Mindful Medicare Solutions Logo

Ask Medicare Mike a medicare question.

Fill out this email form and when you hit send, Mike will get your question. He will reply back useually withing one business day.

Ask a medicare question!

Preferred Contact Method

2 + 15 =

When can I enroll in Medicare?

You can enroll in Medicare during the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which is a 7-month period that includes the 3 months before you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and the 3 months after you turn 65.

If you’re eligible for Medicare due to a disability, you can enroll during a 7-month period that starts 3 months before your 25th month of receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits and ends 3 months after your 25th month of receiving disability benefits.

If you missed your initial enrollment period, you may be able to enroll during the General Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1 to March 31 each year. However, there may be a late enrollment penalty for Part B and/or Part D if you don’t enroll when you’re first eligible.

What are the different parts of Medicare?
  1. Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): helps cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and home health care.

  2. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): helps cover doctor services, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical equipment.

  3. Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage): offers an alternative way to receive Medicare benefits through a private insurance company that contracts with Medicare.

  4. Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): helps cover the cost of prescription drugs.

In summary, Parts A and B make up Original Medicare, which is the traditional fee-for-service Medicare program offered directly by the federal government. Part C (Medicare Advantage) is an alternative way to receive Medicare benefits through private insurance companies. Part D provides prescription drug coverage to Medicare beneficiaries.

How do I enroll in Medicare?

The quick answer is give us a call at (347) 738-6846

According to Medicare.gov, there are several ways to enroll in Medicare:

  1. Online: You can enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Part B online by visiting the Social Security website.

  2. By phone: You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) and enroll in Medicare over the phone.

  3. In-person: You can visit your local Social Security office and enroll in Medicare in person.

  4. Automatic enrollment: If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B when you become eligible. You’ll receive your Medicare card in the mail about three months before your 65th birthday or your 25th month of disability.

  5. Enrolling in Medicare Advantage or Medicare Prescription Drug plans: You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Prescription Drug plan by visiting the Medicare Plan Finder on the Medicare website or by contacting the plan directly.

It’s important to enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period to avoid any late enrollment penalties.

How much does Medicare cost?

The quick answer is give us a call at (347) 738-6846

According to Medicare.gov, the costs of Medicare depend on the specific parts you enroll in and your income level. Here’s a brief overview of the costs for each part:

  1. Medicare Part A: Most people don’t pay a premium for Part A because they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working. If you don’t qualify for premium-free Part A, you may need to pay a monthly premium of up to $471 in 2021.

  2. Medicare Part B: The standard monthly premium for Part B in 2021 is $148.50, but some people may pay more or less depending on their income level.

  3. Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage): The costs of Medicare Advantage plans vary depending on the plan and the insurance company offering it.

  4. Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): The costs of Part D vary depending on the specific plan you choose, but you can expect to pay a monthly premium, an annual deductible (up to $445 in 2021), and copayments or coinsurance for your medications.

In addition to these costs, you may also have to pay out-of-pocket expenses, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, depending on the services you receive. It’s important to review the costs and coverage of each part carefully before enrolling.

How do I know if I'm eligible for Medicare?

The quick answer is give us a call at (347) 738-6846

According to Medicare.gov, you may be eligible for Medicare if you meet one of the following criteria:

  1. You’re 65 years of age or older: If you or your spouse have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years, you may be eligible for premium-free Part A and can enroll in Part B by paying a monthly premium.

  2. You have a disability: If you have been receiving Social Security disability benefits or Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits for 24 months, you may be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.

  3. You have end-stage renal disease (ESRD): If you have ESRD and need regular dialysis or a kidney transplant, you may be eligible for Medicare regardless of your age.

  4. You have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): If you have ALS, you’re automatically eligible for Medicare Parts A and B in the month your disability benefits begin.

It’s important to note that eligibility requirements can vary depending on your specific situation, and some individuals may be eligible for Medicare through other means, such as through their spouse’s work history or certain disabilities. It’s best to visit the Medicare.gov website or contact Social Security to determine your eligibility for Medicare.

By providing your name and contact information you are consenting to receive calls, text messages and/or emails from a licensed insurance agent about Medicare Plans at the number provided, and you agree such calls and/or text messages may use an auto-dialer or robocall, even if you are on a government do-not-call registry.  This agreement is not a condition of enrollment.

Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.  This is a solicitation of insurance and your response may generate communication from a licensed producer/agent.

Let's Talk

We believe that providing you, factual easy to understand information about medicare, will help you make the best decision for you!

Contact us for a FREE in-person or virtual consultation!

Medicare is all we do.

You’ll be glad you did!

By providing your name and contact information you are consenting to receive calls, text messages and/or emails from a licensed insurance agent about Medicare Plans at the number provided, and you agree such calls and/or text messages may use an auto-dialer or robocall, even if you are on a government do-not-call registry.  This agreement is not a condition of enrollment.

Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.  This is a solicitation of insurance and your response may generate communication from a licensed producer/agent.