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 may 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 help work within your budget and while helping you get the most comprehensive coverage for your specific needs.5. What's the BEST plan?
There is no single "best" plan when it comes to Medicare. Because Medicare is completely individualized insurance, the right coverage must be tailored to fit your unique health status, lifestyle, and financial goals. What works well for your neighbor, your sister, or even your spouse might be ideal for their situation, but it could easily leave critical gaps in your own coverage. Whether you choose Original Medicare paired with a supplement plan or opt for an all-in-one Medicare Advantage plan depends on many factors including your current health needs, your lifestyle and travel habits, and your budget.
Whether you choose to partner with one of our licensed professionals as your resource or navigate the process on your own, we strongly encourage you to sit down with a local, licensed agent who can review all of your options and help you build a personalized strategy with confidence.1. When do I sign up?
Most people sign up during their initial enrollment period: a 7 month period which includes the 3 months before you turn 65, your birth month, and up to 3 months after. Anyone, of any age, 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.
If you plan to continue working past retirement age and have creditable coverage through an employer you may be able to delay enrolling in Medicare without a penalty. But depending on your benefits, this may not be the most cost effective option. Because every plan is structured differently, it's a great idea to sit down with a local agent to investigate the cost difference and figure out what makes the most financial sense for your situation.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 separate, stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) to cover your medications. However, if you choose an all-in-one Medicare Advantage Plan, you generally will have your Prescription Drug Plan (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. Contact us when you're ready to get started