Knowledge Center
4. How much does Medicare Cost?
As long as you have worked 40 quarters (10 years) and paid taxes, Part A is generally free. The Part B premium for 2026 is $202.90 for most people. If you make under a certain amount OR over a certain amount, these costs will vary. Your agent can give you specific guidelines. If you fall outside of the standard income limits, our agents are trained to help you apply for programs that will help lower your costs. There will also be additional premiums if you need to add services such as a stand alone Part D plan or additional ancillary plans - like Dental, Vision, Hearing, Hospital Indemnity. We can give you options to make sure you get the most comprehensive coverage for your specific needs.5. What's the BEST plan?
There is NO best plan. Medicare is INDIVIDUAL insurance, and your plan should be tailored to your specific needs. What works best for your neighbor, your sister, or even your spouse might be ideal for them, but it could leave gaps in your coverage. Whether you choose Original Medicare with a supplement, or a Medicare Advantage plan is highly dependent on your health, your lifestyle, and your budget. Whether you choose to use one of our agents as your resource or not - we will HIGHLY encourage you to find a LOCAL and LICENSED agent to sit down with and discuss your options.1. When do I sign up?
Most people sign up during their initial enrollment period: 3 months before you turn 65, your birth month, and up to 3 months after. (Rules can differ if you delay enrollment while still working past age 65.) Anyone who has been receiving social security disability for 24 consecutive months is automatically enrolled, regardless of age. Those who are diagnosed with certain medical conditions like ESRD or ALS are also qualified, regardless of age.2. What's the difference between Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap?
Original Medicare is the Federal Government's baseline health coverage for Hospital (Part A) and Doctor Visits (Part B) - It allows you to see any doctor that accepts Medicare, but there is no cap on spending and it doesn't cover prescription drugs or offer other benefits like dental, vision, or hearing. Medigap (also called Medicare Supplements) is a private insurance you can ADD to Original Medicare to "fill in the gaps" that are left and help reduce out of pocket costs. It also does not cover prescription drugs. Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an all-in-one private ALTERNATIVE to Original Medicare. They bundle your Hospital, Doctors, and usually Prescription Drug Coverage into a single plan. They do offer an annual spending cap and often include extras, like dental, vision and hearing.3. What about Prescription Drug Coverage?
If you choose Original Medicare or Original Medicare with a Medigap plan, you will usually need to add a stand alone Prescription Drug Plan (Part D). If you choose a Medicare Advantage Plan, you generally will have Part D bundled in. Either way you go, it's important to make sure you elect Part D coverage from the point of your initial enrollment or you may be liable to a Late Enrollment Penalty. Your agent can walk you through when you should or shouldn't elect this coverage.
Our Answers to the Top 5 most common Medicare Questions:
Your "Medicare Ready" Checklist
01
Make a list of your Doctors and Specialists
Network restrictions can vary by plan. Write down your primary care physician and any specialists you see regularly. This will help ensure they're in-network for any plans you may consider.
02
Inventory your Prescription Medications
Make a detailed list of your current prescriptions, including the dosages and how often you take them. This is crucial for finding a Part D or Medicare Advantage plan that covers your specific medications for the lowest cost.
03
Assess your Travel Habits
Do you split your time between two states, travel frequently, or plan to RV in retirement? Let us know! This heavily influences whether a Medicare Supplement or a network-based Medicare Advantage plan is right for you.
05
Write down your "must-have" Extras
Are routine dental care, vision exams, hearing aids, or a gym membership important to you?Many plans offer these perks, and there are standalone options as well. Knowing what you value most helps narrow down your options.
04
Review your Budget and Expected Medical Needs
Consider what you are comfortable paying for a montly premium versus what you can handle for out-of-pocket costs (like copays and deductibles) if you have an unexpected hospital stay.
Got your checklist ready?We'd love nothing more than to sit down with you and help with the details. Give us a call when you're ready to get started