Medicare
What is the Medicare Part B premium and why did mine change?
The Part B premium is the monthly bill for doctor coverage. It resets every January, and your income, a late penalty or a Social Security rule can make yours differ.
Medicare
What is the Medicare late enrollment penalty?
Two penalties, one for Part B and one for Part D. Both are added to your monthly premium and both last for life. Here is how each one is figured.
Medicare
What is the Medicare Initial Enrollment Period?
It is the seven month window around your 65th birthday. Sign up in the three months before your birthday month and your coverage starts with no gap.
Part D
What is Extra Help and do I qualify?
Extra Help lowers what you pay for Medicare drug coverage. Social Security sets the limits each year and decides who qualifies.
Part D
What is the Medicare donut hole?
The donut hole was a gap in the middle of the drug plan year. It is gone now, and a yearly limit on what you pay took its place.
Medicare
Do I have to sign up for Medicare at 65 if I am still working?
Usually no if your employer has 20 or more employees. If it has fewer than 20, you generally need Part B at 65, because Medicare pays first.
Medicare Advantage
Does my Medicare plan cover my medications next year?
Your plan mails an Annual Notice of Change every September. It lists what changes in January. Here are five things to check before you file it away.
Medicare
Medicare Annual Enrollment in South Texas: dates and rules
Annual Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, and anyone with Medicare can change plans. What to have ready if you live in Hidalgo, Cameron or Starr county.
Medicare Advantage
What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medigap?
Medigap and Medicare Advantage cover the same gap in opposite ways, and you can only hold one. Here is how to compare a full year of each.
Medicare Advantage
Do Medicare Advantage plans work when I travel out of state?
Emergency care travels with you anywhere in the United States. Routine care outside your plan's area usually does not. Here is what that means for trips.
Medicare Advantage
Does Medicare Advantage cover prescription drugs?
Most Advantage plans include drug coverage, but not all of them. Check the plan's drug list against your own medications before you enroll.
Medicare Advantage
Can I be denied a Medicare Advantage plan for pre-existing conditions?
No. A Medicare Advantage plan cannot turn you down or charge you more for your health. A Medigap policy is where health history counts.