10 Questions People Ask Before Signing Up for Medicare

What Are People Asking?

● Is Medicare free at 65?
● How much does Medicare cost per month?
● Do I apply for Medicare through Social Security?
● Will my doctor accept Medicare?
● Does Medicare cover prescriptions?
● Does Medicare cover dental and vision?
● What happens if I miss my Medicare enrollment window?
● Can I keep my HSA if I enroll in Medicare?
● What does Medicare NOT cover?
● Do I need insurance in addition to Medicare?

Key Takeaways

● Medicare is not completely free, even for most people turning 65
● Enrollment usually happens through Social Security
● Original Medicare does not cover everything
● Many people choose additional coverage to limit out-of-pocket costs

1. Is Medicare Really Free at Age 65?

Not entirely.
Many people qualify for premium-free Part A, which covers hospital care. But most people still pay a monthly premium for Part B, which covers doctor visits and outpatient care.
There may also be costs for prescription coverage or additional insurance.

2. How Much Does Medicare Cost Each Month?

Costs vary depending on several factors.
Typical expenses can include:
● Part B monthly premium
● Prescription drug plan premium
● Optional supplemental coverage
● Deductibles and copays
Income can also affect your Medicare premium through something called IRMAA.

3. Do I Apply for Medicare Through Social Security?

Yes.
Most people enroll through the Social Security
Administration.
You can apply:
● Online at SSA.gov
● By phone
● At a local Social Security office
Some individuals are automatically enrolled if they are already collecting Social Security benefits.

4. Will My Doctor Accept Medicare?

Many doctors do accept Medicare, but not all.
Doctors can choose to:
● Accept Medicare assignment
● Accept Medicare but charge differently
● Not participate in Medicare
It’s always smart to confirm with your doctor before enrolling in a plan.

5. Does Medicare Cover Prescription Drugs?

Original Medicare does not include prescription drug coverage.
Prescription coverage is usually added through:
● A Part D prescription drug plan, or
● A Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage.
Each plan has its own list of covered medications.

6. Does Medicare Cover Dental, Vision, and Hearing?

In most cases, Original Medicare does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing care.
Examples include:
● Dental cleanings
● Eyeglasses or routine eye exams
● Hearing aids
Some Medicare Advantage plans include limited coverage for these services.

7. What Happens If I Miss My Medicare Enrollment Window?

Missing your enrollment period can cause problems.
You may face:
● Late enrollment penalties
● Delayed coverage
● Waiting until the next enrollment period
This is why understanding your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period is so important.

8. Can I Keep My HSA If I Enroll in Medicare?

You can still use your Health Savings Account.
However, once you enroll in Medicare, you generally cannot continue making new HSA contributions.
This catches many people by surprise, especially those still working.

9. What Does Medicare NOT Cover?

Medicare covers many essential medical services, but it does not cover everything.
Common exclusions include:
● Long-term custodial care
● Routine dental care
● Hearing aids
● Most care outside the United States
Understanding these gaps helps people decide whether additional coverage makes sense.

10. Do I Need Insurance In Addition to Medicare?

Some people use only Original Medicare.
However, many individuals choose additional coverage to
help with:
● Deductibles
● Copays
● Prescription drugs
● Coverage gaps
Options may include Medicare Supplement plans, Medicare Advantage plans, or prescription drug plans.
Q- Will I Be Automatically Enrolled In Medicare?
A- Yes, If you Are Collecting Social Security.
Q- Are My Medications Covered?
A- No medicare does Not Cover Prescriptions.
Q- Is Medicare Free?
A- Part A is Free To Those That Worked More Than 10 Years.

A Practical Takeaway

If you’re approaching age 65, you’re not alone in havingquestions about Medicare. Most people begin by searching for answers online.
The key is getting clear, reliable information early so you can understand your options before enrollment begins.

Choosing the Right Medicare Coverage

Selecting the best Medicare coverage depends on factors like your healthcare needs, budget, and preferred providers. You can choose between:
  • Original Medicare (Parts A & B): Allows you to see any doctor or
    hospital that accepts Medicare but does not include prescription drug
    coverage (Part D) or additional benefits.
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C): Offers bundled coverage with
    potential extra benefits but may require using a network of providers.
  • Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance): Helps cover
    out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as
    copayments and deductibles.

Key Medicare Enrollment Periods

It is crucial to enroll in Medicare at the right time to avoid penalties and ensure continuous coverage:
  • Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): A seven-month window starting
    three months before your 65th birthday month.
  • General Enrollment Period (GEP): From January 1 to March 31
    each year for those who missed their IEP.
  • Annual Election Period (AEP): From October 15 to December 7,
    allowing you to switch or enroll in Medicare Advantage and Part D
    plans.
  • Open Enrollment Period(OEP): From January 1 to March 31 for
    those who missed AEP and want to make certain changes.
  • Special Enrollment Period(SEP): Can be used anytime during the
    calendar year for those that meet certain criteria such as moving to a
    new service area.

Finding Help with Medicare

Understanding Medicare can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Licensed Insurance Brokers, Medicare.gov, and state health assistance programs can provide guidance tailored to your specific needs.
By taking the time to explore your Medicare options, you can make informed decisions that ensure you receive the healthcare coverage that best suits your lifestyle and budget.
Do I have to sign up for Medicare?
It depends upon your current coverage. If you are employed and your employer has over 20 employees then you can delay signing up for Medicare and avoid penalties.
No, You will have to enroll in a stand alone Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan(Part C) to get coverage.
There are no networks with Medicare and most doctors and hospitals accept it. However, Medicare does not cover 100% of services so a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plans is advisable.

Mike Miligi- Owner

For over 10 years, Mike has been assisting Seniors and other Medicare-eligible individuals in understanding the ins and outs of Medicare and Medicare Health Insurance options, including Medicare Advantage Plans(Part C), Medicare Supplement Plans(Medigap), Prescription Drug Plans(PartD), and Dental and Vision programs.
Mike is Licensed in seven States and Certified with 11 Insurance Carriers. He has helped thousands of individuals decide on the best course of action for their particular Health Insurance needs. Because Mike is an Independent Medicare Health Insurance Broker, he works for the client, not the Insurance Carriers, and is able to provide his clients with accurate and unbiased Health Insurance options.
Mike recertifies with CMS(The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) annually, regularly completes Continuing Education Courses required by individual State Insurance Departments, and keeps abreast of industry trends and standards to offer his clients the most up-to-date information.
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