Medicare FAQ

Your initial enrollment period (IEP) is 7 months long.  It includes your 65th birthday month plus the 3 months before and the 3 months after.  Your IEP begins and ends one month earlier if you birthday is on the first of the month.

You can enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Medicare Part B in the following ways:

Online at www.socialsecurity.gov

By calling social security at 1 800 772-1213, Monday through Friday, from 7 am to 7 pm.

In person at your local social security office.  

Part A (Hospital Insurance):

Medicare Part A covered Medicare inpatient care, including care received while in a hospital, a skilled nursing facility and in limited circumstances at home.

Part B (Doctors Insurance):

Medicare Part B covers care and services that are medically necessary to treat your health condition.  This includes outpatient preventive services, ambulance services and durable medical equipment.

Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans): 

They coordinate Medicare covered services through a network of doctors and hospitals. Most Medicare Advantage plans include coverage for doctors, hospitals, prescription drugs, and additional benefits.

Part D (Prescription Drug Plans): 

Provide prescription drug coverage.

Both are offered by private insurance companies.Medicare Supplement plans help pay the “gap” between what original Medicare (Part A and B) pays and what you pay out of your pocket.   

Medicare Supplement plans provide more freedom to choose your doctor, however do not include prescription drug plans.

Medicare Advantage plans combine Part A and Part B and often prescription drug coverage.  Some plans may offer additional benefits like coverage for routine vision, hearing and dental care. 

Yes, but only for emergencies or urgent care.   Part A covers hospital care.   Part B covers ambulance and doctor services.

You may have co-pays and deductibles depending on the plan in which you are enrolled.  

Brokers are compensated by the insurance company if we find you a plan that fits your healthcare needs and enroll you. 

As as broker specializing in Medicare Advantage, Supplement and Prescription Drug Plans, I take the extra time to conduct an assessment of your needs, research the plans that accept your preferred doctors and have the extra benefits you need. Medicare can be complicated and I as your broker will guide you through the process of assisting you with signing up and explain your plan options. I enjoy meeting with my clients in person and offer personalized service.