Frequently-Asked Questions
about Changing Medicare Plans

Medicare is divided into four parts: Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Medical Insurance), Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage).

Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.

Medicare Part B covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are offered by private companies approved by Medicare. They include all benefits and services covered under Part A and Part B and usually include Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) as part of the plan.

Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage offered by private companies approved by Medicare.

A Medicare Supplement Plan, also known as Medigap, is additional health insurance that you buy from a private company to pay health care costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as co-payments, co-insurance, and deductibles.

Most people are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B when they turn 65. Others need to sign up through the Social Security Administration. You can apply online, by phone, or at a Social Security office.

Medicare Supplement plans work with Original Medicare to help cover costs; they do not provide stand-alone benefits. On the other hand, Medicare Advantage plans are an alternative to Original Medicare and often include additional benefits such as prescription drug coverage and dental care.

No, it’s illegal for someone to sell you a Medigap policy if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Your choice depends on your specific health needs, budget, and personal preferences. You might also want to consider the network of doctors and hospitals associated with the Medicare Advantage plan.

The cost of Medicare varies based on several factors, including the coverage level you choose, your location, and your income. Part A is typically free for those who’ve paid Medicare taxes for a certain amount of time, while Part B and Part D require monthly premiums.

Original Medicare does not typically cover prescription drugs. For that, you’d need to enroll in a separate Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage.

The “donut hole” refers to a coverage gap in some Medicare Prescription Drug Plans. You enter the donut hole once you and your plan have spent a certain amount of money for covered drugs. While in the donut hole, you pay more out-of-pocket for your prescriptions.

“Medicare Assignment” means that a healthcare provider agrees to accept the amount that Medicare pays as full payment for a service.

The Medicare Annual Enrollment period (also known as the Annual Election Period) occurs from October 15 to December 7 each year. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries can change their Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year.

If you miss your initial enrollment period when you first become eligible for Medicare, you can sign up during the General Enrollment Period between January 1 and March 31 each year, but you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty.

Medicare typically does not cover long-term care, like ongoing assistance with activities of daily living. However, it does cover medically necessary care provided in a skilled nursing facility.

Original Medicare does not generally cover routine vision, dental, or hearing services. However, some Medicare Advantage plans may offer these coverages.

Original Medicare generally does not cover health care services outside the U.S., with certain exceptions. However, some Medigap policies or Medicare Advantage plans may offer coverage for emergency care abroad.