Frequently Asked Questions

You can first enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which begins 3 months before your 65th birthday month, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after. This gives you a 7-month window to sign up without facing late enrollment penalties.

If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period and don't have qualifying health coverage, you may face late enrollment penalties and will need to wait for the General Enrollment Period (January 1 - March 31) with coverage starting July 1. However, there are Special Enrollment Periods available for certain qualifying life events.

Yes, you can enroll in Medicare Part A (usually premium-free) while still working. If you have employer health coverage through a large employer (20+ employees), you may be able to delay Part B enrollment without penalty. If you work for a smaller employer, Medicare becomes primary and you should enroll in Part B.

The Annual Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. During this time, you can make changes to your Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans, with changes taking effect January 1 of the following year.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare and often includes prescription drug coverage and extra benefits like dental and vision, but uses provider networks. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare to help pay for costs like deductibles and copayments, with no network restrictions - you can see any Medicare-accepting provider.

While prescription drug coverage (Part D) is not required, it's highly recommended. If you don't enroll when first eligible and don't have creditable coverage from another source, you may face late enrollment penalties that increase the longer you wait. Most Medicare Advantage plans include drug coverage automatically.

No, you cannot have both a Medicare Supplement plan and a Medicare Advantage plan at the same time. It's illegal for insurance companies to sell you a Medigap policy if you have Medicare Advantage. You must choose one path or the other: Original Medicare + Supplement, or Medicare Advantage.

Special Needs Plans are a type of Medicare Advantage plan designed for people with chronic conditions (like diabetes or heart disease), those who live in institutions, or people eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. They offer specialized provider networks, tailored formularies, and coordinated care teams.

Medicare costs vary depending on the parts you choose. Part A is usually premium-free if you paid Medicare taxes for 10+ years. Part B has a standard monthly premium (adjusted based on income). Part D and Medicare Advantage/Supplement costs vary by plan and location. We help you understand all costs and find affordable options.

Yes, if your income is above certain thresholds, you may pay higher premiums for Medicare Part B and Part D. This is called the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). The adjustment is based on your income from two years prior, as reported on your tax return.

Yes, there are several programs to help with Medicare costs. The Medicare Savings Programs can help pay Part B premiums, and Extra Help can assist with Part D costs. Some people may qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. Additionally, some Medicare Advantage plans offer $0 premium options.

Yes, our Medicare guidance and plan comparison services are completely free to you. We're compensated by insurance companies when you enroll in a plan, but this never affects your premium or the objective advice we provide. There are no hidden fees or costs to you ever.

Original Medicare has very limited dental and vision coverage - only certain medically necessary procedures. However, many Medicare Advantage plans include dental, vision, and hearing benefits as additional services. You can also purchase separate dental and vision insurance.

Yes, you can make changes during the Annual Open Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7). There's also a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 - March 31) for those with Medicare Advantage plans. Special Enrollment Periods are available for certain qualifying life events.

Original Medicare generally doesn't cover care outside the U.S., except in very limited emergency situations. Some Medicare Supplement plans (particularly Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N) provide limited coverage for foreign travel emergencies. Medicare Advantage plans vary in their foreign coverage.

The "donut hole" or coverage gap is a temporary limit on what Medicare Part D plans pay for covered drugs. In 2025, you enter the gap when your total drug costs reach $5,030. You'll pay reduced amounts for generics and brand-name drugs until you reach catastrophic coverage at $8,000 in out-of-pocket costs.