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FAQS
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WHAT IS MEDICARE?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides benefits to those 65 and older, as well as to some younger individuals with disabilities.

WHAT IS ORIGINAL MEDICARE?

Medicare is made up of two main parts: Part A and Part B

Part A covers hospital expenses.
Any impatient care falls under Medicare Part A coverage.

That includes:


  • Hospital stays (semi-private rooms) up to 60 days
  • Hospital meals
  • Nursing services
  • Intensive Care services
  • Drugs, medical supplies, and equipment used on the premises
  • Lab tests and x-rays taken while hospitalized
  • Surgery and recovery costs
  • Rehabilitation and therapy services
  • Part-time home nursing care

Medicare Part B is your general medical insurance for outpatient medical needs.

Including:


  • Doctor visits
  • Tests, screenings, and X-rays
  • Flu shots and other vaccinations
  • Necessary medical supplies
  • Outpatient mental health care
  • Medically necessary preventive care
WHAT IS MEDICARE PART D?

Original Medicare doesn’t cover prescription medications. For that, you can either get a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage, or a standalone Part D plan, which solely covers prescription drugs. 

WHAT IS MEDICARE PART C?

Medicare Advantage Plans (Medicare Part C) include everything covered under Parts A and B, and may include:


  • Routine dental care including cleanings, X-rays, and dentures
  • Routine vision care including contacts and glasses
  • Routine hearing care including hearing aids
  • Fitness benefits including exercise classes
  • Medical transportation
  • Over the Counter (OTC) benefits
  • Post hospitalization meal benefits 
IS IT MANDATORY TO SIGN UP FOR MEDICARE AT AGE 65?

It is mandatory to sign up for Medicare Part A if you are enrolled in Social Security. However, Medicare Parts B, C, and D are optional and you can delay enrollment if you already have health care coverage. Medicare is usually mandatory if you are a retiree who has a health plan provided by a former employer. If you’re a retiree whose former employer doesn’t offer retirement coverage, it is mandatory to sign up for Medicare unless you are one of the few people who pay premiums for Part A.

DO I NEED TO SIGN UP FOR MEDICARE AT AGE 65 IF I’M STILL WORKING?

If you are still working, whether or not you need to sign up for Medicare depends on the number of employees currently working for your employer. If you work for a company with less than 20 employees, then you will need to sign up for Medicare as soon as you’re eligible. Medicare is primary when you work for a small company, so you need both Parts A and B. If you work for a company with more than 20 employees, there are a few options available to you. You could choose to enroll in Part A and delay Part B. This is because you will still be using an employee group plan for coverage. You can delay signing up for Medicare until you lose that creditable coverage. However, you may not want to do this if your employer group health plan is less than stellar and causes you to pay a high premium. It may be beneficial in that case to have Medicare in addition to your group plan.

WHY SHOULD EVERYONE SIGN UP FOR MEDICARE PART A WHEN THEY TURN 65?

In most cases, Medicare Part A costs $0 per month. You are eligible for this if you have worked at least 40 quarters in the United States. It won’t cost you anything to add Part A at age 65. If you have an inpatient hospital stay, that Part A coverage may help to reduce the cost under your

group health plan.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I INCUR A LATE ENROLLMENT PENALTY?

A late fee will be tacked onto your Medicare monthly premium. The penalties stay enacted for as long as you continue to be enrolled in Medicare.

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