Q: What is Medicare?

A: Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people who are age 65 and over and for some younger people who receive Social Security disability benefits.

 Q: What are the different parts of Medicare?

A: Medicare has four parts, each offering a different type of coverage: Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance), Part C  (Medicare Advantage) and Part D (prescription drug coverage).

Q: What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

A: Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65 and over and younger people who qualify due to disability. Medicaid, a state-run program, provides health coverage for people with low incomes.

Q: What is Original Medicare?

A: Original Medicare is a fee-for-service health program. This means you can choose any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare patients, anywhere in the United States, and Medicare will pay its share of the bill.

Q: What is Medicare Advantage?

A: Plans in the Medicare Advantage program (Part C) are offered as an alternative to Original Medicare and run by private companies.

Q: What is Medigap supplemental insurance (if I’m age 65 or older)?

A: Medigap is private insurance that covers out-of-pocket expenses in the Original Medicare program. (If you are under age 65 and have Medicare due to disability.

Q: Can I get Medigap supplemental insurance if I’m under 65?

A: If you qualify for Medicare under age 65 due to disability, you may find it more difficult to buy Medigap insurance than people 65 and older, but it depends on where you live.

Q: How do I qualify for Medicare?

A: You can qualify for Medicare on the basis of either age or disability.

Q: Do I automatically receive Medicare when I turn 65 or become eligible for disability benefits?

A: Some Medicare enrollments are automatic, but many aren’t. It depends on your circumstances.

Q: I turn 65 in a few months. When should I sign up for Medicare?

A: If you have coverage from a current employer (your own or your spouse’s), you can delay enrollment until the job ends. Otherwise, you should sign up shortly before turning 65. 

Q: How do I enroll in Medicare?

A: You can apply for Medicare online, by phone or in person, depending on your circumstances. 

Q: How do I order a replacement Medicare card?

A: You can apply to the Social Security Administration to replace a Medicare card.

Q: Does Medicare cover all of my health care costs?

A: Medicare does not cover all your health care costs. It requires you to pay premiums, deductibles and copays, which vary according to the type of Medicare coverage you choose and, in some cases, your income.

Q: I want to be sure I understand the Part D “doughnut hole” or coverage gap. Could you tell me how it works?

A: Originally the doughnut hole, if you fell into it, was a period in which you paid 100 percent of the cost of your prescription drugs. But since 2011 the gap has been narrowing.

Q: Where can I find answers to my Medicare questions?

A: Two government agencies, Social Security and Medicare, are responsible for different aspects of Medicare. The state health insurance assistance programs (SHIPs) provide personal help on Medicare issues.