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Nine things you should know about Medicare
It's important to research Medicare so you can decide how you want to receive your benefits. Here are nine things we think you should understand. Our friendly licensed sales agents are here to help you find the plan that’s right for your personal circumstances.
Enrolling in Medicare
Enrolling in Medicare
Enrolling due to age
Enrolling due to age
If you're new to Medicare, your initial enrollment period starts three months before your 65th birthday, continues during the month of your birthday, and ends three months after you turn 65. It’s important you understand the enrollment rules, as there can be penalties if you don’t enroll when you’re first eligible.
Enrolling due to a disability
Enrolling due to a disability
If you're under 65 and receive disability benefits from Social Security or benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board, you'll automatically get Medicare after your 24th consecutive month on these benefits.
Working beyond 65
Working beyond 65
If you're working beyond the age 65, you may delay Part B enrollment without penalty depending on you or your spouse's current employment insurance cover.
Doctors and drugs
Choosing your own doctor
Choosing your own doctor
Original Medicare and Medicare Supplement plans let you see any doctor who accepts Medicare patients. Medicare Advantage plans may only let you see doctors within their network, with some limited exceptions.
Referrals and specialists
Referrals and specialists
Original Medicare and Medicare Supplement plans let you see specialists (who accept Medicare patients) without a referral. Some Medicare Advantage plans insist you get a referral from your primary care doctor before you can see a specialist.
Prescription drugs
Prescription drugs
Most prescription drugs aren’t covered on Original Medicare, but you can enroll in a private stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan to help cover the costs. Alternatively, many Medicare Advantage plans often include prescription drugs as part of the coverage.
Pharmacies, penalties and travel
Pharmacy costs
Pharmacy costs
If you choose a plan that offers drug coverage, the price quoted may be based on using a particular pharmacy. Buying from other pharmacies may cost you more.
Late enrollment penalties
Late enrollment penalties
If you don't enroll in Part B or drug coverage when you first become eligible, you may incur late enrollment penalties. These penalties will be added to your monthly premium for your entire time on Medicare. The size of the penalty depends on how long you went without coverage.
Traveling with Medicare
Traveling with Medicare
Some plans only cover you within their service area, with certain exceptions. Others cover you in all states as long as you visit a doctor that accepts Medicare. You can even get emergency coverage when you travel abroad from some plans.
I wish I’d known this before I bought my plan…
Helpful things callers learn from our sales agents
It’s important that people review their plan each year – because premiums, coverage, and drug costs can change.
Andrew SivatjianV.P. of Medicare Sales & Licensed Agent
It’s always worth remembering that Medicare won’t pay for long term care, or care in a retirement community, nursing home or assisted living community.
Silvia BarreraSales Manager & Licensed Agent
Some callers are surprised by how much they could save if they switched to a new plan.
Mark LaemmertMedicare Site Leader & Licensed Agent