Frequently Asked Questions

Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for:

• People 65 or older

• Certain younger people with disabilities

• People with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or ALS

Medicare has four parts:

1. Part A – Hospital insurance

2. Part B – Medical insurance (doctor visits, outpatient care)

3. Part C – Medicare Advantage Plans (offered by private companies)

4. Part D – Prescription drug coverage

• Part A is usually free if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes.

• Part B has a monthly premium (standard amount in 2024 was around $174.70, may vary by income).

• Part C and Part D costs vary by plan.

There are three different periods for enrollement:

• Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Starts 3 months before your 65th birthday and ends 3 months after.

• General Enrollment Period: Jan 1 – Mar 31 each year (if you missed IEP).

• Special Enrollment Periods: If you qualify due to certain life events (e.g. losing job-based coverage).

• Medicare is a federal program for seniors and certain disabled individuals.

• Medicaid is a state-run program for people with low income.

• You can qualify for both (called dual eligibility).

• Long-term care (nursing home stays)

• Most dental care

• Eye exams for glasses

• Dentures

• Hearing aids

• Cosmetic surgery

No. You can choose Original Medicare (Parts A & B), possibly with Part D and a Medigap plan or a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, which combines A & B and often includes D

Private insurance that helps cover "gaps" in Original Medicare (like copayments, coinsurance, deductibles). You can’t have both Medigap and Medicare Advantage.

Yes, there are two opportunities to change your Medicare plan:

• Annual Enrollment Period: Oct 15 – Dec 7

• You can switch between Original Medicare and Advantage plans or change drug plans.

• You may delay Part B (and Part D) without penalty if you have credible employer coverage.

• Once you stop working or lose coverage, you’ll have a Special Enrollment Period.