Medicare FAQ

A: You become eligible during the first month your 65 and have already enrolled in Medicare Part B. This is a one-time opportunity to get enrolled where you current or preexisting medical conditions will not count against you. If you enroll after this period, then you could be denied coverage due to your medical conditions.

A: Yes. If you didn’t sign up during the initial enrollment period for Medicare Part A or B then you can sign up during general enrollment period which is January 1st through March 31st of each year.

A: If you enroll the 3 months before your birthday then your coverage will begin the first day of your birthday month. If your birthday is on the first day of the month your coverage will begin one month after you enroll. If you enroll 3 months after your birthday month then your coverage will begin 3 months after you enroll.

A: During October 15th through December 7th the annual enrollment period you can join, switch, or drop Medicare coverage plans.

A: This is considered Part A & B with no other health care coverage. Medicare will cover approx. 80% of your medical expenses.

A: You can purchase Medicare supplement insurance as long as you are enrolled in Medicare Part A & B. This additional coverage will cover the other 20% that Medicare Part A & B don’t.

A: This is call called Medicare Part C which is offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare so you get additional coverage that is not paid by original Medicare.

A: If your employer offers a Medicare plan, you will still want Original Medicare as your employer Medicare will be secondary insurance to Original Medicare.

A: Medicare Part A covers your inpatient hospital care, nursing facility, hospice, and home health care.

A: Medicare Part B covers your doctor’s visits and services.

A: Medicare Part C offers additional medical coverage through external providers like HMO or PPO. This plan doesn’t usually cover prescription drugs.

A: Medicare Part D covers your prescription drugs.

A: Medicare Supplement Insurance is an optional coverage that can help pay for your medical expenses that Medicare Part A & B don’t cover.

A: If you have worked for 10 plus years then you get Medicare Part A at no costs. If you have worked less than 10 years in the US, then you will have a premium.

A: Medicare Part B costs depend on your household gross income; this gets updated each year and will change accordingly.

A: Medicare Part D costs is also based on income. There can be around 20 different plans to choose from.

A: Premiums for Medicare Supplement Insurance can vary greatly depending on the company and plan that you go with.

A: Medicare Supplement covers the gaps that your regular Medicare doesn’t cover while Medicare Advantage is contracted through private insurance companies that contract with Medicare and they cover additional services not paid by original Medicare.

A: If you reject your employer’s group insurance plan to choose Medicare primary, then your they cannot pay for your Medigap. There is one exception under section 105, give us a call so we can explain in greater detail.

A: No, but your employer doesn’t have to provide a retire plan after age 65 or the premium can be different.

A: No, Medigap only covers you if Medicare is your primary insurance.

A: Yes, but there are many factors to consider. Deciding all of these things requires some careful cost analysis between the costs for Medicare and the costs, copays and deductibles of your group coverage. A J&J Medicare Solutions agent can walk through all of this and advise you on the parts you need to consider. If it makes sense for you to stay with your employer coverage, we will be the first to tell you.

A: We are a team of independent agents that allow you to speak with a Medicare expert and compare all your insurance choices in one location.

A: Part B is optional and not required for you to be enrolled. Although it is important to check how your current insurance will work with Medicare and if additional insurance is needed.

A: Insurance companies make changes to their policies every year, so it is always a good idea to go over the changes and if any of your medical requirements have changed.

A: The best time to enroll in Medigap is when you are first eligible since they don’t count any preexisting or current medical conditions against you. If you purchase Medigap at a later time the costs could be significantly higher, or you could be denied since they can count preexisting and current medical conditions against you.

A: Unfortunately, medical illness can happen at any time it is better to be covered then be stuck with expensive prescription costs.

A: No, retirement age is 66 and going up. It is better to enroll at age 65.

A: No, you don’t have to wait for the annual election time, you can change anytime.

A: You don’t have to have work credits for Medicare Part B and D, also there are options with premiums depending on how many work credits you have.

A: You can’t contribute to a health savings account if you have signed up for Medicare.

A: Open Enrollment is a great time to evaluate your coverage and potentially change them.

A: Although many services are covered many plans do not cover dental, vision, or hearing.

A: You can enroll in Medicare Advantage when you become eligible for Medicare parts A & B. There is also the annual election time during October 15th through December 7th which you can enroll or make changes to your current plan for Medicare Advantage.

A: Some plans do have prescription coverage, but it is important to make sure you select the right plan since not all plans do cover prescriptions. You also want to make sure you select the plan that covers prescriptions you currently take.

A: No, you only need to present your Medicare Advantage card, but make sure to keep it in a safe place.

A: Yes it will cover any preventative care.

A: Most health care providers do take Medicare Advantage, but it is always important to check with us to make sure your provider does accept Medicare Advantage.

A: It is not typically covered but there can be some things covered or options to add on, check with us to see what the right plan would be for you.

A: Yes, You are covered in the event of an emergency. Costs can be different between in-network and out-of-network.

A: Most plans will include benefits like Silver Sneakers or even some local gyms. Check with us to see if you are covered.

A: Unfortunately, No. Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantages are separate plans and you can only have one or the other. Contact our office to get more details on the right plan for you is.