FAQ

Q. Who is eligible for Medicare?

A. Medicare is our country’s health insurance program for people age 65 or older. Certain people younger than age 65 can qualify for Medicare, too, including those who have disabilities and those who have permanent kidney failure. The program helps with the cost of health care, but it does not cover all medical expenses or the cost of most long-term care.

Q. How do I apply for Medicare A&B?

A. Many people automatically get Medicare Parts A and B. If you get benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), you will automatically get Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. However, Part B is a voluntary program for which you will need to pay an extra premium in order to receive. If you don’t know if you automatically receive Parts A and B, give me a call at 855-377-9316-SS office # and we’ll figure it out. If you don’t automatically receive benefits, you can apply online here: http://ssa.gov. Again, feel free to give me a call to work through this process.

Q. When can I sign up?

A. Your start date is the month that Medicare becomes effective. You can sign up when you’re first eligible for Part A and/or Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period. Sign up early to avoid delaying your coverage.

Q. Are prescription drugs covered?

A. Anyone who has Medicare Part A, Part B, and Part C is eligible for prescription drug coverage (Part D). Joining a Medicare prescription drug plan is voluntary, and (in most cases) you pay an additional monthly premium for the coverage.

Q. How do I qualify for Extra Help?

A. Some people with limited resources and income also may be able to get Extra Help to pay for the costs—monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments—related to a Medicare prescription drug plan. Many people qualify for these big savings and don’t even know it. If you want to know if you qualify, give me a call at 855-377-9316 or send me an email at carrieanne@ptibidaho.com.