Medicare Questions & Answers

Q: How does this work with Social Security?

You do not need to be collecting Social Security to enroll in Medicare . If you are collecting Social Security when you turn 65, you will be enrolled in Medicare Part A automatically. However, you will still need to sign up for Part B, and this will start your initial six-month Open Enrollment period. Part B requires a monthly premium, and you can elect to have that premium deducted from your Social Security benefits if you choose. More Details

Q: Can I get a free gym membership?

Some Medicare supplement insurance policies and Medicare Advantage plans will contain a special feature for a free gym membership, but not all do. These are not insurance benefits. (Our Medicare supplement insurance products do not currently include a free gym membership.)

Question 1

What Is Medicare?

Accepted Answer

Medicare is a health insurance program provided by the U.S. government for people ages 65 plus, as well as younger people with certain disabilities. However, Medicare does not cover all health care costs, and you can apply for a Medicare supplement insurance policy or Medicare Advantage plan to receive fuller coverage. Medicare is split into four parts: A, B, C, and D... More Details

Question 2

What if I have a pre-existing condition?

Accepted Answer

If you have a pre-existing condition, it is particularly important to make sure that you apply at the right time when the window for enrollment in Medicare supplement insurance and Medicare Advantage is open. A pre-existing condition is defined as any condition for which the patient has already received medical advice or treatment prior to enrollment in a new medical insurance plan.

When you first enroll in Medicare Part B... More Details

Question 3

Can my spouse/partner and I share a policy?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is no. Medicare coverage is individual coverage. That means that you and your spouse/partner each need to sign up for one plan per person. You cannot share a plan. Each of you must decide which Medicare option is best for you.

Question 4

How does this work with Social Security?

Accepted Answer

You do not need to be collecting Social Security to More Details

Question 5

How is Medicare different from Medicaid?

Accepted Answer

While they sound alike, Medicare and Medicaid are different. Medicare is a health insurance program provided by the U.S. government for people ages 65 plus, as well as younger people with certain disabilities. Medicaid is a government health program designed specifically to help low-income people afford health care.

Question 6

What decisions do I need to make?

Accepted Answer

We hear you, and we understand this can all be confusing. You are not alone. Here’s a quick rundown of your decisions: You need to decide if you should sign up for Medicare Part B. Then, if you want additional coverage, you need to decide between Medicare supplement insurance or Medicare Advantage plans and choose an insurance company to purchase coverage through. Finally, you need to make sure you have drug coverage. Most Medicare Advantage plans include drug coverage. More Details

Question 7

What if I'm still covered by an employer or spouse's/partner's employer plan?

Accepted Answer

You can continue to be covered through your own plan or through a spouse's/partner’s plan if you still qualify. Make sure you check with the sponsor of your existing policy. More Details

Question 8

What’s the difference between premiums, deductible, copays, and coinsurance?

Accepted Answer

Premiums are regular amounts you pay for coverage. Most people with Medicare supplement insurance policies pay monthly premiums. These premiums can go up over time.
A deductible is a dollar amount you need to pay out of pocket before your coverage begins paying.
Copays are dollar amounts you pay whenever you receive a certain procedure.
Coinsurance is a percentage of the total charge you pay whenever you receive a certain procedure.

Question 9

Can I get vision, dental, and hearing insurance?

Accepted Answer

Medicare doesn’t pay vision, dental, or hearing benefits unless they are related to a larger medical occurrence. Generally, Medicare supplement insurance policies do not offer these benefits, either. Medicare Advantage plans might contain vision, dental, or hearing benefits.

Question 10

Can I get a free gym membership?

Accepted Answer

Some Medicare supplement insurance policies and Medicare Advantage plans will contain a special feature for a free gym membership, but not all do. These are not insurance benefits. (Our Medicare supplement insurance products do not currently include a free gym membership.)

Question 11

How much does Medicare cost?

Accepted Answer

Medicare is split into different Parts. Part A is generally free, and Part B has a monthly premium. In addition to Part A and Part B, you may elect to purchase a Medicare supplement insurance policy, which will have a monthly premium.

Alternatively, you may elect to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. You will still need to pay the Part B premium, and there may or may not be an additional monthly premium for your Medicare Advantage plan... More Details

Question 12

Will my costs go up over time?

Accepted Answer

Generally, Medicare Part B and Medicare supplement insurance policy premiums increase each year. Medicare Advantage plans may change premiums and cost sharing each year.

Question 13

Am I covered if I travel out of state or the U.S.?

Accepted Answer

Medicare generally doesn't pay any coverage for care received outside the US. Many Medicare supplement insurance policies generally pay 80 percent of Medicare approved costs after a $250 deductible and up to a lifetime $50,000 limit for emergency care that begins during the first 60 days of each trip. Medicare Advantage plans are based on networks and generally don't pay for any care received outside the US.

Question 14

How can I anticipate cost changes?

Accepted Answer

With a Medicare supplement insurance policy, your premium can increase over time. Your insurance company will notify you in advance of any premium changes.

With a Medicare Advantage plan, changes cannot occur in the middle of a year but can change each calendar year.

Question 15

Will my benefits change over time?

Accepted Answer

With a Medicare supplement insurance policy, your benefits will not change over time. Your premium may increase, and if your plan does not cover deductibles, the amount of those deductibles will change annually.

Medicare Advantage plans can be changed each calendar year. You can always switch Medicare Advantage plans during the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7 each year.

Question 16

What is covered by Medicare supplement insurance policies and Medicare Advantage plans?

Accepted Answer

Medicare supplement insurance policies generally pick up the portion of Medicare approved costs that Medicare does not pay. Medicare supplement insurance policies are standardized, meaning each company's Plan G will pay the same basic benefits.

Medicare Advantage Plans are unique and may have different benefits as well as different deductibles and cost sharing. Medicare Advantage plans generally have network restrictions.

Question 17

Do I need additional coverage?

Accepted Answer

You may be surprised to learn that government-provided Medicare doesn’t cover 100 percent of health care costs. However, there are coverage options available to you. You can enroll in Medicare and purchase a Medicare supplement insurance policy. Alternatively, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.

The personalized recommendation on this site can help you choose between Medicare supplement insurance and Medicare Advantage.

In addition, Part D is the portion of Medicare that provides

Question 18

What are Parts and Plans?

Accepted Answer

Medicare is divided into separate parts (Part A, Part B, Part C, Part D). Medicare Parts A and B are handled through the government. Medicare Part C is another name for Medicare Advantage, which is optional insurance you can get through an insurance company. Medicare Medicare supplement is insurance coverage that is defined by the government. There are different Medicare supplement insurance policies (Plan A through Plan N). Because Medicare supplement insurance policies are defined by the government, a specific policy, like Medicare supplement Plan G policy, will offer the same basic benefits no matter what company you purchase it from. (Some companies may introduce small additional features like gym memberships, but all health care benefits are the same. These additional features are not insurance benefits.)

Question 19

What is the difference between Medicare supplement insurance and Medicare Advantage?

Accepted Answer

Both Medicare supplement insurance and Medicare Advantage plans are coverage options for Medicare enrollees. However, the terms of applying/enrolling and coverage differ between the two, and it is important to understand the differences. More Details

Question 20

What if I pick the wrong coverage?

Accepted Answer

You cannot always change your coverage, so it’s important to be confident in your choice. Doing research up front and understanding your plan are excellent ways to help ensure the coverage you choose is right for you. More Details

Question 21

Can I get dropped by my plan?

Accepted Answer

Your plan cannot drop you as long as you continue to pay premiums within the grace period (except in cases of material misrepresentation on your part). More Details

Question 22

Can I still see my current doctor?

Accepted Answer

If you purchase a Medicare supplement insurance policy, you can see your doctor if they accept Medicare patients. If you purchase a Medicare Advantage plan, you can see only the doctors in the plan’s network. Your current doctor may be in the plan’s network. More Details

Question 23

What does Medicare cover?

Accepted Answer

Generally, Medicare covers hospital expenses, physician visits, prescription drugs and skilled nursing care following a hospital stay. Outpatient prescription drugs are covered only if you have a More Details

Question 24

Will my prescriptions be covered?

Accepted Answer

Medicare does not cover outpatient prescription drugs. So you will want to sign up for Medicare supplement insurance policy. Many Medicare Advantage plans include Part D coverage. More Details

Question 25

Should I enroll in Part A?

Accepted Answer

Generally, yes. For most people, Medicare Part A is free and works with any existing coverage. More Details

Question 26

Should I enroll in Part B?

Accepted Answer

If you are More Details

Question 27

Do I qualify for Medicare?

Accepted Answer

Medicare is for people who are age 65 and older. In some instances, Medicare also covers younger people with disabilities. More Details

Question 28

When can I sign up?

Accepted Answer

You can More Details

Question 29

What if I miss my Medicare enrollment date?

Accepted Answer

Missing your Medicare supplement insurance policy, a Medicare Advantage plan or More Details

Question 30

How do I enroll in Medicare?

Accepted Answer

Age 65 is the trigger to More Details

Question 31

Should I enroll in Part D?

Accepted Answer

Medicare supplement insurance policy, you will need to purchase a Part D plan separately. However, if you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, Part D coverage may already be included. More Details

Question 32

How do I get a Medicare supplement insurance policy or Medicare Advantage plan?

Accepted Answer

You can work with an agent/producer to obtain Medicare supplement insurance or Medicare Advantage coverage. You can also build a personalized recommendation on this site, which will guide you to a purchase channel.

Question 33

Can I change plans if I don't like the one I selected?

Accepted Answer

If you purchased a Medicare supplement insurance policy, you can apply for a different Medicare supplement insurance policy at any time, but you may be denied coverage due to health conditions. You may also apply for a Medicare Advantage plan during the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7 of each year. You cannot be denied this coverage, and it will be effective the following January 1.

If you purchased a Medicare Advantage plan, you can apply for a Medicare supplement insurance policy at any time, but you may be denied coverage due to health conditions. You may also apply for a Medicare Advantage plan during the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7 of each year. You cannot be denied this coverage, and it will be effective the following January 1.

More Details

Question 34

Can I switch plans if I move?

Accepted Answer

If you have a Medicare supplement insurance policy, you will generally not need to switch anything with your coverage. When you move, your premium may change. You can switch Medicare supplement insurance policy at any time, but you may be denied coverage due to health conditions.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan... More Details

Question 35

What happens if I get sick and need more coverage?

Accepted Answer

If you get sick, you may not immediately be eligible for additional coverage, so it is important to plan early and make the right long-term choice. More Details

Question 36

Can I change plans at any time during the year?

Accepted Answer

You can apply for a Medicare supplement insurance policy at any time, but you may be denied coverage due to health conditions. You may also apply for a Medicare Advantage plan during the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7 of each year. You cannot be denied this coverage, and it will be effective the following January 1.

Question 37

Can I switch between Medicare supplement insurance and Medicare Advantage?

Accepted Answer

You do have options when it comes to switching plans, but they are limited to time frames and may be limited if you have certain health conditions. This is why it’s so important to really understand this decision and think through what could happen long term with your health.

Remember, if you are feeling lost, you can always receive a personalized recommendation on this site. More Details

Question 38

Do I have to re-enroll every year?

Accepted Answer

If you are happy with your coverage and you have not received notice that the coverage is ending for any reason, you do not need to do anything. More Details

Question 39

What if my plan is no longer available?

Accepted Answer

This is only an issue for Medicare Advantage plans s. If your plan is no longer available, you will be notified by your plan and will need to select new coverage for the following year during the Annual Enrollment Period. You cannot be denied coverage during this period.

Question 40

Can I switch my Medicare supplement insurance policy?

Accepted Answer

You can apply for a new Medicare supplement insurance policy at any time. However, you could be denied due to health conditions.

Each year, during the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. You cannot be denied by a Medicare Advantage plan during this window.