Question 1

What is Medicare Part A?

Accepted Answer

Hospital insurance.

Question 2

Is Part A free?

Accepted Answer

Many beneficiaries qualify for premium-free Part A based on their work history.

Question 3

What does Part A cover?

Accepted Answer

Hospital stays, skilled nursing care, hospice, and certain home health services.

Question 4

Does Part A cover long-term care?

Accepted Answer

Generally, no.

Question 5

Does Part A cover nursing homes indefinitely?

Accepted Answer

No — coverage is limited and subject to Medicare's rules on qualifying stays.

Question 6

What is Medicare Part B?

Accepted Answer

Medical insurance coverage.

Question 7

What does Part B cover?

Accepted Answer

Doctor visits, specialists, preventive care, outpatient services, and medical equipment.

Question 8

Does Part B have a premium?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for almost everyone.

Question 9

Can I decline Part B?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but doing so without understanding the consequences can create problems later, including a permanent late-enrollment penalty.

Question 10

What is the Part B Late Enrollment Penalty?

Accepted Answer

A penalty that can increase your Part B premium if you delay enrollment without qualifying coverage.

Question 11

What is Medicare Advantage?

Accepted Answer

An alternative way to receive your Medicare benefits, delivered through a private insurance company.

Question 12

Is Medicare Advantage the same as Part C?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

Question 13

Do Medicare Advantage plans replace Medicare?

Accepted Answer

No — you still have Medicare, but your benefits are administered through a private company.

Question 14

Do Medicare Advantage plans include prescription coverage?

Accepted Answer

Many do.

Question 15

Are Medicare Advantage plans free?

Accepted Answer

Some have $0 premiums, but other healthcare costs may still apply.

Question 16

What is an HMO?

Accepted Answer

A plan that generally requires you to use providers within its network.

Question 17

What is a PPO?

Accepted Answer

A plan that generally gives you more flexibility in which providers you can see.

Question 18

Can I use any doctor with Medicare Advantage?

Accepted Answer

Not always — network rules often apply.

Question 19

Do Medicare Advantage plans cover emergencies?

Accepted Answer

Yes, emergency care is generally covered regardless of network.

Question 20

What is a Maximum Out-of-Pocket (MOOP)?

Accepted Answer

A cap on certain healthcare expenses you'd pay during a plan year.

Question 21

What is a Medicare Supplement plan?

Accepted Answer

Coverage that helps pay certain costs Original Medicare doesn't fully cover.

Question 22

What is Medigap?

Accepted Answer

Another name for Medicare Supplement insurance.

Question 23

Does a Medicare Supplement replace Medicare?

Accepted Answer

No — it works alongside Medicare, not instead of it.

Question 24

Do Medicare Supplements include drug coverage?

Accepted Answer

Generally, no — you'd need a separate Part D plan.

Question 25

Can I keep my doctors with a Medicare Supplement?

Accepted Answer

Generally, yes, as long as they accept Medicare.

Question 26

What is Plan G?

Accepted Answer

One of the most popular Medicare Supplement plans.

Question 27

Are Medicare Supplements standardized?

Accepted Answer

Yes — benefits are standardized by plan letter, no matter which company sells them.

Question 28

Can I be denied a Medicare Supplement?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes, depending on your enrollment timing and underwriting rules.

Question 29

What is Guaranteed Issue?

Accepted Answer

A right to get certain Medicare Supplement coverage without medical underwriting, available in specific situations.

Question 30

Which is better — Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement?

Accepted Answer

It depends entirely on your situation — your doctors, your medications, and how you want to budget for care.

Question 31

What is Medicare Part D?

Accepted Answer

Prescription drug coverage.

Question 32

Do I need Part D if I don't take medications?

Accepted Answer

Possibly — delaying coverage without a qualifying reason can still create a future penalty.

Question 33

What is a formulary?

Accepted Answer

A plan's list of covered medications.

Question 34

What is a drug tier?

Accepted Answer

A category that affects how much a medication costs you.

Question 35

What is a preferred pharmacy?

Accepted Answer

A pharmacy that may offer lower costs under your specific plan.

Question 36

What is prior authorization?

Accepted Answer

Approval that's required before certain medications or services are covered.

Question 37

What is step therapy?

Accepted Answer

A rule requiring you to try a lower-cost medication before a higher-cost one is approved.

Question 38

What is a quantity limit?

Accepted Answer

A restriction on how much of a medication is covered within a given period.

Question 39

What is the Part D Late Enrollment Penalty?

Accepted Answer

A penalty that can increase your prescription coverage costs if you go without creditable coverage and enroll later.

Question 40

What is "creditable" prescription coverage?

Accepted Answer

Coverage expected to pay at least as much as Medicare's standard drug benefit.

Question 41

Is Medicare free?

Accepted Answer

No — though many people pay no premium for Part A.

Question 42

What is a premium?

Accepted Answer

A monthly cost you pay to keep your coverage active.

Question 43

What is a deductible?

Accepted Answer

An amount you pay before insurance starts sharing costs with you.

Question 44

What is a copay?

Accepted Answer

A fixed amount you pay for a specific service.

Question 45

What is coinsurance?

Accepted Answer

A percentage of a healthcare cost that you're responsible for.

Question 46

Why do costs vary so much between plans?

Accepted Answer

Different plans structure premiums, deductibles, and copays differently.

Question 47

Should I compare total costs, not just the premium?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely — the lowest premium isn't always the lowest overall cost.

Question 48

Are lower premiums always better?

Accepted Answer

No — a low premium can come with higher costs elsewhere.

Question 49

Do healthcare costs change over time?

Accepted Answer

Yes, typically every year.

Question 50

Should I budget for healthcare costs in retirement?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Medicare provides real protection, but it isn't free.

Question 51

What is Medicaid?

Accepted Answer

A program that helps eligible individuals with limited income and resources.

Question 52

Can I have both Medicare and Medicaid?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

Question 53

What is a "dual eligible" beneficiary?

Accepted Answer

Someone who qualifies for both Medicare and Medicaid.

Question 54

What is Extra Help?

Accepted Answer

A program that helps reduce prescription drug costs for those who qualify.

Question 55

What is LIS?

Accepted Answer

Low-Income Subsidy — another name for Extra Help.

Question 56

What is QMB?

Accepted Answer

The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program.

Question 57

What is SLMB?

Accepted Answer

The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary Program.

Question 58

What is QI?

Accepted Answer

The Qualifying Individual Program.

Question 59

Can Medicaid help pay my Medicare costs?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes, depending on the program you qualify for.

Question 60

Should I check whether I qualify for assistance programs?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely — many people qualify and don't realize it.

Question 61

Does Medicare work in all states?

Accepted Answer

Generally, yes, though coverage details can depend on your specific plan.

Question 62

Can I travel with Medicare?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

Question 63

What's a "snowbird," in Medicare terms?

Accepted Answer

Someone who lives in different states seasonally and needs coverage that works in both.

Question 64

Do Medicare Advantage plans have provider networks?

Accepted Answer

Most do, which matters if you split time between locations.

Quick answers to common Medicare questions

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Quick answers to common Medicare questions

Part A (Hospital Insurance)

Part B (Medical Insurance)

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Medigap (Medicare Supplement)

Part D (Prescription Drugs)

Understanding Costs

Medicaid & Assistance Programs

Traveling with Medicare

Veterans, TRICARE & Special Populations

General Medicare Tips

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