Frequently Asked Questions

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a 7-month window that begins 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65. For example, if your birthday is in July, your IEP runs from April through October.

If you miss your IEP, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty. Part B premiums increase by 10% for each full 6-month period you were eligible but didn't enroll. You can sign up during the General Enrollment Period (January 1 - March 31) each year.

Yes, if you (or your spouse) are still working and have employer health insurance through the employer, you can delay Part B enrollment without penalty. You'll need to sign up during a Special Enrollment Period after you or your spouse stops working.

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. During this time, you can make changes to your Medicare coverage, including switching from one plan to another, switching from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or enrolling in Part D.

You can enroll online at Medicare.gov, by calling Social Security at 1-800-MEDICARE, or by visiting your local Social Security office. We can also help you enroll during your free consultation.

In 2024, the standard Medicare Part B premium is $174.40 per month. However, higher-income beneficiaries pay more. If your modified adjusted gross income is above certain thresholds, you'll pay an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) on top of the standard premium.

In 2024, the Medicare Part B deductible is $240 per year. After you pay the deductible, you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for most doctor services and outpatient services.

If you don't sign up for Part D when you're first eligible and don't have other creditable prescription coverage, you'll pay a late enrollment penalty. This is 1% of the average Part D premium ($34.70 in 2024) multiplied by the number of full months you were eligible but didn't enroll. This penalty is added to your monthly premium and lasts as long as you have Part D.

If you don't sign up for Part A when you're first eligible and don't have enough work credits, you may face a late enrollment penalty. The penalty is 10% of the standard Part A premium ($278 in 2024) for each 6-month period you were eligible but didn't enroll. This penalty lasts for 12 months after you enroll in Part A.

Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care. Most people get Part A for free if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes.

Medicare Part B (medical insurance) covers doctor services, outpatient care, preventive services, and some home health care. Part B has a monthly premium and annual deductible.

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not include prescription drug coverage. You can add a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to your Original Medicare, or you can get drug coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan that includes Part D.

Original Medicare does not cover routine dental care, vision care, or hearing care. However, many Medicare Advantage plans include these benefits. You can also purchase separate dental and vision insurance policies.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative to Original Medicare that bundles Part A and Part B, often with extra benefits. Medigap (Medicare Supplement) helps pay for out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans have networks and may require referrals, while Medigap works with any Medicare-accepting provider.