Medicare FAQ – Everything You Need to Know
Have questions about Medicare? You’re in the right place.
May River Medicare Insurance brings you clear answers, expert support, and advanced technology to simplify your Medicare journey—start to finish.
Medicare Basics
What is Medicare?
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and those with End-Stage Renal Disease.
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and those with End-Stage Renal Disease.
What are the parts of Medicare?
Part A (hospital), Part B (medical), Part C (Advantage), and Part D (prescription drugs). Most people add a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) to help cover out-of-pocket costs.
Part A (hospital), Part B (medical), Part C (Advantage), and Part D (prescription drugs). Most people add a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) to help cover out-of-pocket costs.
When does Medicare start?
Usually at age 65. Your Initial Enrollment Period is the 3 months before, the month of, and 3 months after your 65th birthday.
Usually at age 65. Your Initial Enrollment Period is the 3 months before, the month of, and 3 months after your 65th birthday.
Enrollment & Eligibility
How do I enroll in Medicare?
Most people are enrolled automatically if they’re collecting Social Security at 65. If not, enroll online at ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up, or call us for free guidance.
Most people are enrolled automatically if they’re collecting Social Security at 65. If not, enroll online at ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up, or call us for free guidance.
Can I delay Medicare?
Yes, if you have employer coverage (and the employer has 20+ employees). Delaying without qualifying coverage could mean lifetime penalties.
Yes, if you have employer coverage (and the employer has 20+ employees). Delaying without qualifying coverage could mean lifetime penalties.
Can I change my Medicare plan?
Yes. Each year during Open Enrollment (Oct 15–Dec 7) you can switch, drop, or add plans. Special circumstances also allow for changes.
Yes. Each year during Open Enrollment (Oct 15–Dec 7) you can switch, drop, or add plans. Special circumstances also allow for changes.
What documents do I need?
Social Security number, birth certificate, and information about current coverage. We’ll help you gather what’s needed.
Social Security number, birth certificate, and information about current coverage. We’ll help you gather what’s needed.
Medicare Plans & Coverage
What’s the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?
Original Medicare = Parts A & B, pay as you go, see any doctor nationwide. Medicare Advantage = private plans that bundle A & B (often D), may have extra benefits and local networks.
Original Medicare = Parts A & B, pay as you go, see any doctor nationwide. Medicare Advantage = private plans that bundle A & B (often D), may have extra benefits and local networks.
What does Original Medicare cover?
Hospital (Part A), doctor/outpatient (Part B), limited home health, and hospice. Doesn’t cover routine dental/vision/hearing or most prescription drugs.
Hospital (Part A), doctor/outpatient (Part B), limited home health, and hospice. Doesn’t cover routine dental/vision/hearing or most prescription drugs.
Can I see any doctor?
With Original Medicare/Supplement: any provider that accepts Medicare. With Medicare Advantage: you may have to use in-network providers for best coverage.
With Original Medicare/Supplement: any provider that accepts Medicare. With Medicare Advantage: you may have to use in-network providers for best coverage.
Can I have both Medicare and employer coverage?
Yes, but which pays first depends on your employer size and other factors. Ask our advisors before making changes.
Yes, but which pays first depends on your employer size and other factors. Ask our advisors before making changes.
Costs & Premiums
Is Medicare free?
Most people pay $0 for Part A if they worked and paid Medicare taxes at least 10 years. Part B and other plans have monthly premiums.
Most people pay $0 for Part A if they worked and paid Medicare taxes at least 10 years. Part B and other plans have monthly premiums.
What does Part B cost?
In 2024, most pay $174.70/month, but it can be higher based on income. There are also deductibles and coinsurance.
In 2024, most pay $174.70/month, but it can be higher based on income. There are also deductibles and coinsurance.
Are there financial help programs?
Yes. Programs like Extra Help, Medicaid, and Medicare Savings Programs can lower costs. We’ll check your eligibility for you.
Yes. Programs like Extra Help, Medicaid, and Medicare Savings Programs can lower costs. We’ll check your eligibility for you.
How do I avoid late penalties?
Enroll when first eligible or maintain employer coverage. Ask our advisors before you delay!
Enroll when first eligible or maintain employer coverage. Ask our advisors before you delay!
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
What is Medigap?
Medigap (Supplement) plans help pay deductibles, copays, and coinsurance that Original Medicare doesn’t cover.
Medigap (Supplement) plans help pay deductibles, copays, and coinsurance that Original Medicare doesn’t cover.
Do I need a Supplement if I have Medicare?
Not required, but highly recommended to limit out-of-pocket costs. Plans vary in coverage and price.
Not required, but highly recommended to limit out-of-pocket costs. Plans vary in coverage and price.
What’s the best Medigap plan?
Plan G and Plan N are the most popular for new enrollees. Our advisors compare every option for your situation.
Plan G and Plan N are the most popular for new enrollees. Our advisors compare every option for your situation.
Can I be denied Supplement coverage?
During your Medigap Open Enrollment, you cannot be denied. After, you may have to answer health questions.
During your Medigap Open Enrollment, you cannot be denied. After, you may have to answer health questions.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
What is Medicare Advantage?
Private plans that include all Part A and B benefits, often with extras like dental, vision, fitness, and drug coverage.
Private plans that include all Part A and B benefits, often with extras like dental, vision, fitness, and drug coverage.
Are Advantage plans cheaper?
Many have $0 or low premiums, but you’ll pay copays as you use care. Out-of-pocket maximums limit what you pay each year.
Many have $0 or low premiums, but you’ll pay copays as you use care. Out-of-pocket maximums limit what you pay each year.
Can I switch from Advantage to Original Medicare?
Yes, during Open Enrollment or with qualifying events. Let us help you make a smooth transition.
Yes, during Open Enrollment or with qualifying events. Let us help you make a smooth transition.
Are all doctors covered?
No. Advantage plans have network restrictions—ask us to check your doctors before enrolling.
No. Advantage plans have network restrictions—ask us to check your doctors before enrolling.
Prescription, Dental & Vision Coverage
Does Medicare cover prescriptions?
Not under Original Medicare. You need Part D (standalone) or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage.
Not under Original Medicare. You need Part D (standalone) or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage.
Can I add drug coverage later?
Yes, but enrolling late may mean lifetime penalties. Add coverage when first eligible or with a qualifying event.
Yes, but enrolling late may mean lifetime penalties. Add coverage when first eligible or with a qualifying event.
Does Medicare cover dental or vision?
Original Medicare does NOT cover routine dental, vision, or hearing. Some Advantage plans include these benefits, or you can buy a separate policy. Ask us for quotes.
Original Medicare does NOT cover routine dental, vision, or hearing. Some Advantage plans include these benefits, or you can buy a separate policy. Ask us for quotes.
What if I have specific drug needs?
Our team runs a custom search for your prescriptions—so you never overpay or miss coverage.
Our team runs a custom search for your prescriptions—so you never overpay or miss coverage.
Why May River Medicare?
What makes May River Medicare different?
We’re local experts with nationwide reach, 30+ carriers, and the only agency offering a fully automated mobile app for iPhone and Android. Real people, real support, 100% free.
We’re local experts with nationwide reach, 30+ carriers, and the only agency offering a fully automated mobile app for iPhone and Android. Real people, real support, 100% free.
How does May River Medicare help?
We compare every plan, check your doctors/drugs, enroll you online or by phone, and provide ongoing support for billing, claims, and appeals.
We compare every plan, check your doctors/drugs, enroll you online or by phone, and provide ongoing support for billing, claims, and appeals.
Is there a fee for your services?
Never! Our advice and support are always free to you—we work for you, not the insurance companies.
Never! Our advice and support are always free to you—we work for you, not the insurance companies.
Can you help outside South Carolina?
Yes! We’re based in Bluffton/Hilton Head but serve every U.S. state and have licensed advisors ready to help wherever you live.
Yes! We’re based in Bluffton/Hilton Head but serve every U.S. state and have licensed advisors ready to help wherever you live.
Digital Automation & Mobile App
Experience Next-Level Medicare Service
May River Medicare Insurance is the ONLY agency in the area with a fully approved mobile app on iPhone and Android—offering instant plan comparisons, quotes, self-enrollment, secure uploads, digital reminders, and automated updates.
Manage your coverage 24/7, get help by text, phone, or video, and access real experts—wherever you are.
May River Medicare Insurance is the ONLY agency in the area with a fully approved mobile app on iPhone and Android—offering instant plan comparisons, quotes, self-enrollment, secure uploads, digital reminders, and automated updates.
Manage your coverage 24/7, get help by text, phone, or video, and access real experts—wherever you are.
Service, Support & Claims
Can you help with billing or claims?
Yes! We handle tough billing questions, appeal denials, and resolve issues with your carrier—year-round.
Yes! We handle tough billing questions, appeal denials, and resolve issues with your carrier—year-round.
What support is available after enrollment?
You’ll get access to our digital tools, text/email updates, annual plan reviews, and live expert support for any Medicare need.
You’ll get access to our digital tools, text/email updates, annual plan reviews, and live expert support for any Medicare need.
How do I get started?
Call, book online, or download the May River Medicare app—no cost, no obligation, no sales pressure.
Call, book online, or download the May River Medicare app—no cost, no obligation, no sales pressure.