Get started with Medicare

Medicare is health insurance for people 65 or older. You may be eligible to get Medicare earlier if you have a disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or ALS (also called Lou Gehrig’s disease). 

Some people get Medicare automatically, others have to actively sign up -- it depends if you start getting retirement or disability benefits from Social Security before you turn 65.  FM Insurance can help!

Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement Plans Q&A

Will I still be covered by Original Medicare? With a Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap), you keep your Original Medicare coverage and pay your Part B premium. With a Medicare Advantage plan, Original Medicare is replaced by coverage from a private company, and you still need to pay your Part B premium.

What is Medigap? Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap, can assist in covering costs that Original Medicare may not pay, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.

What service area does the plan cover? There is no network with a Medicare Supplement plan, so you can see any healthcare provider that accepts Medicare in the U.S. With a Medicare Advantage plan, the plan network is usually limited to certain providers and geography, except in emergencies.

Do I need referrals? No referrals are necessary with a Medicare Supplement plan. With a Medicare Advantage plan, referrals can be required for specialists or to get care outside the network.

What happens if I move out of state? The Medicare Supplement plan moves with you wherever you live in the U.S. With a Medicare Advantage plan, moving out of the plan's area can cause a loss of coverage.

What benefits are not included in Medicare Supplement? Medicare Supplement plans help cover some costs that Original Medicare doesn't pay, but they don't include routine dental, vision, hearing, or prescription drug benefits.

What is my coverage when I travel? 

Medicare Advantage plans non-emergency care might depend on your plan's service area. Emergency care is generally covered for travel within the United States and sometimes abroad. Medicare Supplement plan: Coverage goes with you when you travel across the United States and, depending on the plan, may cover emergency care when traveling abroad. 

New to Medicare Q& A

Do I have to pay for Medicare?

It depends. Most people pay a monthly premium for Part B, but many are eligible for assistance with their Part B costs.

What is Medicare Part A, B and D?

Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care. Medicare Part B covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. Medicare Part D is your prescription drug coverage.

Do I automatically get Part A and B with Medicare?

Suppose you are approaching age 65 and are already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits through early retirement. If you qualify, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A (hospital insurance) and B (medical insurance) when you turn 65.

Am I eligible for Medicare Part A?

A person must typically be 65 years of age or older. This rule has some exceptions, such as those with a qualifying disability. However, in general, individuals cannot receive Medicare Part A benefits until they reach the age of 65.

Why would I not have Medicare Part B?

A person does not have to sign up for Medicare Part B when they turn age 65, provided they have creditable insurance coverage. Creditable coverage offers at least the same coverage level as Medicare, and people usually obtain it through an employer.

Am I eligible for help with my healthcare costs?  

Possibly, but let me take the guesswork out for you. Many programs are available to help with premium costs, copays, deductibles, and even prescriptions. To find out if you qualify, get in touch with FM Insurance.