Medicare-2022.org Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about Medicare and this website.

Is Medicare-2022.org a government website?

No. Medicare-2022.org is privately-owned, and is not affiliated with government or endorsed by the government’s Medicare program. Medicare-2022.org connects you with leading carriers and brokers offering Private Medicare Insurance.

What is Medicare?

There are two types of Medicare coverage: Medicare Part A and Part B, and Private Medicare Insurance.

Medicare Part A and Part B is offered by the federal government. It provides basic inpatient and outpatient health coverage. Part A is for inpatient or hospitalization coverage and Part B is for outpatient or doctor visit coverage. You must be 65 years or older to be eligible for Medicare. You must be 65 or older to be eligible for Medicare, or you must have a qualifying disability. Please visit ssa.gov or Medicare.gov to learn more about enrollment. You can also learn more about Medicare Part A and Part B here.

For those who need additional health coverage and benefits, Private Medicare Insurance is available to complement Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. Learn more about the different types of Private Medicare plans here.

Does Medicare Part A and Part B provide enough coverage?

Only you can decide how much health care you need. That said, Private Medicare plans continue to be a viable choice for consumers looking to get more health benefits and additional coverage.

For those who regularly see the doctor, the out-of-pocket costs can add up if they only have Medicare Part A and Part B. Though buying additional coverage often comes with a monthly premium, many find that a Private Medicare plan can lower their total cost of health care, since they pay less for out-of-pocket costs. Medicare Advantage plans also generally place a maximum limit on these out-of-pocket fees, which can include deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.

Keep in mind that Medicare Part A and Part B does not provide coverage for prescription drugs (outside of a hospital, if you are receiving inpatient services). Paying for prescription drugs without coverage might be expensive, especially for those who regularly need medication. Medicare Part A and Part B also does not cover vision, dental, hearing aids, long term care, and health care when traveling internationally. Some of these benefits may be offered with private insurance.

How can I get Additional Medicare Coverage?

You may be able to get additional health coverage, benefits, and limit out-of-pocket costs by enrolling in a Private Medicare plan. Medicare Advantage plans have an out of pocket maximum. You can compare your Private Medicare options with Medicare-2022.org.

Those who are 65 or older who have paid these taxes and currently receive benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. If you do not receive these benefits, are under 65, suffer from a disability, or have questions about your eligibility for Medicare Part A and Part B, check with the government or visit Medicare.gov.

For those who are not automatically enrolled, keep in mind that the Initial Enrollment Period for Medicare Part A and Part B begins 3 months before you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends 3 months after you turn 65. If you miss the Initial Enrollment Period, you can sign up during the General Enrollment Period, which begins January 1st and ends on March 31st in 2023. You may also be eligible to enroll during a Special Enrollment Period. Special Enrollment periods occur when you have certain life changes, such as moving or losing coverage. Medigap and MA require enrollment in both Parts A & B, but PDP plans only require enrollment in one or the other.

Who is eligible for Private Medicare Insurance and when can I enroll?

Those who are eligible for, or currently signed up with, Medicare Part A and Part B are generally also eligible for Private Medicare insurance.

Enrollment for Private Medicare insurance differs by the type of plan. For Medigap plans, the best time to enroll is during the Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This period begins on your 65^th birthday and ends 6 months after you turn 65. If you miss this period, you may have to pay a higher premium for Medigap, so it is important to enroll within 6 months of turning 65.

For both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D, you can enroll during the Initial Enrollment Period, which begins 3 months before you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends 3 months after you turn 65. Existing Medicare beneficiaries can also enroll in a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan during the Annual Enrollment Period, which begins on October 15 and ends on December 7 in 2023. Open Enrollment is a great time to make changes to your existing plan, or switch to a new plan.

Learn more about the different enrollment periods here.

To start comparing Medigap, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Part D plans, please submit your zip code.