Medicare
Here are the Top 10 Questions Seniors Commonly Ask About Medicare:
- Most people should enroll during their Initial Enrollment Period, which starts 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ends 3 months after.
- Part A: Hospital insurance
- Part B: Medical insurance
- Part C: Medicare Advantage (an all-in-one alternative to A & B, often with extra benefits)
- Part D: Prescription drug coverage
- It depends on the size of your employer and current insurance. Some delay Part B to avoid paying unnecessary premiums.
- Part A is usually free if you worked 10+ years.
- Part B has a monthly premium (standard amount in 2025 is around $174.70, but can be higher based on income).
- Part D and Advantage Plans have additional premiums.
- Original Medicare does not. However, many Medicare Advantage plans include these benefits.
- Advantage plans (Part C) bundle services and offer extras, often with lower premiums.
- Medigap fills the “gaps” in Original Medicare but doesn't include Part D, dental, or vision.
- Yes. The Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15–Dec 7) allows changes to Part D or Advantage plans. There's also a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (Jan 1–Mar 31).
- Programs like Medicaid, Extra Help, and Medicare Savings Programs can reduce costs for eligible individuals.
- Yes, delaying Part B or Part D without qualifying coverage can result in lifetime late enrollment penalties.
- Licensed Medicare brokers, SHIP counselors (State Health Insurance Assistance Programs), or financial advisors specializing in Medicare can help.