Frequently Asked Questions
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When do I sign up for Medicare?
Section titled “When do I sign up for Medicare?”Most people enroll at age 65 during their Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). If you’re already receiving Social Security, you’re automatically enrolled in Parts A & B.
When are you eligible?
Section titled “When are you eligible?”You are eligible for Medicare if:
- You’re 65 or older, or have a qualified disability.
- You’re a U.S. citizen or legal resident for five consecutive years.
You can enroll three months before the month you turn 65, the month of your birthday, and three months after. If you wait to enroll, you may have fewer plan choices and pay more. If you are under 65 and collecting Social Security due to disability, you may be eligible. Your spouse’s age doesn’t count—you must be 65 (or meet disability rules). Even if you’re not collecting Social Security yet, you’re eligible at age 65.
Do I need Medicare if I’m still working?
Section titled “Do I need Medicare if I’m still working?”If you have employer coverage, you may delay Part B without penalty. Once that coverage ends, you’ll have a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to sign up.
Does Medicare cover everything?
Section titled “Does Medicare cover everything?”No. Original Medicare (Parts A & B) covers hospital and medical services but doesn’t include dental, vision, hearing aids, or most long-term care. Many people add Part D for prescriptions or choose Medicare Advantage (Part C) for bundled coverage.
Medicare helps you get the coverage you need, but you should expect to pay some of the costs. If you choose Part A and Part B, you’ll find gaps in coverage. Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) covers all services that Parts A and B cover and may include prescription drug, vision, hearing, and dental coverage. Part D plans help with prescription drug costs. Medigap (Medicare Supplement) helps cover some costs that Parts A and B don’t cover.
Can I change my plan later?
Section titled “Can I change my plan later?”Yes. Each year during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7), you can switch Medicare Advantage or Part D plans.
What’s the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
Section titled “What’s the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?”Medicare is a federal program mainly for people 65+ or with disabilities. Medicaid is a state and federal program for low-income individuals. Some people qualify for both (called dual eligibility).
Who does the paperwork?
Section titled “Who does the paperwork?”The Social Security Administration handles most of the paperwork for joining Medicare. The first letter you get in the mail about Medicare will probably come from Social Security. If you’re drawing Social Security benefits when you turn 65, Social Security should automatically enroll you in Medicare Part A and Part B. Social Security can also help you find out if you’re eligible for extra help with the cost of Medicare coverage.
What happens to the health coverage I have now?
Section titled “What happens to the health coverage I have now?”As you make your decisions about Medicare, it is important to keep your current health coverage in mind. If you have already retired, this could be retiree health coverage from your former employer or union. If you’re still working, you may have health coverage through your current employer, or you may have purchased your own health insurance through the Marketplace. You’ll need to find out whether you can keep the coverage you currently have and what your estimated costs will be. You may have more choices available to you than the standard choices described throughout these articles.
Explore your options with someone who’s familiar with the details of the coverage you have now. If it’s coverage through an employer or union, human resources (HR) or a benefits specialist is a good place to start. If you purchased the plan yourself, you can speak with customer service at the insurance company that provides your plan.
This content is republished with permission from medicaremadeclear.com