in coverage,
like $3,000 or more in dental benefits,
$900 or more in over the counter allowances
or $2,000 or more in hearing benefits.
- Many people are worried
about the rising cost of prescription drugs, big deal.
Do Medicare Advantage plans help with those expenses?
- Absolutely Dr. Phil, many plans offered $0 copays
and $0 deductibles for commonly used prescription drugs.
Plus plans may for over the counter allowances
for items that you use every day.
Things like vitamins, supplements,
incontinence and diabetic supplies
and you may be able to have these items
and your prescriptions delivered right to your home.
- Well, all this sounds great, but after paying bills
and living expenses, many people say
they just don't have much left to spend on healthcare.
So, the critical question is,
are the plans you're talking about expensive?
- Yeah, not at all Dr. Phil,
Medicare Advantage plans are affordable for many people.
In fact, planned premiums start at $0 per month.
You might be able to join a plan with $0 deductibles
and even $0 copays for common services.
- Well, do people with Medicare get a plan
with these benefits automatically?
- No, so you have to call
and join a Medicare Advantage plan.
The call is free and there's no obligation to enroll.
If you already have Medicare
and have a special enrollment period
or will join Medicare soon, you may be eligible to enroll
in a Medicare Advantage plan today.
- Okay, well, so what can my viewers do
if they've got questions about all this?
- Sure, all you have to do is call the phone number
on the screen and ask for your free no obligation
Medicare benefits review.
We created an exclusive helpline just for your audience
and our team of licensed insurance agents
can help you save money and find a plan
that covers the health benefits that you need
and we can search for plans that let you keep
your current doctor and cover your current medications.
Even if you called in the past,
it's a good idea to call today
to see what's available to you.
Plans change every year,
so make sure you have what you need in 2022,
just call 800-916-4176
for your free Medicare benefits review.
- Okay, so you heard her make the call
and see if you're eligible for a plan
with more health benefits and save money.
Again, the exclusive helpline for my viewers,
just Dr. Phil viewers, is 800-916-4176,
800-916-4176.
So, Andromada, thank you again-
- My pleasure.
- [Dr. Phil] For joining me today.