The questions we hear the most

What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older (or younger with certain disabilities) — you qualify no matter your income. Medicaid is a joint federal-and-state program for people with limited income and assets, available at any age. Some people, often called "dual eligible," qualify for both at once. We can help you figure out which programs you qualify for.

When can I enroll in Medicare, and what happens if I miss it?

Your Initial Enrollment Period is the 7 months around your 65th birthday. Miss it without other creditable coverage, and you can face a late enrollment penalty added to your premium for as long as you have Medicare. There's also a General Enrollment Period each January–March, and an Annual Enrollment Period every October 15 – December 7.

What do Medicare Part A, B, C, and D actually cover?

Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing, and hospice. Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive services. Part C — Medicare Advantage — bundles A and B (and usually D) into one private plan. Part D covers prescription drugs. Most people have Original Medicare plus a Part D or Advantage plan.

What's the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement (Medigap)?

Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare with a private plan, often $0/month, bundling in drug coverage and extras, but usually needs a network. Medigap works alongside Original Medicare to cover the gaps and lets you see any provider who accepts Medicare, nationwide. Neither is "better" — it depends on your doctors and budget.

How much does Medicare cost each month?

Part A is usually premium-free if you or a spouse paid Medicare taxes for 10+ years. Part B has a standard monthly premium, higher for higher incomes. From there, a Medicare Advantage plan can be $0/month, while a Supplement plan typically starts around $110–$200/month. We compare real numbers for your ZIP code, at no cost to you.

Can I qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid at the same time?

Yes — it's called dual eligibility, and it's more common than people think. If your income and assets are within your state's limits, Medicaid can pick up your Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. There are also Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) built for this, often with $0 premiums and added benefits.

Can I switch my Medicare plan every year, and when?

Yes. The Annual Enrollment Period runs every October 15 – December 7, with changes effective January 1. If you're in a Medicare Advantage plan, there's also an Open Enrollment Period each January 1 – March 31. We review your plan every year, even if you didn't ask us to.

Will I be penalized if I don't sign up for Medicare on time?

If you don't have other creditable coverage when you become eligible and you delay enrolling, Part B and Part D can both carry late enrollment penalties added permanently to your premium. The rules on what counts as creditable coverage get confusing, especially if you're still working — we'll walk through your timeline with you.

Does Medicare cover dental, vision, and hearing?

Original Medicare generally doesn't cover routine dental, vision, or hearing care. Many Medicare Advantage plans do include these as extra benefits, often at no added premium. With a Supplement plan, you can add a separate standalone dental or vision plan. We'll show you exactly what's included before you enroll.

How do I know which Medicare plan is right for me?

The right plan depends on your doctors, prescriptions, budget, and how often you travel — there's no single "best" plan for everyone. We compare 30+ carriers side by side against your situation, explain the trade-offs in plain language, and there's never any pressure to decide on the spot.