Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible for Medicare?
Answer:
As long as you are 65 years of age or older, or under the age of 65 with certain disabilities or illnesses, you are eligible for Medicare.
When is the best time to enroll?
Answer:
If you are not automatically enrolled, it is best that you do so during the 7-month window surrounding your 65th birthday. This is known as the Initial Enrollment Period. After this 7-month period, you will still be eligible to enroll in Medicare, but there is a chance you will have to wait for a special/general enrollment period to sign-up.
Am I automatically enrolled in Medicare when I turn 65?
Answer:
It depends. While some people (including individuals who have retired early, have Social Security disability, or have Railroad Retirement benefits) may be automatically enrolled in Medicare, the same is not true for everyone. Because of this, it is best to directly contact Social Security to ask about your own individual enrollment. It is best to do this before you turn 65 so that you can avoid any lapse in health coverage.
I will be going away on an overseas trip and I have another trip planned for a cruise. Will Medicare cover me in the event that I need emergency care while I'm away?
Answer:
It is unlikely. Medicare generally only covers individuals that are physically located with the 50 states, District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories. Medicare Part A may have some exceptions to this, but you would need to speak to a licensed professional to find out what those are and how they pertain to your particular situation. In general, Medicare will not provide coverage for services rendered six hours or more away from a U.S. port.
How do I pay for Medicare?
Answer:
If you are already receiving Social Security when you enroll in Medicare, the premium for Part B will be automatically deducted from the Social Security check you receive each month. If you do not receive Social Security, you will be mailed a bill each quarter for your Medicare premiums. The bill will indicate many different payment options and you just choose the one that is most convenient for you.
If I have a pre-existing condition, will I be turned down for Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap)?
Answer:
It depends upon what the condition is and when you apply. Again, if you enroll within six months of turning 65, you cannot be turned down, regardless of any pre-existing condition. If you wait until that time period is over, you will have to wait another six months if you have a pre-existing condition. During this time, you might be turned down if you have a pre-existing condition.
I am 65 but still working and have insurance through my employer. Should I still enroll in Medicare?
Answer:
It depends. Having insurance through an employer (or a spouse's employer) and Medicare can result in changes to both plans (and not necessarily for the better). It is best to speak to the employer's plan provider and ask how your coverage will change if you enroll in Medicare.
I have quite a few medical expenses. Will Original Medicare cover all of them?
Answer:
Unfortunately, this is unlikely. Original Medicare (Part A) will require you to pay for some deductibles, as well as co-insurance payments, while Part B requires that premiums be paid by you. In your case, Medicare Supplemental Insurance should seriously be considered. This can cover all of your medical expenses, as well as deductibles and co-insurance payments.
Is there a certain timeframe in which I can enroll in a Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap) policy?
Answer:
You can enroll in this program at any time, but you may find certain times easier. For the first six months after you turn 65, you cannot be turned down for Medicare Supplemental Insurance. After that six month period, you can still enroll but you might be required to wait another six months for a pre-existing condition waiting period.
I have often heard people refer to Medicare as an "entitlement program." Is it?
Answer:
Definitely not. People pay into Medicare during their entire time of employment, and it is these individuals that most often receive Medicare. Even when the cost of coverage or services provided is more than the premiums that have been paid, many who pay into Medicare do not ever use it, leaving a lot of extra funding for those that truly need it.
I would like to enroll in a Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap) plan. How do I do it?
Answer:
These policies are available through private insurance companies. To find the one that is best for you, we recommend that you use tools such as the Medicare Supplemental Insurance comparison service. This is the only way to find the best provider for you.