Medicare Answers · Nationwide

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers to the most common Medicare questions — organized by topic and backed by a licensed advocate. Pick a category, then tap any question to read the answer.

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BasicsWhat is Medicare and how does it work?Read answer BasicsWhat are the different parts of Medicare?Read answer BasicsWhen am I eligible for Medicare?Read answer BasicsDo I need to enroll in Medicare if I’m still working?Read answer BasicsWhat is Medicare Part A?Read answer BasicsWhat is Medicare Part B?Read answer BasicsWhat is Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)?Read answer BasicsWhat is Medicare Part D?Read answer BasicsWhat is Medigap (Medicare Supplement)?Read answer BasicsDo I need a Part D drug plan?Read answer BasicsDoes Medicare cover dental, vision, or hearing?Read answer BasicsDifference between Medicare Advantage & Medigap?Read answer BasicsHow do Medicare Advantage plans work?Read answer EnrollmentWhat is the Initial Enrollment Period?Read answer EnrollmentWhat is the Annual Enrollment Period?Read answer EnrollmentWhat is Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment?Read answer EnrollmentWhat is a Special Enrollment Period?Read answer EnrollmentDoes Medicare have penalties?Read answer EnrollmentHow much does Medicare cost?Read answer EnrollmentWhat if I can’t afford Medicare?Read answer Costs & RulesDoes Medicare cover my doctor or hospital?Read answer Costs & RulesWhat is a Medicare network?Read answer Costs & RulesWhat is a formulary for Part D drug plans?Read answer Costs & RulesAre Medicare Advantage plans free?Read answer Costs & RulesWhy do Medicare Advantage plans have different copays?Read answer Costs & RulesDo all pharmacies charge the same price for medications?Read answer Costs & RulesWhat is the Medicare Part B late enrollment penalty?Read answer Costs & RulesWhat is the Part D late enrollment penalty?Read answer Costs & RulesHow do I avoid Medicare penalties?Read answer Costs & RulesDoes Medicare cover pre-existing conditions?Read answer Costs & RulesCan I change Medicare plans anytime?Read answer Costs & RulesCan I have Medicare and employer insurance at the same time?Read answer Costs & RulesHow do I know if my medications are covered?Read answer Costs & RulesWhat is Extra Help (LIS) for prescription costs?Read answer Costs & RulesWhat is a Dual Eligible plan (Medicare + Medicaid)?Read answer Costs & RulesWhat is the Medicare Savings Program?Read answer Costs & RulesWhat is the “Donut Hole” in Part D?Read answer Costs & RulesDoes Medicare cover cancer treatment?Read answer Costs & RulesDoes Medicare cover emergency care outside the U.S.?Read answer Costs & RulesCan I use Medicare anywhere in the country?Read answer CoverageHow do I get Medicare if I’m disabled?Read answer CoverageDoes Medicare cover home health care?Read answer CoverageDoes Medicare cover nursing homes or long-term care?Read answer CoverageDoes Medicare cover physical therapy?Read answer CoverageHow do Medicare copays and deductibles work?Read answer CoverageWhat is the Medicare Out-of-Pocket Maximum?Read answer CoverageAre Medicare Advantage plans required to cover everything Original Medicare covers?Read answer CoverageWhat does Medicare NOT cover?Read answer CoverageDoes Medicare cover routine checkups?Read answer CoverageDoes Medicare cover mental health services?Read answer CoverageDoes Medicare cover chiropractic care?Read answer CoverageDoes Medicare cover emergency ambulance services?Read answer CoverageDoes Medicare cover telehealth?Read answer Plans & DrugsHow do I enroll in Medicare for the first time?Read answer Plans & DrugsCan I enroll online without speaking to an agent?Read answer Plans & DrugsHow long does Medicare enrollment take?Read answer Plans & DrugsWhat documents do I need for Medicare enrollment?Read answer Plans & DrugsCan I switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare?Read answer Plans & DrugsCan I switch Medicare Supplement plans?Read answer Plans & DrugsHow often can I change my Part D drug plan?Read answer Plans & DrugsDoes Medicare cover durable medical equipment (DME)?Read answer Plans & DrugsDoes Medicare cover diabetes supplies?Read answer Plans & DrugsDoes Medicare cover kidney dialysis?Read answer Plans & DrugsDoes Medicare cover vaccines?Read answer Plans & DrugsDoes Medicare cover mammograms and cancer screenings?Read answer Plans & DrugsHow do Medicare referrals work?Read answer Plans & DrugsWhat happens if my doctor doesn’t accept Medicare?Read answer Plans & DrugsWhat happens if my Medicare Advantage plan changes?Read answer Plans & DrugsAre Medicare Advantage benefits guaranteed every year?Read answer Plans & DrugsHow do provider networks work with Medicare Advantage?Read answer Plans & DrugsWhat happens if my prescriptions change during the year?Read answer Plans & DrugsWhy do drug plans have different tiers and copays?Read answer Plans & DrugsWhat pharmacies are preferred in Part D plans?Read answer May River ToolsHow does May River Medicare help compare plans?Read answer May River ToolsHow does the May River Medicare quote tool work?Read answer May River ToolsWhy do you need my ZIP code for accurate quotes?Read answer May River ToolsHow do I book an appointment with a licensed Medicare agent?Read answer May River ToolsDo you have a mobile app for Medicare quotes?Read answer May River ToolsCan I enroll online through your website?Read answer May River ToolsHow do I start the Preliminary E-Application?Read answer BasicsWhat’s the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?Read answer BasicsCan I keep my own doctor?Read answer Costs & RulesWhat is IRMAA?Read answer Costs & RulesDoes my income affect my Medicare costs?Read answer CoverageDoes Medicare cover hearing aids?Read answer CoverageDoes Medicare cover eyeglasses?Read answer CoverageDoes Medicare cover routine foot care?Read answer Plans & DrugsCan I have both a Medigap plan and a Medicare Advantage plan?Read answer Plans & DrugsWhat is a Special Needs Plan (SNP)?Read answer EnrollmentWhat happens if I miss my Initial Enrollment Period?Read answer EnrollmentDo I have to take Medicare at 65 if I have employer coverage?Read answer May River ToolsDoes it cost anything to work with May River Medicare?Read answer May River ToolsIs May River Medicare licensed in my state?Read answer

×Basics

What is Medicare and how does it work?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65+ or under 65 with certain disabilities. It includes Parts A, B, C, and D, each covering different services.