Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare

Have you recently become eligible for Medicare? Or are you currently a beneficiary? With the abundance of available plan types and the pressure of choosing the right one, it can be easy to become overwhelmed. At Fidelis, we want you to feel confident in the plan you choose. We aim to provide you with the information and knowledge you need to understand the coverage you select. To help, we have put together a list of frequently asked questions about Medicare.

How can I switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage?

• If you are an Original Medicare beneficiary, you may wish to make changes to your current Medicare coverage. During the Annual Open Enrollment Period, you will be able to switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage. This period falls between October 15th and December 7th, with changes taking effect on January 1st.

Is Medicare free at age 65?

• The cost for Medicare varies depending on the years spent paying Medicare taxes or using Social Security, coverage type, and enrollment timeliness.

What is Medicare Part D?

• If you plan to enroll in a Medicare plan, you may be curious about how you can get help paying for prescription medications. Medicare Part D is Medicare’s dedicated prescription drug coverage. The Part D plan you enroll in will have its list of drugs that they will cover called a formulary. When enrolling, be sure to check this list with your Fidelis agent to ensure you get the best coverage for your needs.

How to choose the best Medicare plan for your needs?

• Remember that you are unique, so when choosing a Medicare plan to fit your needs best, remember to ask yourself the following questions:
  – How often do you visit the doctor?
  – Do you take prescription medications? How often?
  – Do you require special care for any significant health conditions?
  – What would you like coverage for? (Dental, Vision, Hearing, etc.)
  – Do you need help paying for Medicare?
  – In the last 12 months, what did you pay out of pocket for health care and prescription drugs?

What do Medicare Supplement Plans cover?

• Medicare Supplement plans (Medigap) are offered by private companies but are regulated by the federal government. They can help pay for some of the out-of-pocket costs that are not covered by Parts A & B.

Is Original Medicare free?

• The amount a beneficiary will pay for Medicare can depend on their tax history. Those who have been paying Medicare taxes for the required amount of time will pay less than those who haven’t paid Medicare taxes.

Remember that the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period ends on December 7th. If you have questions about Medicare or your current coverage, call Fidelis today to book a virtual, over-the-phone, or in-person appointment with one of our top-notch agents!