Plain-English answers to common Medicare questions.
The questions our agents hear every week, grouped by topic. Don't see yours? Call us. We're happy to answer it.
Enrollment & dates
When can I first sign up for Medicare?
During your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period around your 65th birthday: the 3 months before your birthday month, the month itself, and the 3 months after. Some people qualify earlier because of a disability.
What is Annual Enrollment?
Each year from October 15 to December 7, you can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. Changes take effect January 1.
What is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?
From January 1 to March 31, if you're in a Medicare Advantage plan you can switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare, once.
What is a Special Enrollment Period?
Certain life events, like moving, losing other coverage, or qualifying for Extra Help, can let you change plans outside the usual windows.
Are there penalties for signing up late?
There can be. Part B and Part D both have late enrollment penalties if you delay without qualifying coverage. The penalty concept is simple: it's added to your premium, often for as long as you have that coverage.
Costs
What does Medicare cost?
Most people pay no premium for Part A and a monthly premium for Part B. Supplements, Part D plans, and some Medicare Advantage plans have their own premiums. Medicare updates its amounts each year; we'll give you current numbers on your call.
Does it cost anything to work with your agency?
No. Insurance companies pay our agency when you enroll. A plan costs the same whether you enroll through us or on your own.
Is there help if my income is limited?
Yes. Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid, and Extra Help can lower costs for people who qualify. We can explain how to apply.
Supplement vs. Advantage
What's the difference between a Supplement and Medicare Advantage?
A Supplement works with Original Medicare to help pay your share of costs and lets you see any provider who accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage replaces how you get your Parts A and B through a private plan, usually with a network. See the comparison.
Can I switch from Medicare Advantage to a Supplement later?
Often, but outside certain windows you may need to answer health questions to buy a Supplement, and you could be turned down in most states.
Can I have both a Supplement and Medicare Advantage?
No. A Supplement only works with Original Medicare.
Which is better?
Neither is best for everyone. It depends on your doctors, health, budget, and travel. That's what we help you figure out.
Prescriptions (Part D)
Do I need Part D?
If you don't have other creditable drug coverage, enrolling when you're first eligible helps you avoid a late penalty. Learn about Part D.
Can you check my drugs?
Yes. Send us your list and we'll compare the plans we represent for your medications and pharmacy.
Working with our agency
Which states are you licensed in?
Our agents are licensed in 35 states and growing. See the list.
Do you represent every plan?
No. We work with a select group of insurance companies, not every plan available in your area. See the Medicare disclaimer at the bottom of this page for how to get information on all of your options.
Will you keep calling me?
Only if you want us to. You can ask us to stop contacting you at any time.
Is my information safe?
We use your information only to help with your coverage, and we never sell it.
Have a question that's not here?
Book a free 15-minute call with a licensed agent on our team.