Medicare Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

General Basics
Q: What is Medicare and who qualifies for it?
A: Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, and for younger people with
certain disabilities or end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Q: What’s the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?
A: Original Medicare = Part A (hospital) + Part B (medical). Medicare Advantage (Part C) = Private plan
that combines A & B, usually with drug coverage and extra benefits.

Q: When can I sign up for Medicare?
A: Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is the 7 months around your 65th birthday (3 before, the month
of, and 3 after).

Q: Do I need to enroll if I’m still working and have employer insurance?
A: If you have large employer coverage (20+ employees), you can delay Part B without penalty. If not,
you should enroll.

Q: What’s the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
A: Medicare = Federal program, based on age or disability. Medicaid = State & federal program, based
on income.

Costs
Q: How much does Medicare cost?
A: Part A: Usually free (if you paid Medicare taxes 10+ years). Part B: $174.70/month in 2024 for most.
Part C & D: Vary by plan.

Q: What is the Medicare Part B premium and how is it determined?
A: $174.70/month in 2024, higher if your income is above certain levels (IRMAA).

Q: What are deductibles, copays, and coinsurance?A: Deductible = What you pay first. Copay = Fixed amount per service. Coinsurance = Percentage you
pay after deductible.

Q: Does Medicare cover everything?
A: No. You’ll pay for deductibles, copays, coinsurance, drugs, dental, vision, hearing, and long-term
care unless you have extra coverage.

Q: Will I be penalized if I don’t sign up when eligible?
A: Yes. Late penalties apply for Part B and Part D if you don’t have other creditable coverage.

 

Coverage
Q: What does Original Medicare cover?
A: Part A = Hospital, skilled nursing, hospice, home health. Part B = Doctor visits, preventive care,
outpatient services, durable equipment.

Q: Does Medicare cover prescriptions?
A: Not under Original Medicare. You need Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage.

Q: Does Medicare cover dental, vision, or hearing?
A: Generally no. Some Medicare Advantage plans include these benefits.

Q: Will Medicare cover me outside the U.S.?
A: Usually no, except in very limited cases. Medigap Plan G, N, and others may include emergency
foreign travel coverage.

Q: Does Medicare cover long-term care or nursing homes?
A: No. Medicare only covers short-term skilled nursing or rehab—not custodial care.

Enrollment & Deadlines

Q: What is the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)?
A: A 7-month window around your 65th birthday.

Q: What if I miss my enrollment period?
A: You may have to wait until the General Enrollment Period (Jan–Mar) and may face late penalties.

Q: When is the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)?
A: Every year from Oct 15–Dec 7. You can change Medicare Advantage or Part D plans.

Q: What is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?
A: Jan 1–Mar 31. You can switch to another Advantage plan or back to Original Medicare.

Q: How do I switch from one plan to another?
A: Apply for the new plan during an enrollment period; the new coverage automatically replaces the old.

 

Supplemental Insurance (Medigap)

Q: What is Medigap and how does it work?
A: Medigap (Medicare Supplement) fills the cost gaps in Original Medicare—deductibles, coinsurance,
copays.

Q: What’s the difference between Plan G, Plan N, etc.?A: Each lettered plan covers different sets of gaps. Plan G is most popular (covers almost everything
except Part B deductible).

Q: Can I have both a Medigap plan and Medicare Advantage?
A: No. You must choose one or the other.

Q: When can I buy a Medigap policy without medical underwriting?
A: During your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (6 months starting when you’re 65 and enrolled in Part
B).

Q: Will Medigap cover services Medicare doesn’t?
A: No. It only covers Medicare’s cost gaps, not extras like dental or vision.

Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)
Q: Do I need Part D if I don’t take medications?
A: It’s wise to enroll—otherwise you may face a late penalty if you need it later.

Q: What happens if I don’t enroll in Part D on time?
A: You’ll pay a lifetime penalty added to your monthly premium.

Q: How do drug formularies work?
A: Each plan has a list of covered drugs (formulary), organized in tiers with different costs.

Q: What’s the coverage gap (“donut hole”)?
A: A temporary limit on what the plan pays for drugs after a spending threshold, though discounts now
reduce the burden.

Q: How do I apply for Extra Help with drug costs?
A: Through Social Security or your state Medicaid office.

Other Common Concerns
Q: Can my spouse and I share the same Medicare plan?
A: No. Medicare is individual coverage. Each person must enroll separately.

Q: Does Medicare cover home health care?
A: Yes, but only part-time skilled nursing or therapy—not full-time custodial care.

Q: How do I know if my doctor accepts Medicare?
A: Ask your doctor directly, or check the Medicare.gov Physician Finder.

Q: How do Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans differ?
A: HMO: Must use in-network providers (except emergencies). PPO: More flexibility, higher cost for
out-of-network.

Q: Will Medicare cover vaccines and preventive services?
A: Yes. Many vaccines (flu, COVID-19, shingles, pneumonia) and screenings (mammograms,
colonoscopies, diabetes checks) are covered.

Medicare Part D Premium and Part B Premium by Income – 2025

Medicare Part B and Part D premiums by income - 2019

The post below describes 2025 Medicare Part D premium and Part B premium based on income.


Medicare Part B Premium based on Income – 2025

The standard Part B premium amount in 2025 is $185.00. Most people will pay the standard Part B premium amount. If your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) as reported on your IRS tax return from 2 years ago (i.e., 2023) is above a certain amount, you’ll pay the standard premium amount and an Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). IRMAA is an extra charge added to your premium. Read more…

What are Medicare Changes in 2025?

What are Medicare Changes in 2019?

The post below describes 2025 Medicare changes for Premiums and Costs for Medicare Part A, Part B as well as for Part D.

Article Contents

Medicare Part A Cost 2025
Medicare Part B Premium and Cost 2025
Medicare Part D Cost 2025
Medicare Part D Premium 2025
US Government Sources

Medicare Part A and Part B Costs
Medicare Part A Cost 2025

Changes for Medicare Part A Cost in 2025 include:

  • Part A premium
    • For individuals with 40 or more quarters of Medicare-covered employment: $0 per month ($0 in 2024)
    • For individuals with 30-39 quarters of Medicare-covered employment: $285 per month ($278 in 2024)
    • For individuals with less than 30 quarters of Medicare-covered employment: $518 per month ($505 in 2024) Read more…

How to Apply for Medicare Online

How to Apply for Medicare Online

UPDATED Aug. 22, 2025. If you are within three months of age 65 or older, you can apply for Medicare online no matter whether you receive your Social Security benefits.

1. My Social Security Account

First, you will need to create my Social Security account or login into the existing one. (You may use the following link to create your account: https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount).

The following video will help you:

         How to create My Social Security Account

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1i5ZvVIERxE

2. Applying for Medicare

Read more…

Does Medicare cover Silver Sneakers?

Medicare Silver Sneakers

SilverSneakers® is a comprehensive program for seniors to participate in physical activities. It is probably the best-known fitness program. SilverSneakers® membership includes access to every participating gym and fitness center in the network at more than 16,000 locations. Does Medicare cover Silver Sneakers? Read more…