Medicare Frequently Asked Question

 It is a federal health insurance program specially built for people who are 65 years old or older. Certain younger people are diagnosed with disabilities and people with permanent kidney failure or end-stage renal diseases.

Most people become eligible for Medicare if you’re 65 or turning 65 in the next 3 months and not already getting benefits from Social Security, you need to sign up to get Medicare Part A and Part B. 

You’re at least 65, or you’re under 65 and qualify based on disability or other special conditions. And if you’re a U.S. citizen or a permanent legal resident of at least 5 continuous years.

During the annual open enrollment period which is October 17 to December 1, the enrollee can add, drop, or even switch to other Medicare coverage which the changes may take effect on January 1.

No, your coverage will be rolled over year to year unless you decide to change it or switch back to other coverage.

Medicare Advantage Plan or Part C is also known as “all-in-one” coverage, an alternative to Original Medicare.

 Medicare isn’t free, it requires monthly premiums, deductibles, and other cost-sharing for certain services.

Delayed enrollment of the Medicare program may charge you a penalty if you don’t enroll in certain programs or plans when you’re first eligible.

Is extra health insurance that is sold by private health insurance that helps fill the gaps in Original Medicare.

 In-network doctors get the highest level of coverage. If you already selected a plan, the best way to make sure your providers are in-network is to call the insurance company directly. It’s a good idea to make sure your doctor is a participating Medicare doctor or since you have original Medicare you can usually find and choose any doctor that is enrolled in Medicare to avoid paying higher costs.

No! Your Medicare coverage is based on medical necessity, not age plus it is a federal health insurance program. So even if you’re turned 90 or 100 you medicare is here to pick up most of the cost in the usual way.

A special enrollment period is usually open and qualifies for those people who retire and lose employer coverage, move out of the plan’s service areas, eligible for Extra Help, and an individual who is diagnosed with certain qualifying chronic health conditions.

Can I use Medicare coverage, when I’m outside of the state? Original Medicare offers nationwide coverage to all members and beneficiaries, this means that you’re covered for out-of-state medical services. On the other hand, Medicare Advantage Plan offers coverage only for the state that you live in, though they also some offer in-network service out-of-state.