(upbeat music)
(audience applauding)
Did you know that you might be eligible
for free eyeglasses, hearing aids,
and even gym memberships?
Well over the past few months
you've probably seen TV ads,
received letters or even phone calls
about the Medicare annual enrollment period
and your Medicare options.
Now, if you're feeling overwhelmed
you're not alone.
So to help you sort it all out,
joining us today is Andromada Deberry.
Now she is a licensed insurance agent
and spokesperson for Medicareadvantage.com.
So Andromada let's start at the beginning.
What's important to know about Medicare right now?
Well, Dr. Phil, if you only have original Medicare,
then there's no limit
to how much you could pay out of pocket.
And if you are hospitalized even once in a year,
or visit the doctor frequently,
those costs can really add up.
Fortunately, there's another option out there.
It's called Medicare Advantage.
So what exactly is Medicare Advantage?
And tell us how it can help.
So Medicare Advantage plans cover the same benefits
as original Medicare,
but with features like out of pocket limits.
This means your Medicare out of pocket costs are capped
and cannot go over a certain amount each year.
Plus, you may be able to get extra benefits
like prescription drug,
dental and vision coverage
all at no additional cost.
Also plans may include an annual average coverage
of $250 in vision coverage or eye glasses.
There could be an average of $1,550
in dental coverage,
and that's for things like extractions and dentures.
And $1,150 in hearing coverage
for hearing aids and batteries.
Oh, wow.
Well what other benefits are available?
Well plans include telehealth services,
including doctors or nurses visits,
and you can do that by telephone or virtually,
as well as free wellness checkups,
coverage for cancer screenings like mammograms
or colonoscopies.
There could be chiropractic care.
And plans may even include free eye glasses.
Free gym memberships.
There may be free rides to medical appointments,
and safety equipment like grab bars or shower seats.
There may also be acupuncture
and wrist activity trackers.
Well, you know, many people are really concerned
about the high cost of prescriptions,
so how does Medicare Advantage
help with those expenses?
Yes, Dr. Phil, many plans offer $0
out of pocket costs on commonly used
prescription drugs,
and they may even offer over the counter allowances
for items you use every day.
I'm talking about things like vitamins,
supplements, incontinence supplies,
and diabetic supplies.
And you may even be able to get these items
and your prescriptions delivered right to your home.
Well that's great.
Are there any benefits
that could be helpful during this difficult time
that we're in right now?
Yeah, that's a great question.
Both Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans
are waiving the member costs for COVID-19 testing.
Many Medicare Advantage plans include access
to expanded telehealth services.
So this means you don't have to leave
the safety of your home for certain appointments.
Plus, there are some carriers that are offering
extended or early refills on prescription drugs
during this time.
Well, you know, obviously this sounds great,
but it also sounds expensive.
Are they expensive?
Oh, no, not at all.
Medicare Advantage plans are affordable for many people.
Plan premiums start at just $0 per month.
$0 a month, you can't beat that.
How many plans are available?
Well there are over 3,000
Medicare Advantage plans available nation wide.
And there are new plans that are added every year.
So even if you are happy with your current coverage
there could be a better option out there for you.
The Medicare annual enrollment period,
which allows beneficiaries the chance
to enroll in or switch Medicare plans,
it only happens once per year.
And that time is right now.
Well Medicare Advantage sounds like
a really great option for many people.
And you set up something
just for my viewers to learn more about, right?
That's right, Dr. Phil.
We've set up a special helpline for your audience to call
for a free Medicare benefits review.
Your viewers can call 1-800-815-9068
to speak with a licensed insurance agent,
to join the 24 million people
who have already enrolled in a plan.
Our agents can help you find the right plan
for your health needs,
and for your budget.
We can even search for plans
that let you keep your current doctor
and cover your prescriptions too.
An agent can guide you throughout the entire process
so you never feel alone or confused.
Oh, and this is very important,
you only have until December 7th
to join or change Medicare Advantage plans.
Well let's just three weeks away,
so I don't want anyone to wait.
So call this special helpline today,
and make sure you're getting the benefits that you deserve.
Now that number again is 1-800-815-9068.
So I'd like to thank Andromada Deberry.
Thank you for being here today,
I really, really appreciate it.
Oh, no problem, thank you, good to see you.