Comprehensive Medical Coverage Guidance and Support
How do I apply for Medicare?
- You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office.
What is the earliest date I can sign up for Medicare?
- You can sign up 3 months before your 65th birthday.
Can I automatically be enrolled in Medicare?
- Yes, if you’re getting Social Security benefits, you’ll be enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B automatically.
Is there a penalty for late enrollment?
- Yes, if you don’t sign up when first eligible, you may pay higher premiums later.
Do I need to enroll in Medicare even if I am still working?
- Maybe, If your employer has 20+ employees, you may delay Part B. If not, you should enroll.
What is the difference between Medicare A, B, C, and D?
- Part A: Hospital Insurance
- Part B: Medical insurance (doctor visits, outpatient care)
- Part C: Medicare Advantage (private plans covering A, B, and often D)
- Part D: Prescription drug coverage
Do I have to apply for Social Security to get Medicare benefits?
- No, you can get Medicare without taking Social Security.
Will Medicare cover 100% of my healthcare expenses?
- No, you will still pay deductibles, co-pays, and coinsurance.
Are Medicare Premiums tax-deductible?
- Yes, if your medical expenses exceed a certain percentage of your income.
Do I need a separate prescription drug plan?
- Yes, if you don’t have Medicare Advantage with drug coverage.
Should I elect the same plan as my neighbor?
- No, choose a plan based on your own healthcare needs and budget.
Should I always carry my Medicare and insurance ID cards with me?
- Yes, Be sure to carry your Red, White & Blue Medicare ID card, Prescription ID card, and Medicare Supplement ID card with you always.
Can I visit any medical provider with Medicare and Medigap
- You can go to any medical provider that accepts Medicare Part A & Part B. Medigap plans will coordinate with these providers for covered services.
What does my Medigap plan cover?
- Medigap plans only cover what Medicare Part A & Part B allow and it pays only the amounts as specified by your selected plan.
Does Medicare or Medigap include dental, hearing, or vision coverage?
- Medicare Part A & B do not offer dental, hearing, or vision coverage; therefore, neither do Medigap plans.
How are medical bills processed with Medicare and Medigap?
- Your provider will first bill Medicare
- Medicare will pay them first
- Medicare will send the bill to your Medicare Supplement plan, which will pay second
- If you owe all or part of the deductible or a copay (Under Plan N), the provider will then bill you.
Are pre-existing conditions covered under Medigap?
- Yes, pre-existing conditions will be covered, provided you have had at least 63 days of continuous health insurance before your Medigap plan's effective date.
Why might I receive a notice stating Medicare is not my primary payer?
- Medicare’s claim system is updated quarterly. If your provider files a bill and the Medicare system has not yet been updated, you could receive an erroneous notice stating that Medicare is not the primary payer. If that happens, contact the Medicare Coordination of Benefits Department at (855) 798-2627 to update their system.
Does the annual Open Enrollment period apply to Medigap plans?
- The Medigap product has NOTHING to do with the annual Open Enrollment period, from October 15th to December 7th.
Will my Medigap plan renew automatically?
- Yes, your plan will automatically renew each year, provided you continue to pay the premium.
Can I change my Medigap plan or carrier during the year?
- Yes, you can change your Medigap Plan or carrier anytime during the year; however, that will require you to complete an extensive series of health-related questions, which will be reviewed and used as criteria for approval or denial of coverage.
Will my Medigap premium increase?
- Premium increases are carrier and plan-specific. You will be notified 30-60 days before any increase occurs.
Can you chose a monthly payment plan?
- Yes, you can choose to join a monthly payment plan. To sign up, you need to contact your Medicare Drug Insurance Company.
What is a Medicare Drug Plan monthly payment plan?
- The monthly payment plan allows you to pay your prescription costs directly to your Medicare Drug Insurance Company. If you join this plan, you won’t pay for medications at the pharmacy or by mail order anymore.
What is the Declaration of Prior Prescription Drug Coverage form, and why is it important?
- If you are over 65, you will get a form called the Declaration of Prior Prescription Drug Coverage. You must fill it out and return it to avoid extra charges.
Can I use my existing pharmacy for my perscriptions?
- If you use a retail pharmacy, it’s best to go to a participating pharmacy to save money.
How many medications does my plan cover?
- Your plan must cover at least two medications, you will be notified in writing.
Will I be notified if changes affect my medications?
- Yes, you will receive written notification if any changes to the Formulary List impact your medications.
What should I do if I move to a new address?
- If you move, you must update your address with Social Security, who will inform Medicare. You should also contact us because you might need to change your drug plan.
Can I change my Medicare Drug Plan or insurance company?
- You can switch your insurance company or plan during the open enrollment period in 2026, which runs from October 15 to December 7. We will email you in early October 2026 to discuss whether your current plan is still right for you.
Why Choose Us
Our team is here for you every step of the way. Comprehensive Medicare Advisors' hands-on, step-by-step approach to guiding you through the enrollment process sets us apart from other advising professionals. Rather than leaving our clients to solve insurance-related issues alone, we offer interactive support to solve any claim or billing problem.