Medicare FAQ

1. When am I eligible for Medicare?

Once you have lived in the U.S. for at least 5 years and are over 65, you should sign up for Medicare when first eligible to avoid a coverage gap or penalties. Eligibility usually begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after. Some may qualify automatically. Visit Medicare.gov for more details.

2. When is Medicare Open Enrollment?

Open Enrollment coverage begins October 15th and ends December 7th.

3. What happens if I don’t pay my Medicare premiums?

Part A is free for most enrollees, but if you are unable to pay Part B or part D premiums, they can be automatically deducted from your social security check each month, or otherwise paid through automatic debt. If you are unable to make payments you will be at risk for losing coverage, but this won’t ever happen without warning. All part C and part D plans must have a grace period of at least 2 months, so you have some time to get your checkbook in order after an emergency.

4. How do I change my Medicare coverage?

A question like this requires a lot of follow-up questions. What plan do you have now? What plan would you like to have? What time of year is it? Since this question requires some more specific answers, a longer answer to this question can be found a medicareresources.org (https://www.medicareresources.org/medicare-eligibility-and-enrollment/how-do-i-change-my-medicare-coverage/).

5. Will my Medicare coverage accompany me if I move to another state?

Original Medicare is the same regardless of state. Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap or supplemental plans can be state-specific. Any state-specific plan will not follow you to your new home state.

6. How do I report a name change or address to Medicare?

To change your official address with Medicare, you have to contact Social Security, even if you don’t get Social Security benefits. Here are three ways you can do this:

Update your information in your my Social Security account using the My Profile Tab. (This is the fastest way to update your information)
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778.
Visit your local Social Security office. (You can get the address and directions from the Social Security Office Locator.)

Note: If your name has legally changed, you’ll likely need to fill out an Application for a Social Security Card - PDF, which you can return to your local field office or complete online. You’ll also need to provide proof of your identity. If you have questions, contact Social Security.

7. What's the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicare is federal health insurance for anyone age 65 and older, and some people under 65 with certain disabilities or conditions. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that gives health coverage to some people with limited income and resources.

8. Can I be enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid at the same time?

Yes! There are a number of instances where you can be covered under both. In such instances, Medicare is considered the primary insurer with Medicaid paying last.

9. Does Medicare cover ambulance services?

Emergency Ambulance Services
Medicaid covers Emergency Ambulance services when provided by providers licensed by the state. The patient must be transported in an appropriate vehicle that has been inspected and issued a permit by the state.

Medical Transportation or Non-Emergency Ambulance Services
Medicaid covers non-emergency ambulance services with a statement by a doctor that the service is required.

10. Does Medicaid cover dental care?

Federal law requires states to cover dental services for people with Medicaid under the age of 21. However, states can choose whether to provide benefits to people with Medicaid who are 21 and older.

11. Does Medicare offer hospice care?

Medicare covers almost every aspect of hospice care as long as the patient stays in a Medicare-approved facility. Medicare also covers respite care, which allows primary caretakers to rest during the 24/7 job of taking care of someone in their last days.

12. Where can I find a doctor who accepts Medicare and Medicaid?

96% of US doctors are registered to bill Original Medicare for medical services. So nearly all doctors will take Medicare insurance, with less than 10,000 providers opting out of almost 1 million doctors practicing in the United States. To find a doctor that accepts Medicare payments, you can visit Medicare.gov and use the Care Compare tool. You can search by street address, city, state, ZIP code, type of provider and doctor's name or the name of a practice or facility.To find a doctor that accepts Medicaid, you can contact your health plan or the Medicaid agency in your state.

13. How is Medicare funded?

Medicare is primarily paid for by payroll taxes paid by most employees, employers, and people who are self-employed (https://www.medicare.gov/about-us/how-is-medicare-funded)

14. How do I replace my Medicare Insurance Card if I lose it?

You can request a replacement red, white, and blue Medicare card online using your personal Social Security account. Social Security will mail your replacement card within about 30 days to the address they have on file. You can also print an official copy of your card from your secure Medicare account. The online forms can be found here.