Common Questions
Q: I’m turning 65 this year and planning to retire. When am I eligible to enroll in Medicare? A: If you meet the work-related eligibility requirements, you can begin enrollment in Medicare up to 90 days before the month you turn 65.
Q: Can my dependent spouse be covered under my Medicare plan? A: Medicare does not provide spousal or dependent coverage. It is an individual program. If your spouse has reached the eligibility age (65), they can enroll in Medicare on their own, starting 90 days before the month they turn 65.
Q: Can I keep my employer's health coverage? A: It may be possible. If your employer has 20 or more eligible employees and you plan to continue working, you may retain your employer coverage. However, there are several factors to consider when making this decision.
Q: Do I need to enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B? A: Medicare Part A is typically automatic and is available to you when you turn 65, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. However, Part B is not automatic unless you have enrolled in Social Security benefits before age 65. If you have not already filed for Social Security, you will need to proactively enroll in Part B and begin paying the associated premiums.
Q: Can I rely solely on Original Medicare (Parts A and B) as my health insurance after retirement? A: Yes, you can. However, Original Medicare does not include prescription drug coverage, and it leaves you exposed to potentially high out-of-pocket costs due to gaps in coverage.
Q: Can I keep all of my same doctors when I’m on Medicare? A: In most cases, you can. However, it is important to confirm that your doctors accept Medicare, as some providers may not.
Q: Does Medicare cover me if I’m in a nursing home? A: Medicare will cover up to 100 days in a skilled nursing facility, provided you have had a three-day qualifying hospital stay before admission.
Q: Does Medicare cover dental care? A: Medicare does not provide dental coverage. However, some Medicare Advantage plans may offer limited dental benefits.
Q: What happens if I miss my Medicare enrollment window? A: Missing your enrollment window can result in significant coverage gaps and potential penalties. The penalty for delaying Part B enrollment is typically 10% of your premium for each 12-month period you were eligible but did not enroll. For Part D, the penalty can be up to 1% of the national average premium for each month you go without coverage.
Q: If I am entitled to retiree benefits, do I still need Medicare? A: Yes, you will typically need to enroll in Medicare, as retiree benefits generally work in coordination with Medicare’s primary coverage.
Q: What is a Medicare Part C plan? A: Medicare Part C is also known as Medicare Advantage. It is an alternative to Original Medicare and may include additional benefits such as prescription drug coverage (Part D). Part C plans are often referred to as MA, MSA, or MA-PD if they include prescription drugs.
Q: Where can I sign up for Medicare? A: You can sign up for Medicare online at SSA.gov or in person at your local Social Security office.
Q: What is creditable coverage? A: Creditworthy coverage refers to previous health insurance that is at least as comprehensive as Medicare. This is often relevant when it comes to avoiding penalties for Part D (Prescription Drug) coverage.
Q: Should I have both a Medicare Advantage Plan and a Medicare Supplement Plan? A: No, you cannot have both a Medicare Advantage Plan and a Medicare Supplement Plan. These plans serve similar purposes, and you should choose one or the other based on your needs.
Q: What is Medicare Part D? A: Part D is Medicare's Prescription Drug Coverage plan, introduced in 2006. It helps cover the cost of prescription medications.