FAQs
Learn the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Medicare and make an informed decision for your health
WHAT IS MEDICARE?​
It is a federal Health Insurance program for US citizens and legal residents who have lived in the United States for at least 5 consecutive years, including the 5 years prior to applying for Medicare.​
WHICH ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?
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Over 65 years of age.
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Under age 65 if you have a qualifying disability.
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Of any age and have been diagnosed with end-stage renal disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
THAN DOES MEDICARE COVER?
Original Medicare has two parts:
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Part A helps pay for hospital stays and inpatient care
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Part B helps pay for doctor visits and outpatient care.
In 2024, the deductible is $1,632 for Part A and $240 for Part B. The typical monthly Part B premium (covering 80% of costs) is $174.70
HOW TO GET ADDITIONAL COVERAGE?
Option 1
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Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan (Medigap)
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Helps pay some of your out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare.
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Medicare Part D Plan
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Helps pay for prescription drugs.
​​​ Option 2
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Medicare Advantage Plan
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Part C: Combine part A and part B into one plan.
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Part D: Prescription drug coverage.
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Medicare Advantage may offer additional benefits that Original Medicare does not provide.
These plans are also offered by private companies.
WHEN CAN I JOIN A MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN?
Initial Enrollment Period lasts 7 months. Include the month you turn 65, plus the 3 months before and the 3 months after. You can sign up for Part A, Part B, or both. You can also enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) or prescription drug plan (Part D). You are not required to enroll in Part D, but there is a penalty of 1% of the average monthly premium for each month that you you are late in signing up.
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Annual Enrollment Period:
October 15 to December 7.
During annual enrollment, you can add, drop, or change your Medicare coverage.
Open Enrollment Period Medicare Advantage:
one from January to March 31
If you're already a member of a Medicare Advantage plan, you can either disenroll from your current plan and switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan one time, or switch back to Original Medicare, during that time.
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Special Enrollment Period
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Whether retire and lose employer coverage.
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Whether move out of the plan's service area.
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You qualify for the Extra Help program.
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If you have been diagnosed with certain qualifying chronic health conditions.
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WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MEDICARE ADVANTAGE (PART C)?
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Additional coverage for hospital stays.
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Additional coverage of medical expenses.
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Prescription drugs.
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Vision and hearing coverage including glasses and hearing aids.
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Limits on annual out-of-pocket costs.
HOW TO CHOOSE A MEDICARE PLAN (FACTORS TO CONSIDER)?
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Your health status (Pre-existing conditions).
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Your place of residence and your annual travel plans.
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Your Primary Care Physician and Specialists.
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Prescription Drugs.
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Your budget.
