Medicare FAQs
Q: How is your service free?
A: Medicare carriers pay us commissions when you enroll. You don’t pay anything extra,
your plan cost is the same.
Q: How are you different from other brokers?
A: First thing I want you to know is I care, and that you matter. My word is my bond,
and you will be treated with the respect you deserve. Here you will receive personalized
service and the information you need to make the right decision for you.
Q: Can you help if I’m not in Texas?
A: Yes! While we’re based in Texas, we can help Medicare beneficiaries in multiple
other states.
Q: Do you have experience with UHC?
A: We’re certified with Aetna, Cigna, Devoted, Humana, UHC and Wellcare.
- When can I enroll in Medicare?
A: You can enroll during the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which starts 3 months before
you turn 65, includes your birth month, and continues for 3 months after.
If you miss that, you may enroll during the General Enrollment Period (Jan 1–Mar 31),
but late penalties may apply.
Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15–Dec 7) allows you to join, switch, or drop Medicare
Advantage or Part D plans for the upcoming year.
- What’s the difference between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare?
A: Original Medicare (Parts A & B) is managed by the federal government and
allows you to see any doctor who accepts Medicare. You usually need a separate
Part D plan for prescriptions and a Medigap policy for extra coverage.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is offered by private insurers. It bundles Part A, Part B,
usually Part D, and may include extras like dental, vision, hearing, and gym memberships.
You typically must use the plan’s network of doctors.
- Does Medicare cover dental, vision, and hearing?
A: Original Medicare does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing care.
To get coverage, you can: Enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes these benefits.
Purchase standalone plans or discount programs.
- What does Medicare cost?
A: Costs vary based on the parts you choose:
Part A: Free for most (if you or your spouse worked 10+ years); otherwise, up to $565/month (2025 figure).
Part B: Standard premium is $202.90/month in 2026 (may be higher based on income).
Part C (Advantage) & Part D (Drug Plans): Varies by plan.
Medigap (Supplement): Monthly premiums vary based on your age, location,
and the plan letter you choose.
- What if I’m still working at 65? Do I have to enroll?
A: If you’re still working and have credible employer coverage
(typically from a company with 20 or more employees), you may delay enrolling
in Part B (and Part D) without penalty.
Once your employer coverage ends, you’ll get a Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
to enroll penalty-free
- Can I change my Medicare plan if I’m unhappy with it?
A: Yes. You can make changes during:
Annual Enrollment (Oct 15–Dec 7) – switch, join, or drop plans.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (Jan 1–Mar 31) – switch MA plans or
go back to Original Medicare.
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) – triggered by life events (e.g., moving,
losing coverage).
Q: I’m turning 65 this year and I plan to retire. When am I eligible
to enroll into Medicare?
A: Assuming you have met the work-related eligibility requirements, you
may begin enrollment into Medicare 90 days in advance of the month
you turn 65.
Q: Can my dependent spouse be on my Medicare plan?
A: Medicare does not have spousal or dependent coverage.
Medicare is individual. If your spouse has reached age eligibility (65),
then they can enroll in Medicare of their own accord 90 days in advance
of the month they turn 65.
Q: Can I keep my employer coverage?
A: Maybe. If the employer group has 20 eligible employees or more,
and you’re going to continue to work, then yes it’s an option. But there
are many things to consider.
Q: Do I need to enroll in Part “A” and Part “B” of Medicare?
A: Part “A” is typically in place, and a paid-up benefit when you turn 65.
Part “B” is not, unless you have enrolled in Social Security prior to age 65.
If you have not filed to receive Social Security benefits, then you need to
proactively enroll in Part “B” benefits and begin paying for them.
Q: Can I just have “Original Medicre” A+B as my health insurance
at retirement?
A: Yes. However, you will not have prescription coverage, and you
will face unlimited exposure to those costs due to the gaps in
Original Medicare.
Q: Can I keep all my same doctors when I’m on Medicare?
A: You usually can. It’s important to be sure your doctor accepts
Medicare. Some don’t.
Q: Does Medicare cover me if I’m in a nursing home?
A: Yes, for up to 100 days, after a required three-day hospital stay.
Q: Does Medicare have dental plans?
A: No. But some Advantage plans offer limited dental coverage.
Q: I am entitled to retiree benefits. Does that mean I won’t need
Medicare?
A: No, a retiree plan will typically wrap around Medicare primary benefits.
Q: What is Part “D”?
A: Part “D” is the Prescription Drug plan Medicare introduced in 2006.
Q: What happens if I miss my designated enrollment window
into Medicare?
A: In addition to having a huge gap in coverage, you will likely face a
penalty from Medicare. A Part “B” penalty can be 10% of your Part “B”
premium for each 12-month period outside of Medicare, and up to 1%
of the national average of a Part “D” plan for each month absent Part “D”.
Q: What is a Part “C” plan?
A: Part “C” is another name for Medicare Advantage. Also named MA, MSA, or
MA-PD (when prescriptions are included).
Q: What is creditable coverage?
A: This is a Medicare term that establishes previous coverage being at least
as good as Medicare’s. Typically, is in play for Part “D” to avoid penalty.
Q: Should I have both a Medicare Advantage Plan and
a Medicare Supplement Plan?
A: No.