A: Medicare does not offer spousal or dependent coverage. It is an individual health insurance program, meaning each person must qualify and enroll separately. If your spouse has reached age 65, they are eligible to enroll in Medicare on their own during their Initial Enrollment Period, which begins three months before the month they turn 65 and continues for three months after.

A: Maybe. If the employer group has 20 eligible employees or more, and you’re going to continue to work, then yes it’s an option. But there are many things to consider.

A: Part “A” is typically in place, and a paid-up benefit when you turn 65. Part “B” is not, unless you have enrolled in Social Security prior to age 65. If you have not filed to receive Social Security benefits, then you need to proactively enroll in Part “B” benefits and begin paying for them.

A: Yes. However, while you can choose to stay with Original Medicare, it does not include prescription drug coverage, and you may face unlimited out-of-pocket costs due to significant gaps in coverage. It’s essential to understand these limitations when evaluating your Medicare options.

A: You usually can. It’s important to be sure your doctor accepts Medicare. Some don’t.

A: Yes, for up to 100 days, after a required three-day hospital stay.

A: No, a retiree plan will typically wrap around Medicare primary benefits.

A: Part “D” is the Prescription Drug plan Medicare introduced in 2006.

A: In addition to having a huge gap in coverage, you will likely face a penalty from Medicare. A Part “B” penalty can be 10% of your Part “B” premium for each 12-month period outside of Medicare, and up to 1% of the national average of a Part “D” plan for each month absent Part “D”.

A: Part “C” is another name for Medicare Advantage. Also named MA, MSA, or MA-PD (when prescriptions are included).

A: Online at SSA.gov or in person at a local Social Security office.

A: This is a Medicare term that establishes previous coverage being at least as good as Medicare’s standard coverage. Typically, is in play for Part “B” and “D” to avoid a penalty.