Frequently Asked Questions



FAQ

Top Questions


Should I sign up for Medicare Part A and B if I am still working?
Even if you keep working after you turn 65, you should sign up for Medicare Part A. If you have health coverage through ... (more)

Who is eligible for Medicare?
Generally, Medicare is available for people age 65 or older, younger people with disabilities and people with End Stage ... (more)

How do I apply for Medicare?
You can ... (more)

Can I delay Medicare Part B enrollment without paying higher premiums?
Yes. In certain cases, you can delay your Medicare Part B enrollment without having to pay higher premiums. If you didn’... (more)

What is a Medicare deductible?
A deductible is the amount you must pay each year before Medicare begins paying its portion of your medical bill. There ... (more)

I have more than one insurance. How do I know who pays first?
If any of the following situations apply to you, your other insurance may be primary to Medicare, meaning the other ... (more)

What is a Medicare Advantage plan?
A Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO) is another Medicare health plan choice you may have as part of Medicare. ... (more)

Should I sign up for Medicare Part B?
Most people sign up for and buy Medicare Part B. If you want to join a Medicare managed care plan or a Medicare Private ... (more)

What if I'm over 65 and didn't enroll in Part B during my Initial Enrollment Period?
Your Initial Enrollment Period starts 3 months before you turn age 65 and lasts for 7 months. Except in certain cases, i... (more)

Does Medicare cover dental services?
Medicare does not cover routine dental care or most dental procedures such as cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions or ... (more)

Will my Medicare Part B premium increase in 2011?
Most Medicare beneficiaries will continue to pay the same $96.40 or $110.50 Part B premium amount in 2011. Beneficiaries... (more)

Should I sign up for Medicare Part B if I am (or my spouse is) still working?
You may want to wait to sign up for Medicare Part B if you or your spouse are working and have health coverage through y... (more)

Do I have to pay for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)?
You will not have to pay for Medicare Part A if you (or your spouse) worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 year... (more)

Does Medicare pay for prescription drugs?
Generally, Original Medicare does not cover prescription drugs. However, Medicare does cover some drugs in certain cases... (more)

How can I hire and pay for a home health aide?
If you are eligible for home health care, the Original Medicare Plan will cover home health aide services on a part... (more)

What is Medicaid and who does it cover?
Medicaid is a joint Federal and State program that helps pay medical costs for some people with limited incomes and reso... (more)

I have employer group health insurance. Can I drop Part B and add it later?
If you are working and covered by your employer group health insurance, your Part B benefits may be of limited value to ... (more)

Why doesn’t Medicare pay for dental care, hearing aids, and eyeglasses?
Unfortunately, the Medicare program does not cover routine dental care, hearing aids or eyeglasses for they are statutor... (more)

Why is Social Security still taking money each month for Part B when I joined a Medicare Advantage plan?
Medicare Advantage plans provide care under contract to Medicare.  You must continue to pay the monthly Medicare Pa... (more)

What is a Medigap policy?
A Medigap policy is a health insurance policy sold by private companies to fill gaps in the Original Medicare Plan cover... (more)

Where can I find a list of all physicians that participate in Medicare?
A list of participating physicians in your area can be found in the ... (more)

Medicare Initial Enrollment Period
Generally, Medicare is available for people age 65 or older, some younger people with disabilities, and people with End-... (more)

I disagree with Medicare not paying for the ambulance. What should I do?
Medicare covers ambulance transportation when the condition of the patient at the time of transport is such that all oth... (more)

Medicare premiums and coinsurance rates for 2009
The following is a listing of the Medicare premium, deductible, and coinsurance rates that will be in effect in 2009:... (more)

What is Medicare?
Medicare is health insurance for people 65 years or older, under age 65 with certain disabilities, and an... (more)

Information for individuals who are the caregiver for aging family members or friends.
In the course of their caregiving responsibilities, approximately 25 million Americans will participate in health care d... (more)

Please explain how the Medicare Part B deductible is applied?
The Part B deductible is applied based on the date the claim is processed by Medicare, not the actual date you got the s... (more)

Are all people with Medicare eligible to get the “Welcome to Medicare” physical exam?
No. In order to be eligible to get the “Welcome to Medicare” physical exam, your Medicare Part B covera... (more)

Enrollment Periods for Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans
You can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan at these times: Initial Enr... (more)

Will my secondary insurance cover my deductible and/or 20% coinsurance?
It depends on the type of secondary insurance that you have purchased. Some plans may cover the Medicare deductible and... (more)

How can Medicaid help people with low incomes?
Medicaid is a joint Federal and State program that helps with medical costs for some people with low incomes and limited... (more)

What medical supplies and equipment does Medicare Part B cover?
Medicare Part B helps pay for durable medical equipment such as oxygen equipment, wheelchairs, walkers, and other medica... (more)

How long can I get home health services?
Medicare will pay for home health services for as long as you are eligible and your doctor says you need these services.... (more)

How do I submit a Medicare claim (bill)?
If you are in the Original Medicare Plan, providers (eg: hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, ph... (more)

Medicare Advantage plans can offer a Part B Premium reduction benefit. How does this benefit work?
Medicare Advantage plans may offer an additional benefit by reducing the amount you pay for your Medicare Part B premium... (more)

Does the Original Medicare Plan pay for care in a nursing home?
Usually, no. Most nursing home care is custodial care (help with bathing, dressing, using a bathroom, and eating.) Thi... (more)

How do I leave a Medicare Advantage plan?
Generally, if you join a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, you can only change plans from Nove... (more)

When do the Medicare premiums and coinsurance rates change?
New Medicare premium and coinsurance rates come out each fall and become effective in January. If you get Social Securit... (more)

I paid my doctor more than I owe, how do I get my money back?
If you paid your doctor more than the amount indicated on your Medicare Summary Notice as your responsibility, you shoul... (more)

Is the Medicare Part B deductible something new?
No. The Medicare Part B program has had an annual deductible since 1966. The 2008 Medicare Part B deductible is equal to... (more)

What if I do not have Medicare Part A -- should I sign up for Medicare Part B?
If you are not eligible for free Medicare Part A hospital insurance, you can buy Medicare Part B, without having to buy ... (more)

How do I get a new Medicare card if my card is lost, stolen, or damaged?
If your Medicare card is lost, stolen or damaged, you can ask for a new one via the ... (more)

How do I find out if I have Medicare Part A and B?
You must call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or contact your local Social Security Office to verif... (more)

Does the Original Medicare Plan cover mental health care?
Medicare Part A covers inpatient mental health care, including room, meals, nursing, and other related services and supp... (more)

Will my Medicare Part B premium increase in 2010?
Most Medicare beneficiaries will continue to pay the same $96.40 Part B premium amount in 2010. Beneficiaries who curren... (more)

Should my doctor submit claims to Medicare if it is my secondary insurance?
Yes, Medicare providers must submit claims (bills) to Medicare for you, whether Medicare is your primary or secondary in... (more)

Patient Survival: expected patient survival?
The expected patient survival is the average length of life of patients on dialysis given the patients' age, size, race,... (more)

I am a U.S. citizen living outside the country. How do I apply for Medicare?
You should contact the Foreign Service Post which is normally located at the American Embassy to enroll in Medicare.... (more)

When can I get Medicare if I am under age 65 and have Lou Gehrig's disease?
If you are under age 65 and have Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS), you get your Medicare benefits  the first month you ge... (more)

What were the Medicare premiums and coinsurance rates in 2002?
Part A: (Hospital Insurance) Premium Most people do not pay a monthly Part A premium because they or a spo... (more)