Medicare Questions, Answered

Yes. Licensed brokers are paid by the insurance carriers when you enroll. You pay nothing extra for our guidance, and your premiums cost the same as if you went direct.

Medigap works alongside Original Medicare to help pay deductibles and coinsurance, usually with higher premiums but broad doctor access. Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare with one private plan, often with low premiums but networks and copays. The right choice depends on your doctors, drugs, budget, and travel.

Your Initial Enrollment Period runs 7 months around your 65th birthday. Each fall, the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 to Dec 7) lets you change plans. Medicare Advantage members also get an Open Enrollment Period Jan 1 to Mar 31. Certain life events can open Special Enrollment Periods.

That’s exactly what we check before you enroll. We verify your doctors are in-network and your medications are on the plan’s formulary, so there are no surprises in January.

Part A is usually premium-free if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. Part B has a monthly premium and an annual deductible, set by the government each year. Medicare Advantage and Part D premiums vary by plan and area, and Medigap premiums depend on the plan, your age, and where you live. We’ll map your total costs before you enroll, so there are no surprises.

If you go 63 days or more without creditable prescription drug coverage after becoming eligible, Medicare adds 1% of the national base premium to your Part D premium for every month you were uncovered, and it’s permanent. That’s why we say: don’t skip Part D, even if you take no medications today.

During your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts when you’re 65 or older and enrolled in Part B, you have guaranteed issue rights: no health questions, no denials. After that window, in most states carriers can ask health questions and decline you. Timing matters, so talk to us early.

A deductible is what you pay first before coverage kicks in. A copay is a flat fee per visit or prescription. Coinsurance is a percentage of the bill you share with the plan. We’ll show you exactly how these stack up in any plan you’re considering.

Original Medicare generally doesn’t cover routine dental, vision, or hearing care. Many Medicare Advantage plans include some of these benefits, and standalone dental and vision plans exist too. We’ll factor them into your decision.

Moving can trigger a Special Enrollment Period, and your plan options and networks will change. Call us before you move if you can. We’ll get you set up in your new area without a coverage gap.