Medicare questions, answered plainly

No. Consultations are always free and there is never any obligation. As an independent agent, Priscilla is paid by the insurance carriers when you enroll, so her guidance costs you nothing out of pocket.

Three things make the first conversation productive: a list of your doctors, a list of your prescriptions with dosages, and a rough sense of your monthly budget. If you have a current plan, its card or annual notice helps too. No preparation is required, though - Priscilla can start from zero.

Yes. What you share is used only to research and recommend coverage for you. Your information is never sold or passed to marketers, and you will never get spam calls because you talked to Priscilla.

A captive agent can only sell one company's plans. An independent agent represents many carriers - Priscilla represents 8 organizations and 75+ products - so her recommendations are based on what's best for you, not on who she works for.

No. Priscilla is based in Greensboro but serves clients across all of North Carolina and Virginia, by phone and in person.

You work directly with Priscilla. When you call, you reach a licensed local advisor who knows your name and your situation - not a rotating cast of strangers.

Ideally about three months before your 65th birthday, during your seven-month Initial Enrollment Period. Starting early gives you time to compare options and avoid late-enrollment penalties.

An HMO generally requires you to use the plan's network and get referrals to see specialists, in exchange for lower costs. A PPO lets you see out-of-network providers at a higher cost and usually skips referrals. Priscilla checks which structure your doctors actually fit before recommending either.

Coverage that is at least as good as Medicare's, such as many employer group plans. Having creditable coverage lets you delay Part B or Part D without late penalties. Your employer or plan must tell you each year whether your coverage is creditable, and Priscilla can help you read that notice.

Plans renew automatically, but that is not the same as staying a good fit. Carriers change premiums, networks, and drug lists every January. A quick free review each Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) confirms your plan is still your best option.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is a private all-in-one plan that replaces how you get Original Medicare, often adding drug, dental, and vision benefits. A Medigap (Supplement) plan works alongside Original Medicare to help pay its out-of-pocket costs. You can't have both - Priscilla helps you choose.

Yes. The Annual Enrollment Period (October 15-December 7) lets you change plans for the coming year, and certain life events trigger Special Enrollment Periods. Priscilla offers free annual reviews so your plan keeps fitting.

You may be able to delay parts of Medicare without penalty if you have qualifying employer coverage. Priscilla compares your group plan against Medicare so you make the right call.

The standard Part B premium is $202.90 per month in 2026, with a $283 annual deductible. Part A is premium-free for most people but carries a $1,736 inpatient deductible per benefit period. Drug plan out-of-pocket costs are capped at $2,100 for the year. Your real total depends on the plan you choose - Priscilla prices it for your situation, free.

Every Part D and Medicare Advantage drug plan has its own formulary and cost tiers. Priscilla runs your specific medication list across available plans to find your true lowest annual cost - not just the lowest premium.

Possibly. Programs like Extra Help (for prescriptions) and special plans for those with both Medicare and Medicaid can dramatically lower costs. Priscilla checks your eligibility and helps you apply.

No. A low premium can hide high copays, a narrow network, or missing drug coverage. Priscilla looks at total annual cost and fit, not just the sticker price.

Yes. Priscilla helps with term, whole, universal, and final expense life insurance, plus long-term care planning and supplemental coverage like dental, vision, cancer, and hospital plans.

Yes. Through personal insurance lines, Priscilla can help with home, auto, renters, umbrella, and more - and bundling often saves money.