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Medicare Questions

1. What is Medicare?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities or specific conditions. It has four parts: Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance), Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D (prescription drug coverage).

2. When can I enroll in Medicare?

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is the 7-month window around your 65th birthday — starting 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ending 3 months after. You can also enroll or make changes during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) from October 15 to December 7 each year.

3. What’s the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement (Medigap)?

Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare with a private plan that typically includes extra benefits like dental and vision, often at a $0 premium, but uses a network of doctors. Medigap supplements Original Medicare, helping pay for out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and coinsurance, with the freedom to see any Medicare-approved doctor nationwide. Learn more about Medicare Advantage → | Learn more about Medigap →

4. Is there really a $0 premium Medicare Advantage plan?

Yes. Many Medicare Advantage plans in Central Florida have $0 monthly premiums (you still pay your Medicare Part B premium). These plans often include dental, vision, hearing, fitness benefits, and prescription drug coverage. However, $0 premium doesn’t mean $0 total cost — you’ll still have copays and coinsurance when you use services.

5. What if I’m still working and have employer coverage at 65?

You may be able to delay Medicare enrollment without penalty if you have creditable employer coverage. However, the rules are complex and depend on the size of your employer. Talk to Joel before making this decision — getting it wrong can result in lifetime penalties.

6. Can I change my Medicare plan?

Yes. You can switch plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) for the following year. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can also make one change during the Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31). Certain qualifying life events may allow changes through a Special Enrollment Period.

7. What is the Medicare Part D “donut hole”?

The “donut hole” (coverage gap) was a stage where you paid more for prescriptions after reaching a spending threshold. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, out-of-pocket Part D costs are now capped at $2,000 per year, significantly reducing this burden.

8. Do I need a separate prescription drug plan?

It depends. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, drug coverage is usually included. If you have Original Medicare with or without Medigap, you’ll need a standalone Part D plan for prescription drug coverage. Not enrolling in Part D when first eligible can result in a lifetime late enrollment penalty.

9. What is a Special Enrollment Period (SEP)?

A SEP allows you to enroll in or change Medicare plans outside of the regular enrollment periods. You may qualify if you move to a new area, lose employer coverage, qualify for Extra Help/Medicaid, or experience other qualifying life events.

10. Does Medicare cover dental, vision, and hearing?

Original Medicare generally does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing care. However, many Medicare Advantage plans include these benefits. If you have Original Medicare with Medigap, you would need separate dental, vision, and hearing insurance.

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About Our Services

11. Does Joel charge for his services?

No. Joel’s services are completely free to you. He is compensated by the insurance carriers when you enroll in a plan. You pay the same premium whether you enroll on your own or through Best Option Health.

12. Why should I use an agent instead of enrolling on my own?

An experienced agent like Joel can compare all available plans based on your specific doctors, medications, and budget — saving you time and potentially hundreds of dollars per year. Plus, you get year-round support for questions, claims issues, and annual plan reviews. There’s no cost disadvantage to using an agent.

13. Is Joel really both a lawyer and a Medicare advisor?

Yes. Joel A. Montilla, Esq. is a licensed member of The Florida Bar AND a licensed insurance agent. This dual expertise means he brings analytical rigor, client advocacy, and a deep understanding of complex regulations to every consultation. Learn more about Joel →

14. ¿Puedo recibir ayuda en español?

¡Sí! Joel habla español con fluidez y puede asistirle completamente en español. Llame o envíe un mensaje de texto al (407) 479-8144. Visite nuestra página en español →

15. What areas do you serve?

Best Option Health serves the greater Orlando area and all of Central Florida, including Orlando, Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Winter Park, Sanford, Apopka, Clermont, Daytona Beach, and surrounding communities. We offer in-person, phone, and virtual consultations.

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Life Insurance Questions

16. Do I need life insurance if I’m on Medicare?

It depends on your situation. If anyone depends on your income, if you have outstanding debts, or if you want to cover final expenses and leave a legacy, life insurance can be valuable at any age. Joel can help you evaluate whether coverage makes sense for your circumstances.

17. How many life insurance companies do you work with?

We have access to over 70 top-rated life insurance carriers, allowing us to compare the market and find you the best rate for your coverage needs.

18. Can I get life insurance if I have health conditions?

Often, yes. With access to 70+ carriers, we can find companies that specialize in underwriting specific health conditions. We also offer guaranteed issue and simplified issue policies that don’t require medical exams.

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