Medicare Frequently Asked Questions

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 years and older and certain younger individuals with disabilities. We have more information on the basics of Medicare as well as more specifics on how to choose the coverage that is right for you.

Learn more about the differences between Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage and which option is best for you. 

Medigap is Medicare supplement insurance that some individuals choose to buy to help cover out-of-pocket costs under Traditional Medicare–this includes costs such as copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. You cannot buy Medigap if you have a Medicare Advantage plan. The Medigap Open Enrollment period starts the first month you have Medicare Part B (and you are 65 or older) and lasts for 6 months. During this time, you can enroll in any Medigap policy, and you cannot be denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition. After this 6-month period, you may not be able to buy a Medigap policy, or it may cost more. Medigap is a one-time enrollment, it does not repeat every year, like the Medicare Open Enrollment Period.

There are 10 different types of Medigap plans offered in most states, which are named by letters (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N). There can be a big difference in the premiums that different insurance companies charge for the same coverage, so be sure to compare Medigap plans with the same letter! Learn more about Medigap.

Even if you are happy with your current Medicare plan, keep in mind that Medicare Advantage, Medigap and drug plans can make changes each year (things like cost, coverage, and what providers and pharmacies are in their networks) so it is always best to check which plan is best for you. This is especially important for the 2025 plan year as there are a number of changes in the Medicare program.

If you do not want or need to make changes to your plan, you will be automatically re-enrolled for the following plan year.

The Medicare Savings Program is designed to help individuals with low income cover the costs of Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. To qualify, you must have income and resources below a certain limit—these limits go up each year. Learn more about Medicare Savings Programs.

Medicare does have late enrollment penalties if you do not sign up when you are first eligible, at age 65. The penalties are different for each part of Medicare (Part A, Part B and Part D). Learn about the exceptions and what to do if you are turning 65 but like your current insurance!

Part A: If you or another qualifying person, such as a current or former spouse, paid Medicare taxes while working for a certain amount of time (typically 10 years), you do not have to pay a monthly premium for Part A.  If this does not apply to you, you have to buy Part A (called Premium Part A), and if you do not buy it when you are first eligible for Medicare, your monthly premium may go up 10%. You will have to pay this penalty for twice the number of years you did not sign up, so for example, if you enrolled in Premium Part A at age 67 (2 years after you were eligible), you would pay the penalty for 4 years.   

Part B: You will pay an extra 10% for each year you could have signed up for Part B but didn’t. Generally, you do not have to pay a Part B penalty if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Part D: You will pay an extra 1% for each month (12% a year) if you do not join a Medicare drug plan when you first become eligible or if you go 63 days or more without creditable drug coverage (meaning the coverage is at least as good as standard Part D coverage).

After your first chance to sign up (Initial Enrollment Period), there are certain situations when you can sign up for Part B and Premium Part A without paying a late enrollment penalty. Learn the specifics.

This will depend on how you receive your current insurance. Learn about your options  if you are in this situation. Do not get stuck having to pay a late enrollment penalty!

This Medicare tool can help you find out when you can sign up for Medicare.  

You can make changes to your Medicare Advantage and Medicare drug coverage when certain events happen in your life, such as moving or losing other coverage. What you are allowed to do and when varies for each circumstance. See if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

No! As of January 1, 2023, vaccines covered under Medicare Part D can be received at no cost to Part D enrollees. Examples of vaccines covered under Part D include, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, shingles vaccine, and the Tdap vaccine. Vaccines covered under Part B, such as vaccines for COVID-19, influenza, and pneumonia, are also offered at no cost.

Medicare Part B covers the rental of oxygen equipment and accessories as durable medical equipment (DME) that your doctor prescribes for use in your home. If you own your own equipment, Medicare will help pay for oxygen, contents and supplies for the delivery of oxygen if certain conditions are met. Typical Medicare costs will apply. Learn more about oxygen coverage.

Yes! For individuals living with moderate to very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and who receive a referral from their physician, Medicare Part B covers a comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation program. 

Yes! Medicare Part B covers lung cancer screenings with low dose computed tomography once each year if you meet certain conditions.