Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I did not enroll when I was first eligible?
If you do not have credible coverage and delay your Medicare enrollment, you may be subject to late penalties. There are two penalties you could be subject to:
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The Part B late enrollment penalty can increase your monthly premium by 10% each year you delay your enrollment. In most circumstances, this penalty is imposed for as long as you have your Part B coverage.
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The Part D late enrollment penalty can increase your monthly premium by 1% each month you delay your coverage.
Do I have to be retired while on Medicare?
No! You can work full-time while on Medicare. You can also carry both employer coverage and Medicare Part A coverage. When you retire or lose your group coverage, you can then enroll in Medicare Part B. You will also have the opportunity to enroll in Medicare Advantage or Medigap.
Does Medicare cover everything?
No. Original Medicare (Parts A & B) has out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. A Medicare Supplement Plan (also called Medigap) can help cover some of these costs. You can only buy a Medicare Supplement Plan if you get Parts A and B through Original Medicare and not Medicare Advantage.
Do I Automatically Get Medicare When I Turn 65?
If you are 65 and already receive Social Security, you will be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B). If you do not receive Social Security, you will need to sign up for Medicare with the Social Security Administration.
Do I Need Medicare if I Have Group Coverage?
Whether you need Medicare if you have group coverage through your job depends on the size of your company. If there are 20 or fewer employees, you will need to enroll in Medicare for health coverage. If there are more than 20 employees, you will likely be able to keep your group coverage without incurring a late penalty if you switch to Medicare later. Talk to your benefits manager to make sure that you have qualifying coverage.
You can still enroll in premium-free Medicare Part A if you also have group coverage. In these cases, one type of coverage will pay your medical bill first and the other coverage will pay the remainder.
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If you plan to delay your enrollment because of group coverage, contact Social Security to avoid having to appeal penalties in the future. It is also in your best interest to compare your group coverage against Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage options. You may find unexpected savings.
How can I get dental and vision coverage with Medicare?
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) does not cover routine dental or vision care; however, some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans do. Plans include all the coverage provided by Parts A and B, and often additional benefits like dental, vision, hearing and gym memberships, all in one plan.
What’s the difference between a Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO?
A Medicare Advantage HMO plan usually helps pay only for care you receive from providers in the plan network. A PPO plan will generally help pay for care received outside the plan network, but it may pay less than for the same care received within the network.
What happens to my Medicare plans when I move?
If you move to a new city or state, you will need to change your address with Social Security.
Because Original Medicare is a federal program, benefits are the same nationwide. So, your benefits will not change.
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However, if you enroll in a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan, you may be required to choose a new plan or pay a higher (or lower) monthly premium. If you are in the process of moving, our Medicare agents will be able to help you quickly find a new top-rated plan in your area.
Does Medicare cover prescription medications?
Original Medicare does not cover prescription drugs. If you wish to have coverage for prescription Medications, you will need to enroll in Medicare Part D. Medicare Part D helps cover the cost of prescription medications. Additionally, some Medicare Advantage plans provide prescription drug coverage as well.
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If you do not enroll in Medicare Part D, you may be subject to the Medicare Part D late enrollment penalty. This penalty is for those who delay Part D benefits without creditable coverage. You will be required to pay the additional cost as long as you have Medicare Part D.
What if I lose my Medicare Card?
If your Medicare card is lost or stolen, it is essential to report the missing card to Social Security as soon as possible.
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To report a lost or stolen card and request a replacement, you can log into (or create) a MyMedicare account through Medicare.gov. From there, you can print a temporary replacement card.
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To receive a new card in the mail, you will need to contact Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.
I enrolled in Medicare Advantage and want a Medigap plan. How can I switch plans?
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan and wish to switch to a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, you may have to wait until the Annual Enrollment Period.
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Unlike Medicare Supplement plans, Medicare Advantage plans require you to enroll for one year unless you have a life-changing event that would allow you to leave the plan early. This means you cannot change plans whenever you wish throughout the year. Except for your first year on Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans are a 12-month term lasting from January to December.
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To change your plan for the upcoming year, you will need to enroll during the Annual Enrollment Period. By doing so, you must answer underwriting health questions to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan. This means that your application for coverage may be denied depending on your answers to the health questions.
How do I pay for Medicare Part A and B?
You can pay online at your secure Medicare account at Medicare.gov (Medicare claims this is the fastest method). Log into (or create) your secure Medicare account to use this free service to pay by credit card, debit card, or from your checking or savings account.
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Sign up for Medicare Easy Pay. With this free service, we’ll automatically deduct your premium payments from your savings or checking account each month.
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Pay directly from your savings or checking account through your bank's online bill payment service. Some banks charge a service fee.
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Mail your payment to Medicare. Pay by check, money order, credit card, or debit card. Fill out the payment coupon at the bottom of your bill, and include it with your payment.
If you’re paying by credit or debit card, be sure to complete and sign the coupon. If you don’t sign the coupon, they can’t process your payment and it will be returned to you.
Use the return envelope that came with your bill, and mail your Medicare payment coupon and payment to:
Medicare Premium Collection Center
PO Box 790355
St. Louis, MO 63179-0355
Is Medicare Part A and B free?
Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) is generally premium-free for most people because they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working. This means they've earned enough credits to qualify for Medicare based on their work history. However, there are cases where individuals may have to pay a premium for Part A if they haven't worked long enough.
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On the other hand, Medicare Part B (medical insurance), which covers services like doctor visits and outpatient care, usually requires a monthly premium. The premium amount can vary depending on factors such as income.
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So, while Part A is often free for eligible individuals, Part B typically involves a monthly premium. It's essential for beneficiaries to understand the costs associated with each part of Medicare and how they may apply to their specific situation.
