Frequently Asked Medicare Questions

Established in 1965, Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides benefits to seniors and those with disabilities and certain illnesses. Medicare has several parts. Part A covers hospitals, nursing facilities, and home health services. Part B covers preventative services like doctor visits, diagnostic tests, and medical equipment. Part D covers prescription drugs, and Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, offers its own additional benefits. While Part A is typically free, Parts B, C, and D come with premiums.

As early as three months before you turn 65, you can sign up for Medicare online through the SSA.Govwebsite. If you are receiving SS benefits before the age of 65, you will automatically be enrolled in Part A and B by the SS Administration. The only people who will not sign up for Part B are those that plan to work past the age of 65 and remain on their current employer coverage.

You have been paying Medicare taxes if you have been working. If you have worked over 40 quarters in your lifetime, you will be able to apply for Medicare Part A at no additional cost to you. When you sign up for Part B, you will be charged a monthly premium by Medicare. The amount of this premium may vary based on your income 2 years prior to turning 65. The base monthly premium for Part B in 2019 is $135.50/month.

A Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap) policy helps pay some of the health care costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover, like:

• Copayments
• Coinsurance
• Deductibles

Medicare Supplement policies are sold by private companies. Medicare Supplement policies are set up as Plan’s A through N. Details of how these plans work are discussed in the Medicare Supplement page of this website.

Medicare is the Primary coverage for people on both Part A and B. Medicare will pay its share of the Medicare-approved amount for covered health care costs.

Then, your Medigap policy pays its share.

Monthly premiums vary from one company to the next. Depending on the state you live in, these monthly premiums may be based on your gender, use/non-use of tobacco, age, and zip code. (An insurance agent licensed in your state who specializes in Medicare Supplement coverage is the best source for getting exact information regarding monthly premiums).

Medicare Advantage Plans are a type of Medicare health plan offered by a private company that contracts with Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans provide all of your Part A and Part B benefits. Medicare Advantage Plans include:

• Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO’s)
• Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO’s)
• Private Fee-for-Service Plans
• Special Needs Plans
• Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans

Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) (sometimes called "PDPs") add drug coverage to Original Medicare. Most states have several different plans to choose from. Determining the best plan for you is solely determined by the medications you currently take. (An insurance agent licensed in your state with specific experience in using the Medicare website is the best source for finding the best drug plan available to you).