General Medicare FAQ's

GENERAL MEDICARE FAQ’S

Can I Change My Medicare Plan?

Open Enrollment occurs every year from October 15th to December 7th. During Open Enrollment, anyone with a Medicare plan can change their prescription drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan for any reason.

If I Choose to Have the Monthly Premiums Taken Out of My Social Security Check, When Will That Happen?

It usually takes a few months for Social Security to update your check. Once it is updated, they will take out all months going back to your effective date of your plan. So, there is no need to pay any bill if you receive an invoice from the insurance company.

Can I Be Enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid at the Same Time?

Some people do qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, and in those instances, most of the enrollee’s health care costs are covered. People who are eligible for Medicaid and Medicare are known as dual eligible.

What is the Difference Between a Medicare Advantage Plan and a Medicare Supplement Plan?

Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are an alternative to Original Medicare. If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you're still in the Medicare program. However, you'll get your Medicare benefits through your Medicare Advantage plan, instead of through Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans must provide the same level of coverage as Original Medicare, with the exception of hospice care (which is covered by Part A). Medicare Advantage plans also may provide coverage that Original Medicare doesn’t, such as routine vision and/or dental, health wellness programs, and a prescription drug plan. You will receive one card that you use for all hospital, doctor visits and prescription drugs.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans work with Original Medicare, Part A and Part B, and help pay for certain costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover. These plans don't provide stand-alone coverage; you need to remain enrolled in Part A and Part B for your hospital and medical coverage. If you need prescription drug coverage, you have to buy a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, not a Medicare Supplement plan. When you buy a Medicare Supplement plan, you are still enrolled in Original Medicare, Part A and Part B. Medicare pays for your health-care bills primarily, while the Supplemental plan pays certain cost-sharing expenses required by Medicare, such as copayments or deductibles. Keep in mind that Medicare Supplement plans can only be used to pay for Original Medicare costs; they can't be used with Medicare Advantage plans.