Medicare Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Medicare?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for:

  • People aged 65 and older

  • Certain younger people with disabilities

  • People with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or ALS

2. What are the different parts of Medicare?

  • Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health services.

  • Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and some home health services.

  • Part C (Medicare Advantage): An alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurance companies; includes Parts A & B, often with added benefits like dental, vision, and prescription coverage.

  • Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Helps cover the cost of prescription medications.

3. When can I enroll in Medicare?

  • Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): 7-month window starting 3 months before the month you turn 65, including your birthday month, and ending 3 months after.

  • General Enrollment Period: January 1 – March 31 each year (coverage begins July 1).

  • Special Enrollment Periods: Available in certain circumstances, like losing employer coverage or moving to a new service area.

4. Do I have to pay for Medicare?

  • Part A: Usually premium-free if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.

  • Part B: Monthly premium (amount varies yearly).

  • Part C & D: Premiums vary by plan and provider.

5. What’s the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

  • Medicare: Federal program primarily for people 65+ or with qualifying disabilities.

  • Medicaid: State and federal program that provides health coverage to eligible low-income individuals and families. Some people qualify for both (“dual eligible”).

6. Can I have other insurance with Medicare?

Yes. You can have employer coverage, retiree insurance, VA benefits, or Medigap (Medicare Supplement) alongside Medicare — but how they coordinate depends on the coverage type.

7. What is a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan?

A Medigap policy helps pay costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. These are sold by private insurance companies.

8. What happens if I miss my enrollment period?

You may have to wait until the next enrollment period and could face late enrollment penalties — especially for Part B and Part D. If this is your case, please contact me - there might be a Special Enrollment Period available to you.

9. Does Medicare cover dental, vision, and hearing?

Original Medicare generally does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing services. Many Medicare Advantage plans include these benefits.

10. How can Sandlapper Insurance Group help me?

We guide you through:

  • Understanding your options

  • Comparing plans

  • Enrolling in coverage that fits your needs and budget

📞 Contact us today for a no-cost Medicare review.