Question 1

Who is eligible for Medicare?

Accepted Answer

Most people become eligible at age 65. You may also qualify earlier if you have certain disabilities, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or ALS.

Question 2

When does my Medicare eligibility begin?

Accepted Answer

Your Initial Enrollment Period begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after — a seven-month window.

Question 3

Do I need to be retired to enroll in Medicare?

Accepted Answer

No. You can enroll in Medicare at 65 regardless of employment status, though many people delay Part B if they have qualifying employer coverage.

Question 4

What does Medicare Part A cover?

Accepted Answer

Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and limited home health services.

Question 5

Do I pay for Part A?

Accepted Answer

Most people receive Part A premium-free if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters) of work.

Question 6

Should I enroll in Part A while still working?

Accepted Answer

If you have qualifying employer coverage, Part A is usually still beneficial since it's typically premium-free — but there are important exceptions involving HSAs.

Question 7

What does Medicare Part B cover?

Accepted Answer

Part B covers outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, lab work, durable medical equipment, and some home health services.

Question 8

What does Part B cost?

Accepted Answer

Most beneficiaries pay the standard monthly Part B premium, which is adjusted each year. Higher-income beneficiaries pay more under IRMAA.

Question 9

Can I delay Part B?

Accepted Answer

Yes — if you have qualifying employer or union coverage. Without qualifying coverage, delaying Part B can trigger a lifetime late-enrollment penalty.

Question 10

What is the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)?

Accepted Answer

The 7-month window around your 65th birthday — three months before, your birthday month, and three months after.

Question 11

What is the General Enrollment Period (GEP)?

Accepted Answer

January 1 – March 31 each year, for people who missed their IEP. Coverage begins the month after enrollment.

Question 12

What is a Special Enrollment Period (SEP)?

Accepted Answer

A window triggered by certain life events — like losing employer coverage — that lets you enroll without a late penalty.

Question 13

What is the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)?

Accepted Answer

October 15 – December 7 each year, when you can change Medicare Advantage and Part D coverage for the following year.

Question 14

Should I keep my employer coverage after 65?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the size of the employer and the structure of the plan. We'll review your options to compare cost, coverage, and provider access.

Question 15

What is creditable coverage?

Accepted Answer

Coverage that meets Medicare's minimum standards — typically large-employer group plans. Creditable coverage protects you from late-enrollment penalties.

Question 16

What if I have an HSA?

Accepted Answer

You cannot contribute to an HSA once enrolled in any part of Medicare. Coordinate carefully if you're delaying enrollment to keep HSA contributions.

Question 17

What is a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan?

Accepted Answer

A private insurance plan that pairs with Original Medicare to cover much of what Parts A and B leave behind, such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.

Question 18

Can I see any doctor with a Medigap plan?

Accepted Answer

Yes — any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare. There are no networks or referrals required.

Question 19

When is the best time to enroll in a Medigap plan?

Accepted Answer

Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period — the six months starting when you're 65 or older AND enrolled in Part B — offers the strongest enrollment protections.

Question 20

Do I need a Part D plan?

Accepted Answer

If you don't have other creditable drug coverage, enrolling in Part D when first eligible avoids a permanent late-enrollment penalty.

Question 21

How are Part D plans chosen?

Accepted Answer

We review your current medications, preferred pharmacies, and total annual cost — premium plus copays plus deductible — to find the best fit.

Question 22

What is the Part B late-enrollment penalty?

Accepted Answer

10% added to your Part B premium for every full 12-month period you were eligible but did not enroll, for as long as you have Part B.

Question 23

What is the Part D late-enrollment penalty?

Accepted Answer

1% of the national base premium for each month you went without creditable drug coverage after your IEP, added to your Part D premium permanently.

Question 24

Can I keep my doctor?

Accepted Answer

With Original Medicare + Medigap, any provider accepting Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans typically use defined networks — we'll verify your providers before you choose.

Question 25

What about coverage when I travel?

Accepted Answer

Medigap plans travel with you nationwide. Some plans also include limited foreign travel emergency coverage.

Medicare,
clearly explained.

Medicare Eligibility

Medicare Part A

Medicare Part B

Enrollment Periods

Employer Coverage

Medicare Supplement Plans

Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)

Late Enrollment Penalties

Provider Networks

Still have questions?

Medicare,clearly explained.