How can I leave a Medicare Health Plan?
You can leave a Medicare Advantage plan during specific enrollment periods, not at any time during the year. The primary opportunity is the Annual Election Period from October 15 through December 7, when you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare with or without a Part D prescription drug […]
Can You Be Denied Supplemental Insurance for Medicare?
Yes, you can be denied Medicare Supplement Insurance, but it depends on when you apply. During your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins when you first enroll in Medicare Part B at age 65 or older, insurance companies cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health status. This is your […]
What’s the difference between Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Supplement Plans?
Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans work completely differently. Medicare Advantage plans replace your Original Medicare, meaning you receive all Medicare benefits through one private insurance plan that includes Parts A, B, and usually D prescription coverage. These plans typically have networks of doctors and hospitals you must use, often feature low or zero monthly […]
When is Medicare secondary to my insurance?
The Medicare brochure titled “Medicare & Other Health Benefits: Your Guide to Who Pays First” describes this in detail. In summary, if you have Medicare and other health insurance (like from a group health plan, retiree coverage, or Medicaid), each type of coverage is called a “payer.” When there’s more than one payer, “coordination of […]
I’m a Veteran and have Veterans’ benefits. Can I get Medicare?
If you have (or can get) both Medicare and Veterans’ benefits, you can get treatment under either program. Generally, Medicare and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can’t pay for the same service or items. Medicare pays for Medicare-covered services or items. The VA pays for VA-authorized services or items. Each time you get […]
Do you sign us up for Medicare, or do we do that?
You can sign up for a Medicare plan yourself; however, there are some excellent reasons not to do this. We can sign you up to help you avoid the following issues. Medicare is confusing. One mistake can lead to substantial lifetime penalties or even the inability to get coverage. Choosing the wrong plan can leave […]
Do Medicare Quotes Vary from Agency to Agency
Medicare quotes do not vary from agency to agency for the same plan from the same insurance company. Plan premiums and benefits are standardized by CMS, so a Plan G from Company X will cost exactly the same whether you purchase it through Agency A or Agency B. The price is set by the insurance […]
Must I enroll in Medicare at age 65?
No, you are not required to enroll in Medicare when you turn 65. However, delaying enrollment may affect your benefits and costs depending on your situation. Medicare has two main parts to consider. Part A covers inpatient hospital services, and Part B covers outpatient services like doctor visits and medical tests. Medicare Part A is […]
What do Medicare prescription drug plans in my area cost?
Medicare prescription drug plan costs vary significantly by location and plan type. In 2026, Part D standalone plans typically range from $0 to $80 monthly premiums, with most plans averaging $30 to $50 per month. Annual deductibles can reach up to $590, though many plans offer lower or zero deductibles. Copayments vary widely, from $0 […]
Which Medicare plan covers prescription medications?
Medicare prescription drug coverage, officially called Part D, is available through two main options. First, you can enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan that works alongside Original Medicare, some Medicare Cost Plans, Private Fee-for-Service plans, and Medical Savings Account plans. You must have Medicare Part A or Part B to join […]