- Will preexisting medical conditions work against me in Medicare? No. The one exception is that those with advanced kidney failure (End Stage Renal Disease or ESRD) can’t enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, however they can still receive coverage under Original Medicare.
- Are my out-of-pocket expenses capped in Medicare? No, not in Original Medicare. You can purchase a Medigap plan to help with those costs, however. Alternatively, under Medicare Advantage plans, there is an annual cap on how much you can spend out of pocket.
- Will Medicare cover my spouse or dependents? No. Medicare covers only you. A person must be age 65 to join. If you are married, both you and your spouse need to join Medicare separately and must pay separate premiums.
- Will my Medicare benefits end? No. Your Medicare coverage will last as long as you need it, as long as you live.
- How can I get dental and vision coverage through Medicare? Original Medicare does not cover vision or dental, however, some Medicare Advantage plans do cover these services.
- Do I have to sign up for Medicare again each year? No, your choices will stay the same. However, you might want to review and make changes during the annual Open Enrollment period from October 15 – December 7 to make sure your coverage fits your exact needs.
- Will I be automatically enrolled in Medicare at age 65? If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, then yes. You’ll be enrolled in Parts A and B, and your Part B premiums will be automatically deducted from your Social Security checks. If you’re not already receiving Social Security, then you will need to sign up through Social Security.
- What is not covered by Medicare? Original Medicare does not cover long-term care, dental, vision, or acupuncture, and other alternative medicine practices. See our more complete list of what Medicare does not cover. Some Medicare Advantage plans do cover vision and dental – research plans in your area to find out.
- How much does Medicare cost? Learn all about costs for Medicare here. The standard monthly premium for Part B in 2021 is $148.50.
- How can I get help paying for my prescriptions under Medicare Part D? Extra Help provides help paying for prescriptions for those with low income and assets. Other ways to save are using generic drugs, choosing a plan with extra “donut hole” coverage, and Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs.
Related links
How You Should Contact Medicare
The Pros and Cons of Medicare Supplement Insurance
Everything You Need to Know About Medicare Advantage
