FAQs

You can first enroll during the Initial Enrollment Period, which begins three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after your birth month. There are also Special Enrollment Periods for certain situations, as well as a General Enrollment Period between January 1 and March 31 each year.

If you have health coverage through your employer, you may not need to enroll in Part B right away. However, it's important to speak with your employer or benefits administrator to understand how your current coverage works with Medicare.

While Part A is usually free if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes while working, Part B does have a monthly premium. The cost can vary based on income. Parts C and D, if you choose them, may also have premiums.

Medigap is supplemental insurance sold by private companies to help cover some out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare.

Medicare does not cover most long-term care services, but it does cover certain skilled nursing facilities or home health care under specific conditions.

Prescription drug coverage is not included in Original Medicare (Part A & B). To get coverage, you can join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) or choose a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) that offers prescription coverage.

Medicare covers a wide range of preventive services, including flu shots, screenings for cancer, diabetes, and other chronic diseases, and an annual wellness visit.

Original Medicare generally doesn't cover health care while you're traveling outside the U.S. However, some Medicare Advantage Plans or Medigap policies might offer coverage while traveling.

If you disagree with a Medicare coverage or payment decision, you have the right to appeal. The process varies depending on the type of Medicare plan you have.