Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is Original Medicare?
Original Medicare includes Part A (Hospital Insurance) and/or Part B (Medical Insurance) and is available through the federal government. You have your choice of doctors, hospitals, and other providers that accept Medicare.
2) How much does Medicare Part A cost?
Medicare Part A is often called premium-free because you usually don't pay a monthly premium for it if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes while working.
3) How much does Medicare Part B cost?
Most people who are turning 65 in 2017 will pay the standard monthly premium amount of $134.00.
4) Does everyone need Medicare Part B?
Yes. However, if you or your spouse are still working for a company with 20 or more employees and you have health coverage through that employer or union, you may defer enrolling into Medicare Part B until your Special Enrollment Period.
5) What is a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan?
Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B provide good health care coverage but there are deductibles, co-payments, and coinsurance amounts left for you to pay. Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans are designed to help pay for some or, in some cases, all of the deductibles, co-payments, and coinsurance amounts that Medicare leaves you to pay.
6) What is Medicare Part D?
Medicare Part D is the Medicare Prescription Drug program and is designed to help pay for covered outpatient prescription drugs. Although Medicare designed the plan, consumers have many Medicare Part D plan choices. Visit www.Medicare.gov to view the plans available in your State of residence.
7) What is a Medicare Advantage Plan, also known as Medicare Part C?
Medicare Advantage Plans include BOTH Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) and, in many cases, may even include Medicare Part D, the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. Medicare Advantage Plans are run by private insurance companies who are approved by Medicare to provide you with Medicare Part A, Part B, and sometimes, Part D coverage. You usually need to use a network of providers, like a PPO or an HMO network. You may pay a monthly premium, in addition to your Medicare Part B premium, and a co-payment or coinsurance for covered services. Costs, extra coverage like dental and vision, and rules vary by plan. If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan you cannot also have a Medicare Supplement Plan. Check with www.Medicare.gov to view the Medicare Advantage Plans available in your county of residence.
8) How do I get my Medicare card?
If you are already receiving benefits from Social Security, you will receive your Medicare card in the mail automatically three months before your 65th birthday. You will be enrolled in Medicare Part A and B and your coverage will be effective the first day of the month in which you turn 65. If you're turning 65 soon but not receiving Social Security benefits, you'll need to sign up for Medicare through Social Security and you may do so up to three months before your 65th birthday, coverage will be effective the first day of the month in which you turn 65.
Note: For those people who have a birthday on the first day of the month, and they enroll in Medicare during the three month period before their birthday, their Medicare coverage will be effective one month early.