Question 1

How do I start to enroll in Medicare?

Accepted Answer

If you are collecting monthly social security, it will happen automatically. If you are not
collecting, you can go to Medicare.gov or call your social security office. Ultimately, you are
seeking to obtain your Red, White, and Blue Medicare card with your specific Identification
Number.

Question 2

When can I start my enrollment process?

Accepted Answer

You are permitted to enroll 3 months before your birth month when turning 65. This is
considered your “initial enrollment period” (IEP). It lasts for 7 months altogether. 3 months
before your birth month, + the month your birthday is in + 3 months after your birth month. It is
important to start the process early in the 7-month period to avoid lapse coverage or late
enrollment penalties. Your coverage can start on the first day of your birth month if enrolled in
time.

Question 3

Can I change plan selection after I enroll?

Accepted Answer

This can be a long answer but “yes”. There are specific opportunities to reevaluate your
selection. Most importantly, this happens every year during the “Annual Enrollment Period”
(AEP) which is October 15 th to December 7 th . I can help you understand other options for the full
answer.

Question 4

Will my spouse and I have the same plan?

Accepted Answer

Medicare is an individual plan. You and your spouse could have the same carrier and plan
potentially, but that decision should be dependent on the health care needs for each of you.
You may find it beneficial to select different options.

Question 5

What is the “best” plan to have?

Accepted Answer

That is the reason you want to consider all your options available as you select your carrier and
plan within their options. I will provide you with several options after researching with your
specific health needs. You can then make an informed selection. You may also visit the
Medicare website for full information on all options available at any time.

Question 6

Why do some people I know have different coverages?

Accepted Answer

Medicare is regulated by Federal and State laws. National coverage is evaluated and decided
by Medicare regarding what is covered. Further, specific location impacts coverage by private

insurance companies related to what is available or covered. This is why detailed evaluation
should precede your decisions.

Question 7

What is Original Medicare coverage?

Accepted Answer

Original Medicare includes Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. Part A coverage is basically
your hospital coverage and Part B coverage is your medical coverage. There are deductibles
and limits within these plans.

Question 8

What is a Medicare Supplemental Policy?

Accepted Answer

This is a second layer of coverage that impacts your deductibles and coinsurance. They can be
selected with a specific monthly cost. You then must select a Part D plan for your prescription
drug needs or face a financial penalty.

Question 9

What if I am still covered under my employer’s coverage?

Accepted Answer

You should speak with your employer and discuss their specific options. You may elect to delay
enrollment in Part B coverage and save the monthly premium. However, you can face a
financial penalty without sufficient coverage at a later enrollment date. We can discuss those
details.

Question 10

What is a Medicare Advantage plan?

Accepted Answer

Commonly called Part C plans, these additional coverage plans are from private insurance
carriers. Within your Plan C options, you will find a variety of options that may add coverage for
extra benefits such as vision, hearing, and dental. You may also find differences in out-of-
pocket limits, deductibles, and copays… You should consider all medical needs as you look at
these plans.

It is also common for these Advantage plans to bundle coverage that includes prescription drug
coverage plans and could modify your Part A and B coverage details.

Question 11

What is known as Part D coverage?

Accepted Answer

Part D coverage is focused on prescription drugs. Here you will find lists of drug tiers and
formulary lists. Insurance carriers can have different drug lists which could impact your cost for
specific drugs. Careful review is important. Insurance carriers can also have various pharmacy
chains as preferred providers on their plans.

Question 12

Does a healthcare advisor charge for services?

Accepted Answer

No, healthcare advisors are not permitted by law to charge for their services. While they do get
paid, Medicare establishes a specific allowance for these commissions through the insurance
carrier. There is no direct cost to our clients.

Question 13

Why should I use a healthcare advisor?

Accepted Answer

Healthcare advisors are required to be licensed by each state in health insurance. Each carrier
also requires specific training on their health plans and options. By using an Independent
Health Insurance Broker, you get input from someone that has been licensed and then trained
with multiple insurance carriers to look at your health care needs.

We always will provide you with plan options for your needs and never attempt to focus you into
only the plans that we may not offer. If our research points to options we do not represent, we
will let you know about those options and never attempt to keep you from those selections.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions