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MEDICARE 101
Flip through the guide to learn the basics of Medicare before choosing your coverage.
New to Medicare?
You may be asking:
✔ When should I enroll?
✔ What if I'm still working?
✔ Are prescriptions covered?
✔ Do I need both Part A and B?
✔ Advantage or Supplement?
We're here to help you understand your options and make an informed decision.
✔ Free No Obligation Consultation With A Licensed Broker
WHAT IS MEDICARE?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program designed for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as some younger individuals with specific medical conditions or disabilities. This program is divided into several parts, and it's essential to understand how these parts work together.
MEDICARE PART A
Hospital Coverage
✔ Hospital stays
✔ Skilled nursing
✔ Hospice
MEDICARE PART B
Medical Coverage
✔ Doctor visits
✔ Preventive care
✔ Outpatient services
MEDICARE PART D
Prescription Drug Coverage
✔ Helps cover medications
Before selecting a plan, it's important to understand the differences between your options, specifically Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage Plans. Many individuals enroll in Advantage Plans believing they are the same as Supplements, but that is not the case.
MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN
✔ Combines Parts A & B
✔ Often includes drug coverage
✔ May include dental, vision, and hearing
MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT PLAN
✔ Works with Original Medicare
✔ Doesn't include drug coverage
✔ Helps cover out-of-pocket costs
MEDICARE FAQ'S
Your Initial Enrollment Period generally lasts 7 months — beginning 3 months before the month you turn 65, including your birthday month, and ending 3 months after. If you have qualifying employer coverage, your enrollment timing may be different.
You can apply for Medicare Part A and Part B through Social Security online at SSA.gov, or contact Social Security for assistance.
It depends on your situation. If you're already receiving Social Security benefits before turning 65, you may be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. If you're not receiving Social Security benefits, you generally need to sign up. Some people with qualifying employer coverage may be able to delay Part B without a penalty.
Yes. Original Medicare includes Part A and Part B. However, Original Medicare does not include most prescription drug coverage and has no annual out-of-pocket limit for covered services. You may choose separate Part D drug coverage and/or Medicare Supplement (Medigap) coverage.
You could experience a gap in coverage and may owe late enrollment penalties. The Part B penalty is generally an additional 10% for each full 12-month period you could have had Part B but didn't. A Part D penalty may apply if you go 63 days or more without Medicare drug coverage or other creditable prescription drug coverage. Certain Special Enrollment Periods may allow you to enroll without a penalty.
Not necessarily. Retiree coverage and Medicare can work together in different ways depending on the employer or plan. Before enrolling in or delaying Medicare, check with your former employer or benefits administrator to understand how your retiree coverage coordinates with Medicare.
No. Medicare coverage is individual, not family coverage. Your spouse must qualify for and enroll in Medicare separately when eligible.
Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage. You can get Part D through a stand-alone Medicare drug plan or through many Medicare Advantage plans that include prescription drug coverage.
Medicare Part C is another name for Medicare Advantage. These plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare and provide your Part A and Part B benefits. Many Medicare Advantage plans also include Part D prescription drug coverage and may offer additional benefits.
Possibly. If you or your spouse are still actively working and you have employer group health coverage, you may be able to delay some parts of Medicare without a late enrollment penalty. The rules depend on the type of coverage and employer, so it's important to review how your employer coverage works with Medicare before making a decision.
Insurance companies may compensate licensed agents and brokers for enrolling and servicing eligible plans. There is generally no additional cost to you for working with a broker like SureCare Insurance Services.
SureCare Insurance Services provides personalized Medicare guidance based on your individual needs, doctors, prescriptions, budget, and coverage preferences. As an independent insurance broker, Rochelle can help you understand and compare available plan options so you can make an informed decision.
Get personalized answers to your specific situation.
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MEDICARE RESOURCES
This is a solicitation of insurance. Agent is a licensed and certified representative of multiple Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug plans each with a Medicare contract. Enrollment depends on contract renewal. Contact may be made by an insurance agent or insurance company. Not affiliated with or endorsed by any government entity or agency. "We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent several organizations which offer many products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY: 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to get information on all your options." This is a proprietary website and is not associated, endorsed or authorized by the Social Security Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services or the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This site contains decision-support content and information about Medicare, services related to Medicare and services for people with Medicare. If you would like to find more information about the Medicare program please visit the Official U.S. Government Site for People with Medicare located at http://www.medicare.gov