What services does MyMedicareMike.com offer?

We help individuals understand, compare, and enroll in Medicare plans. Our team provides personalized guidance on Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Prescription Drug Plans so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Do you charge for Medicare consultations?

No, our services are completely free to you. As licensed and independent Medicare advisors, we’re compensated by the insurance carriers, not our clients.

What’s the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement Plans?

Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces your Original Medicare and often includes extras like dental or vision. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works with Original Medicare to help cover out-of-pocket costs such as copays and deductibles.

Can you help me review my current Medicare plan?

Absolutely. We provide free annual plan reviews to ensure your coverage still fits your healthcare needs and budget, since plans and costs can change each year.

When can I enroll or make changes to my Medicare plan?

The Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. During this time you can switch, drop, or enroll in new Medicare plans. Special Enrollment Periods may apply after certain life events.

Do you represent specific insurance companies?

No. We’re an independent agency and work with multiple top-rated carriers to find the plan that best fits your needs.

Can you assist if I’m turning 65 soon and new to Medicare?

Yes. We specialize in helping first-time enrollees understand their options, avoid penalties, and get started with the right coverage before their 65th birthday.

Do you offer in-person or virtual appointments?

We offer both. You can schedule a face-to-face meeting at our New York office or connect virtually from anywhere for the same personalized guidance.

What if I’m on Medicaid or have other health coverage?

We can help you coordinate your Medicare benefits with existing coverage—including Medicaid or employer plans—so you maintain important benefits and avoid gaps.

How can I get started with MyMedicareMike.com?

Call us or fill out the contact form on our website to schedule a free consultation. We’ll walk you through your options and help you choose coverage that gives you peace of mind.

The First Medical Bill After Medicare: Why It Shocks So Many People

One of the most common moments of Medicare anxiety happens quietly, at home. You open the mail or log into a portal. You see a bill — or an Explanation of Benefits — and your first thought is:
“I thought Medicare covered this.”
If you’re preparing to enroll in Medicare, this is something worth understanding ahead of time, because that first bill surprises a lot of people.

Why the First Bill Feels So Different

For decades, many people had employer insurance where:
● Copays were predictable
● Costs felt routine
● Bills rarely required much interpretation
Medicare works differently. It separates coverage from cost sharing, which means you can receive covered services and still see charges afterward.
That doesn’t mean Medicare failed. It means Medicare is doing exactly what it’s designed to do.

Covered Doesn’t Mean Paid in Full

This is the biggest mental shift.
When Medicare covers a service, it means:
● The service is approved
● Medicare pays its share
● You may still be responsible for part of the cost
Many people assume “covered” means “no bill.” Under Medicare, those are two very different things.

Why Explanations of Benefits Add to the Confusion

An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) looks official and financial, even when no payment is due.
It often shows:
● The provider’s charge
● Medicare’s approved amount
● What Medicare paid
● What may be your responsibility
For new enrollees, it can feel like a bill — even when it isn’t one. Understanding that an EOB is not the same as an invoice helps lower stress early on.

Timing Matters More Than People Expect

Another surprise is timing.
Medicare billing doesn’t always move quickly or in order:
● Medicare processes first
● Secondary coverage follows (if applicable)
● Providers bill later
Seeing paperwork weeks after an appointment can feel unsettling if you’re not expecting it

Why This Isn’t a Sign You Chose the Wrong Plan

People often interpret their first bill as a mistake.
In most cases, it’s simply:
● A deductible being applied
● A copay kicking in
● Normal cost sharing
Early bills usually teach people how their coverage works, not that it’s broken.

What Helps Reduce the Shock

People adjust faster when they:
● Expect some out-of-pocket costs
● Learn the difference between bills and EOBs
● Understand their plan’s role in the process
That knowledge turns a stressful moment into a manageable one.

A Calmer Way to Look at It

The first medical bill after Medicare isn’t a failure or a warning sign.
It’s often just part of the adjustment period.
Knowing that ahead of time helps people enroll with clearer expectations — and
far less stress.

Q & A: Common Questions About the First Medicare Bill

Is it normal to get a bill soon after enrolling in Medicare?

Yes. Many people see bills or EOBs early on as deductibles or copays are applied for the first time.

Does getting a bill mean Medicare didn’t cover my visit?

No. Covered services can still involve cost sharing. A bill doesn’t mean coverage was denied.

What’s the difference between a bill and an Explanation of Benefits?

An EOB explains how a claim was processed. A bill requests payment. They are often confused.

Will Medicare bills always feel this confusing?

Usually not. Most people find that bills make much more sense after the first few months.

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.

Does Medicare cover Prescription Medications?

No, You will have to enroll in a stand alone Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan(Part C) to get coverage.

I want to be able to go to any doctor/hospital, are there networks with Medicare?

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.