FAQs
When should I sign up for Medicare? ▶
Your Initial Enrollment Period starts 3 months before your 65th birthday month and ends 3 months after. Missing this window can result in late enrollment penalties that last a lifetime. I'll help you navigate the timing and avoid costly mistakes. If you're still working with employer coverage through a company with 20+ employees, you may be able to delay Medicare without penalty. Let's review your specific situation together to determine the best enrollment strategy.
What's the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement? ▶
Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare with a private insurance plan that often includes extras like dental, vision, and prescription coverage. You'll typically use a network of doctors and need referrals for specialists. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare to cover copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. You can see any doctor who accepts Medicare nationwide. The right choice depends on your health needs, budget, preferred doctors, and whether you travel frequently.
Do I need Part D if I don't take medications? ▶
Even if you're healthy now, signing up for Part D during your Initial Enrollment Period protects you from late penalties if you need prescriptions later. The penalty increases the longer you wait and lasts for as long as you have Part D coverage. We can find a low-cost plan for peace of mind, and many basic plans have very affordable monthly premiums.
Can I change my Medicare plan if I don't like it? ▶
Yes! During the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7), you can switch Medicare Advantage plans, add or drop prescription coverage, or change from Advantage back to Original Medicare with a Supplement plan. Some circumstances also qualify for Special Enrollment Periods throughout the year, such as moving to a new area or losing other coverage. I'll help you understand your options and make changes during the appropriate enrollment windows.
Will my current doctors accept my Medicare plan? ▶
That's one of the first things we'll check together. For Medicare Advantage plans, I'll verify that your preferred doctors and hospitals are in-network. For Original Medicare with a Supplement plan, you can see any doctor in the country who accepts Medicare (which is about 93% of doctors). Keeping your trusted care team is important, and I make sure any plan we consider will work with the providers you rely on.
How much will Medicare cost me? ▶
It depends on which parts you enroll in and which additional coverage you choose. Most people don't pay a premium for Part A (hospital coverage). Part B has a standard monthly premium that's adjusted based on your income from two years ago. Medicare Advantage plans may have low or $0 premiums but include copays when you use services. Supplement plans have monthly premiums but cover most out-of-pocket costs. I'll create a personalized cost comparison based on your health needs, medications, and budget so you can see the complete picture.
What if I'm still working at 65? ▶
If you have employer coverage through a company with 20+ employees, you may be able to delay Medicare Part B without penalty. However, it's usually still a good idea to enroll in Part A since it's free for most people. The rules can be complex and depend on your employer's size and type of coverage. We'll review your specific situation to determine the best enrollment strategy and help you avoid penalties when you do transition to Medicare.
Is there really no cost for your help? ▶
Correct! Insurance carriers pay me a commission when you enroll in a plan, so there's never a fee for my services. You'll pay the same premium whether you enroll directly with the insurance company or work with me—but with me, you get expert guidance, plan comparisons, and ongoing support at no additional cost. My job is to help you find the right coverage, handle the paperwork, and be there for questions year after year.
What happens if I miss my enrollment deadline? ▶
Missing your Initial Enrollment Period can result in late enrollment penalties that increase your Part B and Part D premiums for as long as you have Medicare. You may also have to wait until the next General Enrollment Period (January 1 - March 31) to sign up, leaving you without coverage for months. That's why it's so important to work with someone who knows the deadlines and can help you enroll on time. I track all important dates and make sure you never miss a critical deadline.
How do I compare prescription drug coverage? ▶
I'll review your current medications, dosages, and pharmacy preferences to compare Part D plans available in your area. Every plan has a different formulary (list of covered drugs) and different cost structures. What looks like a low premium plan might actually cost you more if your medications are on higher tiers or require prior authorization. I use specialized tools to analyze your specific prescriptions and find the plan that offers the best overall value for your medications.
What extra benefits do Medicare Advantage plans offer? ▶
Many Medicare Advantage plans include benefits that Original Medicare doesn't cover, such as dental cleanings and fillings, vision exams and eyewear allowances, hearing aids, fitness memberships, over-the-counter allowances for health items, transportation to medical appointments, and even some meal delivery after hospital stays. However, these extras come with trade-offs like network restrictions and referral requirements. We'll evaluate whether these benefits are valuable to you based on your actual needs and lifestyle.
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