Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Medicare and our services
Medicare Basics
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people 65 and older. It also covers certain younger people with disabilities and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
What are the different parts of Medicare?
Medicare has four parts: Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Medical Insurance), Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage). Each part covers different services and has different costs.
When can I enroll in Medicare?
Your Initial Enrollment Period is the 7-month window that starts 3 months before you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends 3 months after. You can also enroll during the General Enrollment Period (January 1 - March 31) or the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7).
Is there a penalty for late enrollment?
Yes. If you don't sign up for Part B when you're first eligible, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part B. The same applies to Part D. The penalty increases the longer you go without coverage.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
What is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans include Part A, Part B, and usually Part D coverage, and often offer extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing.
How is Medicare Advantage different from Original Medicare?
Unlike Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers and often include additional benefits. However, they typically require you to use a network of doctors and may need referrals for specialists. Costs, coverage, and rules vary by plan.
Can I switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare?
Yes. You can switch back to Original Medicare during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7) or during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 - March 31).
Medicare Supplements (Medigap)
What is a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan?
Medigap plans are sold by private companies and help pay some of the costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. They work alongside your Original Medicare coverage.
Can I have both a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medigap plan?
No. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, it's illegal for anyone to sell you a Medigap policy unless you're switching back to Original Medicare. Medigap only works with Original Medicare.
When is the best time to buy a Medigap policy?
The best time is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which is the 6-month period that starts the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B. During this time, you have a guaranteed right to buy any Medigap policy regardless of health conditions.
Costs & Coverage
How much does Medicare cost?
Most people don't pay a premium for Part A. The standard Part B premium for 2026 varies based on income. Part C and Part D premiums vary by plan. You may also have deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance depending on your coverage.
Does Medicare cover prescription drugs?
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) generally does not cover prescription drugs. You need a Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage to get prescription drug benefits.
Does Medicare cover dental, vision, and hearing?
Original Medicare generally does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing services. However, many Medicare Advantage plans include these benefits. You can also purchase standalone dental, vision, and hearing plans.
About CareQuotePro
Is CareQuotePro's service really free?
Yes, our service is completely free to you. We are compensated by insurance companies when you enroll in a plan through us. This does not affect your premium or the plans available to you.
How does CareQuotePro help me?
Our licensed agents help you compare Medicare plans available in your area, understand the differences between options, and enroll in the plan that best fits your needs and budget. We offer personalized guidance at no cost.
Is CareQuotePro affiliated with the government?
No. CareQuotePro is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. We are an independent insurance agency that helps consumers find Medicare coverage.
Still Have Questions?
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