Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities or End-Stage Renal Disease. Most people qualify automatically if they’ve worked at least 10 years (40 quarters) and paid Medicare taxes.

You can enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which is a 7-month window starting 3 months before your 65th birthday, including your birthday month, and ending 3 months after. If you miss this period, you can enroll during General Enrollment (Jan 1–Mar 31) or if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) due to life events like retiring or losing employer coverage.

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) is managed by the federal government and lets you see any provider who accepts Medicare.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans bundle your hospital, medical, and often prescription coverage. Sometimes the even have added benefits like dental, vision, or fitness programs.

A Medigap plan helps pay some of the costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like deductibles and coinsurance. It’s optional, but many people choose it for predictable out-of-pocket costs and freedom to see any doctor that accepts Medicare nationwide.

AEP runs October 15 through December 7 each year. It’s the time when anyone with Medicare can review, switch, or add a plan for the upcoming year. New coverage begins January 1.

Even if you like your current plan, it’s smart to review it annually as plans and prescriptions can change.

If you have employer coverage through a company with 20 or more employees, you can usually delay Part B without a penalty.

When you retire or lose that coverage, you’ll get an 8-month Special Enrollment Period to sign up for Part B and avoid late fees.

Yes, Medicare covers prescription drugs through Part D (stand-alone plans) or most Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans. Each plan has its own list of covered medications (formulary), so it's important to compare options annually.

Most people don’t pay a premium for Part A, but Part B has a monthly premium set by the government. You’ll also have deductibles and coinsurance unless you have supplemental coverage.

Your total costs depend on the plan type and whether you add drug or supplemental coverage.

You always have to pay your Part B premiums, even if you go on an Advantage (Part C) Plan.

Each person qualifies for Medicare individually, but your spouse may qualify for premium-free Part A based on your work history.

If your parents or in-laws are 65+ or on disability, you can connect them with me. I’ll help them understand their options and find the best fit.

That’s exactly what I do! As a licensed Medicare advisor, I offer no-cost consultations to explain your options clearly.

Whether you’re turning 65, retiring, or just want to make sure your current plan still fits, I'm here.

You can schedule your Medicare Compass Review here: https://scheduler.zoom.us/niki-trentacosta