Medicare FAQs
Q: What is Original Medicare?
A: Original Medicare is health insurance for:
- People 65 or older
- People under 65 with certain disabilities
- People of any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant)
Q: Where do I go to sign up for Original Medicare?
A: Online at SSA.gov or in person at a local Social Security office.
Q: What are the different parts of Original Medicare?
A: Part A (Hospital Insurance) helps cover:
• Inpatient care in hospitals
• Skilled nursing facility care
• Hospice care
• Home health care
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) helps cover:
• Services from doctors and other health care providers
• Outpatient care
• Home health care
• Durable medical equipment
• Some preventive services
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage):
• Includes all benefits and services covered under Part A and Part B
• Run by Medicare-approved private insurance companies
• Usually includes Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) as part of the plan
• May include extra benefits and services for an extra cost
Medicare Part D (Medicare prescription drug coverage):
• Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs
• Run by Medicare-approved private insurance companies
• May help lower your prescription drug costs and help pro.teet against higher costs in the future
Q: Does Original Medicare have dental plans and offer hearing aids:
A: No, but some Medicare Advantage Plans offer limited dental and hearing aid benefits.
Q: Do I have to go into the office for a consultation?
A: I normally do house calls and wearing a mask due to COVID.
Q: Does Original Medicare care cover me if I am in a nursing home?
A: Yes, for up to 100 days (AFTER a required three-day hospital stay).
Q: I'm turning 65 this year and I plan to retire. When am I eligible to enroll into Original Medicare?
A: Assuming you have met the work-related eligibility requirements, you may begin enrollment into Original Medicare 90 days in advance of the month you tum 65.
Q: Do I need to enroll in Part "A" and Part "B" of Original Medicare?
A: Part "A"' is typically in place, and a paid-up benefit when you turn 65. Part "B" is not, unless you have enrolled in Social Security prior to age 65. If you have not filed to receive Social Security benefits, then you need to proactively enroll in Part "B" benefits and begin paying for them.
Q: Can I just have "Original Medicare" A+B as my health insurance at retirement?
A: Yes. However, you will not have prescription coverage, and you will face unlimited exposure to those costs due to the gaps in Original Medicare.
Q: Can I keep all my same doctors when I'm on Original Medicare?
A: You usually can. It's important to be sure your doctor accepts Original Medicare; some don't.