Frequently asked questions about Medicare

Medicare is a confusing subject, with many ambiguities and nuances.  We strive to make Medicare simpler and more comprehensible, in order to help the public make and informed decision about coverage choices.Below are a list of some of the more common questions we've heard recently.  Click on the category that applies to your questions below.

If you have a question we haven't answered below, contact us by email at faq@senioreducators.com and we'll try to answer it as best we can.

  Enrollment Related Questions

How do I apply for Medicare Parts A & B?

How do I apply for Medicare Part D?

When can I apply for Medicare Advantage Plans?

When can I apply for Medigap or Supplemental Plans?

When can I apply for a Medicare Part D Plan?

 

What happens if my insurer does not offer my Medicare plan next year?

Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs) are annual contracts between insurance companies and Medicare.  As such, insurers do sometimes decide to not renew plans in subsequent years.  If you are in a plan that will not be renewed, don't panic!  You have coverage for the balance of the calendar year, through December 31.  You do however need to make a decision for coverage for the following year.   You can make this decision starting November 2, because you qualify for a special election period. You are also eligible for all plan types, including Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, so include those in your decision set.

Who is cancelling coverage in 2010?

Because funding was reduced for certain Medicare Advantage plans in 2010, several companies are no longer choosing to contract with Medicare.  The primary plans that are affected are Private Fee For Service Plans (PFFS).  The companies who have cancelled their PFFS plans in 2010 include: Aetna (cancelled all PFFS plans), Coventry (cancelled all PFFS plans), Health Net (cancelled all PFFS plans), Secure Horizons / United (cancelled some PFFS plans, Wellcare (cancelled all PFFS plans).