10 Common Medicare Questions

Here are some common questions people ask about Medicare:

1. What is Medicare and who is eligible for it?
   Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
2. What does Medicare cover?
   Medicare covers a wide range of medical services, including hospitalization, doctor visits, preventive care, prescription drugs, and more.
3. What are the different parts of Medicare?
   There are four parts of Medicare: Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance), Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D (prescription drug coverage).
4. How much does Medicare cost?
   Most people do not pay a premium for Part A, but there are premiums for Part B, Part C, and Part D. The cost of Medicare depends on several factors, including income and the specific plan you choose.
5. When should I enroll in Medicare?
   You can enroll in Medicare during the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which is a seven-month period that starts three months before your 65th birthday. If you miss your IEP, you may have to pay a penalty.
6. Can I change my Medicare plan?
   Yes, you can change your Medicare plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which is from October 15 to December 7 each year.
7. Does Medicare cover long-term care?
   Medicare does not cover most long-term care services, such as nursing home care. However, it does cover short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility for medically necessary services.
8. What is Medicare Advantage?
   Medicare Advantage is a type of Medicare plan offered by private insurance companies that provides all of the benefits of Parts A and B, and often includes additional benefits like prescription drug coverage, vision and dental care, and fitness programs.
9. What is the Medicare Part D “donut hole”?
   The Part D “donut hole” is a temporary limit on what Medicare Part D plans will cover for prescription drugs. Once you reach the coverage gap, you may have to pay more out-of-pocket for your prescriptions until you reach the catastrophic coverage limit.
10. What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
    Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides healthcare coverage for people with low income and limited resources.