
Charting Your Course through the Medicare Maze with Niki Feret
11/23/23 • 26 min
Caring for Your Aging Parents
Season 01 Episode 11
Charting Your Course through the Medicare Maze with Niki Feret
In this fascinating chat with Niki Feret of the Brickhouse Agency, a certified Independent Medicare Insurance Broker, we unravel the complexities of Medicare and lay down the basics of this significant benefit that you've been investing in throughout your working life. Our conversation also shines a light on the importance of creating a Medicare account online and how to go about it. Listen in as we explore the various types of Medicare plans and their costs, equipping you with knowledge to make informed decisions.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program in the United States that provides coverage to individuals aged 65 and older and certain younger individuals with disabilities or specific medical conditions. Medicare is designed to help individuals access essential medical services and reduce the financial burden of healthcare costs. The program consists of different parts that cover various aspects of healthcare services. Medicare was established in 1965 under the Social Security Act and is administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services division.
Medicare Options for the Upcoming Enrollment Period
Nikki expertly guides us through the details of Medicare Parts A, B, and D, including yearly premiums, deductibles, and coinsurances. Our discussion underscores the necessity of planning ahead and ensuring you have the coverage you need. We then examine the two options available for Medicare recipients who need drug coverage. Nikki highlights the differences between the standalone prescription drug plan and the Medicare Advantage plan, as well as the implications of late enrollment.
How to Navigate Medicare
Lastly, Nikki shares her invaluable expertise on how to navigate the nuances of Medicare to find the best plan for individual needs. We discuss the advantages of working with an experienced insurance agent and ask the right questions to ensure you aren't overpaying. The importance of enrolling in Medicare before the December 7th deadline and the process of doing so are also discussed. With this enlightening conversation, you will be better prepared to navigate the Medicare maze. Make sure to join her on Facebook to get involved in the Medicare discussion on her page.
Podcast Resources
Caring For Your Aging Parents on YouTube
Visit us to find out more on Caring for Your Aging Parents
Give me a call to locate a senior placement specialist in your area 503.830.1812
Caring for Your Aging Parents
Season 01 Episode 11
Charting Your Course through the Medicare Maze with Niki Feret
In this fascinating chat with Niki Feret of the Brickhouse Agency, a certified Independent Medicare Insurance Broker, we unravel the complexities of Medicare and lay down the basics of this significant benefit that you've been investing in throughout your working life. Our conversation also shines a light on the importance of creating a Medicare account online and how to go about it. Listen in as we explore the various types of Medicare plans and their costs, equipping you with knowledge to make informed decisions.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program in the United States that provides coverage to individuals aged 65 and older and certain younger individuals with disabilities or specific medical conditions. Medicare is designed to help individuals access essential medical services and reduce the financial burden of healthcare costs. The program consists of different parts that cover various aspects of healthcare services. Medicare was established in 1965 under the Social Security Act and is administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services division.
Medicare Options for the Upcoming Enrollment Period
Nikki expertly guides us through the details of Medicare Parts A, B, and D, including yearly premiums, deductibles, and coinsurances. Our discussion underscores the necessity of planning ahead and ensuring you have the coverage you need. We then examine the two options available for Medicare recipients who need drug coverage. Nikki highlights the differences between the standalone prescription drug plan and the Medicare Advantage plan, as well as the implications of late enrollment.
How to Navigate Medicare
Lastly, Nikki shares her invaluable expertise on how to navigate the nuances of Medicare to find the best plan for individual needs. We discuss the advantages of working with an experienced insurance agent and ask the right questions to ensure you aren't overpaying. The importance of enrolling in Medicare before the December 7th deadline and the process of doing so are also discussed. With this enlightening conversation, you will be better prepared to navigate the Medicare maze. Make sure to join her on Facebook to get involved in the Medicare discussion on her page.
Podcast Resources
Caring For Your Aging Parents on YouTube
Visit us to find out more on Caring for Your Aging Parents
Give me a call to locate a senior placement specialist in your area 503.830.1812
Previous Episode

What is Medicare and Who Can Utilize Medicare benefits?
Caring for Your Aging Parents
Season 01 Episode 10
What is Medicare and Who Can Utilize Medicare benefits?
Have you ever felt lost in the labyrinth of Medicare, grasping for clarity amidst the parts, costs, and enrollment periods? Well, you're not alone - so join us as we decode this complex health insurance maze designed for Americans aged 65 and older. We address common misconceptions, take a look at the costs you need to consider, and breakdown Medicare from parts A to D. We also shine a light on the often overlooked fact that you've been contributing to this program throughout your working life - it's your right, not a handout. Yet, you must be aware of the gaps in Medicare as it doesn't cover everything, like hearing aids and long-term care.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program in the United States that provides coverage to individuals aged 65 and older and certain younger individuals with disabilities or specific medical conditions. Medicare is designed to help individuals access essential medical services and reduce the financial burden of healthcare costs. The program consists of different parts that cover various aspects of healthcare services. Medicare was established in 1965 under the Social Security Act and is administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services division.
Registering for Medicare Online
Now, as if understanding Medicare wasn't daunting enough, we also dive into the intricate task of caring for aging parents. In this digitally connected age, support isn't just at our fingertips, it's also online. We guide you through the wealth of online resources available, helping you find the right assistance in your area, and show you how to access Medicare and other health insurance programs. Don't worry, we understand you might need some guidance on how to rate and review our podcast. So, we share some nifty tips so you can help others benefit from the knowledge we've shared together. As your trusted companions in this journey, we're here to simplify the complexities of eldercare. Together, we can navigate this maze.
Podcast Resources
Caring For Your Aging Parents on YouTube
Visit us to find out more about Senior Care in Oregon
Find out more about Caring for Your Aging Parents
Next Episode

Navigating the Maze of Memory Care and Dementia
Caring for Your Aging Parents
Season 01 Episode 12
Navigating the Maze of Memory Care and Dementia
Navigating the intricacies of dementia and memory care facilities can feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle with missing pieces. In this episode, I give you my best professional advice to navigate these complexities on my latest podcast episode, offering insights that can help in finding the missing pieces of memory care.
Why Your Senior May Not Be Accepted at a Skilled Nursing Care Facility
I delve into the different types of dementia, its four stages, and why skilled nursing facilities might not accept individuals diagnosed with the condition. In addition, I also underscores the importance of seeking a diagnosis and managing symptoms effectively.
How to Find a Suitable Memory Care Facility for Your Senior
Continuing on this enlightening journey, we explore the process of locating a suitable memory care facility for aging parents with dementia. You'll learn about the transformative potential of the Montessori method in memory care and get tips on finding resources in your area.
I also delve into the nitty-gritty of financing the care costs and talk about options like private pay or long-term care insurance. In the midst of all these, I always emphasize the importance of self-care for caregivers. Regardless of where you are on your caregiving journey, this episode is sure to provide you with invaluable insights and resources.
Podcast Resources
Caring For Your Aging Parents on YouTube
Visit us to find out more on Caring for Your Aging Parents
Give me a call to locate a senior placement specialist in your area 503.830.1812
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