Medicare FAQS

You can get Medicare if you're still working and meet the Medicare eligibility requirements.  You become eligible for Medicare once you turn 65 years old if you're a  U.S. citizen or have been a permanent resident for the past 5 years. You  can also enroll in Medicare even if you're covered by an employer  medical plan.

When you get Medicare at age 65, that doesn’t include Medicare for your spouse. In this way, Medicare is not like employer group coverage. Your Medicare insurance doesn’t cover your spouse – no matter whether your spouse is 62, 65, or any age.

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies contracted by the federal government. Medicare Advantage, also referred to as Medicare Part C, covers the same healthcare services as Original Medicare, with the exception of hospice care. Many Medicare Advantage plans also include prescription drug coverage. In addition, many Medicare Advantage plans include coverage for vision, dental and hearing care. Health and wellness benefits like fitness programs may be offered, as well.

Medigap is Medicare Supplement Insurance that helps fill "gaps" in Original Medicare and is sold by private companies. Original Medicare pays for much, but not all, of the cost for covered health care services and supplies. A Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy can help pay some of the remaining health care costs, like co-payments, co-insurance and deductibles.

Medicare open enrollment refers to the period (October 15 through December 7) during which Medicare plan enrollees can reevaluate their coverage and make changes if they choose to do so.

During the open enrollment period, you can make changes to their Medicare coverage. If you’re enrolled in Medicare you can:
 

• Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage.
• Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another Advantage plan, or from one Prescription Drug Plan to another.
• If you didn’t enroll in a Medicare Part D plan when you were first eligible, you can do so during the general open enrollment, although a late enrollment penalty may apply.

The annual open enrollment does not apply to Medigap plans. You can switch Medigap plans anytime during the year. However, there may be qualifying standards.