Medicare FAQs

Many people confuse these two programs. Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older (or with certain disabilities), while Medicaid is state-run assistance for people with low income. Some people qualify for both.

Not always. If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare. If not, you’ll need to sign up yourself.

Missing your enrollment period can lead to permanent late penalties that increase your monthly costs. It’s important to enroll at the right time to avoid these fees.

It depends. If you (or your spouse) are still working and have employer coverage, you may be able to delay Medicare without penalty—but not always. The size of your employer and other factors matter.

No. Original Medicare (Parts A & B) covers about 80% of medical costs, but you’ll still have deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket expenses. Many people add Medigap or Medicare Advantage for more coverage.

Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare and bundles hospital, medical, and often drug coverage into one plan. Medigap is added onto Original Medicare to help pay for out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copays.

Not automatically. You need a separate Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage.

Costs depend on the plan you choose.

• Part A – Free for most people, but can be up to $506 per month if you haven’t worked enough years.
• Part B – $185 per month in 2025, plus 20% coinsurance for services.
• Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap plans – All have separate costs that vary by plan.

Original Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental, vision, or hearing care. Some Medicare Advantage plans do include these benefits, or you can buy separate coverage.

Working with one of our licensed Medicare advisors can help you compare plans and find the best coverage for your needs—at no cost to you.

Many people assume that Medicare is completely free, but that’s not the case. While most people get Part A (hospital insurance) for free, Part B, Part D, and additional coverage all come with monthly costs.

Medicare covers a lot, but not everything. Original Medicare does not cover dental, vision, hearing aids, or long-term care, and it only pays for about 80% of medical expenses. Many people choose Medicare Advantage or Medigap to help with these gaps.

Medicare has strict enrollment periods, and if you miss them, you could face lifelong penalties or gaps in coverage. It’s important to enroll on time based on your situation—whether you’re turning 65, retiring later, or qualifying due to disability.

These two options are completely different. Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative to Original Medicare, bundling hospital, medical, and often drug coverage into one plan. Medigap, on the other hand, is a supplement to Original Medicare that helps cover out-of-pocket costs.

While VA benefits do cover healthcare, they only work in VA facilities. If you need care outside of the VA system, you’ll likely need Medicare coverage. Many veterans enroll in Medicare as a backup plan.

Medicare is not like employer insurance—your coverage is individual. Your spouse must qualify separately based on their age or disability status. If one spouse is younger than 65, they won’t automatically be covered under Medicare.