MEDICARE FAQS • EXPERTISE MADE SIMPLE
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10 questions · Plain-language answers
01
For most people, the first enrollment window lasts seven months: three months before the month you turn 65, your birthday month, and three months after.
Some people are enrolled automatically; others need to sign up through Social Security. Your coverage start date depends on when you enroll. Current employer coverage can affect your timing, so check your situation before delaying Medicare.
Source: Medicare.gov · Enrollment timing ↗02
You may be able to delay Part B if you have group health coverage through your or your spouse’s current employment. Employer size and which coverage pays first matter.
COBRA and retiree coverage generally do not protect your Part B enrollment timing the same way. The employment-based Part B Special Enrollment Period generally ends eight months after employment or coverage ends, whichever happens first. Ask your benefits administrator how coverage coordinates with Medicare before delaying enrollment.
Source: Medicare.gov · Job-based coverage ↗03
Parts A and B make up Original Medicare. Part C is Medicare Advantage, and Part D is prescription drug coverage.
04
Medicare Advantage replaces how you receive Original Medicare benefits. Medicare Supplement, or Medigap, helps pay certain costs alongside Original Medicare.
Advantage plans often include drug coverage and use provider networks. Medigap helps with covered deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance; prescription coverage is generally separate. You cannot use Medigap to pay Medicare Advantage costs. Compare total costs, doctor access, and coverage rules—not just the monthly premium.
Source: Medicare.gov · How Medigap works ↗ Explore Medicare coverage options →05
The standard Part B premium is $202.90 per month in 2026, and the annual Part B deductible is $283. Some people pay more based on income.
Most people qualify for premium-free Part A, but deductibles and other cost sharing still apply. Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap costs vary by plan and location. A $0-premium Advantage plan does not mean all care is free; you generally still pay your Part B premium. Compare estimated annual costs as well as premiums.
Source: Medicare.gov · 2026 costs ↗06
Consider drug coverage even if you do not take medications now. Waiting can leave you exposed to future prescription costs and a late enrollment penalty.
After your initial enrollment period, going 63 consecutive days or more without Part D or other creditable drug coverage may trigger a penalty when you enroll later. Creditable coverage is expected to pay at least as much as Medicare drug coverage. Ask your current insurer whether your coverage qualifies, and keep its written notice.
Source: Medicare.gov · Creditable drug coverage ↗07
It depends on the plan. Check each doctor, hospital, medication, and pharmacy before enrolling.
Original Medicare generally lets you use providers who take Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans may have network rules. For prescriptions, review the plan’s covered-drug list, dosage, pharmacy pricing, and any authorization requirements. Confirm doctor participation with both the provider and the plan.
Source: Medicare.gov · Compare coverage options ↗08
Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15–December 7 each year. Changes generally take effect January 1.
If you already have Medicare Advantage, January 1–March 31 generally allows one change to another Advantage plan or a return to Original Medicare with the option to add Part D. Certain events, such as moving or losing coverage, may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period. Medigap has separate enrollment and underwriting rules; changing plans does not automatically guarantee access to a Medigap policy.
Source: Medicare.gov · Joining and changing plans ↗09
Original Medicare generally does not cover routine dental care, routine eye exams for glasses, or hearing aids. Some medically necessary services are covered.
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer additional dental, vision, or hearing benefits. The services, networks, limits, and out-of-pocket costs vary. Review the specific plan’s benefits rather than assuming all routine care is included.
Source: Medicare.gov · Coverage differences ↗10
Yes. You can explore available Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans online, with personal guidance when you want it.
Medicare Moss’s enrollment portal lets you review available options and submit an enrollment request when you are eligible. Have your Medicare number, coverage dates, doctors, and medication list ready. Signing up for Original Medicare Parts A and B is a separate process, generally handled through Social Security. Stacey can help you understand the next step.
Source: Medicare.gov · Original Medicare sign-up ↗Try a shorter search, choose another topic, or ask Stacey below.
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Information checked against Medicare.gov · October 2026
Plan availability, benefits, costs, and enrollment eligibility vary. See the source links for details.
