MEDICARE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Explore frequently asked questions by Christi Senior Advisors’ customers as well as general Medicare questions.
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FAQ
I lost my Medicare card. How do I get a new one?
You can get a new card by visiting the Medicare Replacement Card section of Social Security’s website. Or you can call the Social Security hotline at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users, call 1-800-325-0778). While you wait for your replacement, you can get a paper verification letter online at [mymedicare.gov](https://www.medicare.gov/account/login) (if you have an online account) or by visiting your local Social Security Office.
Do I need additional prescription coverage if I have Original Medicare (Parts A & B) and Medicare Supplement?
Even with Medicare Supplement Insurance, prescription drug costs are not covered. If you have not already done so, we recommend that you add prescription coverage to round out your benefits. Contact our Customer Success team to learn more.
What is the Annual Enrollment Period?
The Annual Enrollment Period is Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. This is a busy time for Medicare, however, you do not need to take action during this time to keep your Medicare and Medicare Supplement coverage — they will automatically renew.
How do I pay my monthly premiums for Medicare?
Depending on which parts of Medicare you have, there are several ways to pay your premiums.
Original Medicare (Parts A & B)
If you draw a Social Security Administration check, then your monthly premium will be automatically withheld from your check. If you don’t receive a Social Security check, you have to pay your premium separately to the Social Security Administration. You can pay quarterly or use one of the monthly options listed in the Medicare Easy Pay section at [medicare.gov.](https://www.medicare.gov/account/login)
Medicare Supplement
Private insurance carriers for Medicare Supplement Insurance require a monthly premium in addition to your Original Medicare premium. Most carriers allow you to pay by check, card, or automatic withdrawal from your bank account. Contact your plan carrier to find out their specific payment options.
Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D (drug coverage) also requires a separate premium. Contact your plan directly to find out the payment options.
Keep in mind, you may have the option to have your Part D premium taken from your monthly Social Security benefit. However, this option can be frustrating when switching plans from year-to-year. If too much premium is withheld, it will be paid back to you, but it may take 30-90 days.
What are the Part D enrollment periods?
There are certain enrollment periods when you can enroll in a Part D plan. The Initial Enrollment Period starts when you first become eligible for Medicare. The Annual Enrollment Period runs from Oct. 15 – Dec. 7 each year. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for additional enrollment windows. Contact us to find out your next opportunity to enroll.
Is Medicare State Specific?
The answer is: Yes and No.
Original Medicare and Medicare Supplement coverage is not state specific.
The Medicare program is a federally-regulated program that allows older adults and people with certain disabilities to get quality health insurance at an affordable price. No matter where you live, you’re eligible for Medicare once you turn 65 years old (or are diagnosed with a chronic condition like Lou Gehrig’s disease).
With Original Medicare (Parts A and B), your coverage is the exact same — it is not state specific. If you move to a different state, travel to a different state, or winter in the south, your health insurance never changes. Pretty cool, right?
The same goes for Medicare Supplement plans. These plans must follow the coverage outlined by the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), so there are no provider networks or coverage changes, no matter where you go. The only thing that may be different per state is the cost.
Since Medicare Supplement plans are provided by private insurance companies, their rates will vary considerably. But since the coverage is the exact same, Medicare Supplement plans are uniquely easy to compare side-by-side. There’s no “best” plan, because they all must offer the same coverage — the only difference is price.
Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D coverage does depend on the state.
Now the answer to this question is different for Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Part D. Insurance companies have a bit more flexibility in what they can offer with these plans, thus, your plan options depend highly on your location.
Medicare Advantage plans will have different coverage, rates, and networks not only depending on your state, but also your county. In 2022, some counties have a choice of 82 Medicare Advantage plans, while others may only have a few.
The same goes for Part D. Though these plans are made to work alongside Medicare, they will still have a network of pharmacies and differing coverage for prescriptions. The plans available to you will be different than the plans available to your friend across the country.
What is the easiest way to shop for plans in my state?
Due to the differing rules and availability around certain Medicare plans, many people prefer to shop with a licensed insurance agent. Getting help from a professional allows shoppers to talk through their options and learn about discounts and programs in their area.
At Christi Senior Advisors, we take this very seriously. We have one-on-one conversations with each of our clients to find out what’s important to each person. Once we understand the kind of Medicare Supplement coverage you’re looking for, we help you compare available plans side-by-side so you get the best rate on your insurance without missing out.
We work with over 20 insurance carriers to compare their plans and help you enroll — this takes hours’ worth of research & phone calls off of your plate. Plus, you can rest assured you’ll find a great plan for your unique needs.
You can get a new card by visiting the Medicare Replacement Card section of Social Security’s website. Or you can call the Social Security hotline at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users, call 1-800-325-0778). While you wait for your replacement, you can get a paper verification letter online at [mymedicare.gov](https://www.medicare.gov/account/login) (if you have an online account) or by visiting your local Social Security Office.
Do I need additional prescription coverage if I have Original Medicare (Parts A & B) and Medicare Supplement?
Even with Medicare Supplement Insurance, prescription drug costs are not covered. If you have not already done so, we recommend that you add prescription coverage to round out your benefits. Contact our Customer Success team to learn more.
What is the Annual Enrollment Period?
The Annual Enrollment Period is Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. This is a busy time for Medicare, however, you do not need to take action during this time to keep your Medicare and Medicare Supplement coverage — they will automatically renew.
How do I pay my monthly premiums for Medicare?
Depending on which parts of Medicare you have, there are several ways to pay your premiums.
Original Medicare (Parts A & B)
If you draw a Social Security Administration check, then your monthly premium will be automatically withheld from your check. If you don’t receive a Social Security check, you have to pay your premium separately to the Social Security Administration. You can pay quarterly or use one of the monthly options listed in the Medicare Easy Pay section at [medicare.gov.](https://www.medicare.gov/account/login)
Medicare Supplement
Private insurance carriers for Medicare Supplement Insurance require a monthly premium in addition to your Original Medicare premium. Most carriers allow you to pay by check, card, or automatic withdrawal from your bank account. Contact your plan carrier to find out their specific payment options.
Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D (drug coverage) also requires a separate premium. Contact your plan directly to find out the payment options.
Keep in mind, you may have the option to have your Part D premium taken from your monthly Social Security benefit. However, this option can be frustrating when switching plans from year-to-year. If too much premium is withheld, it will be paid back to you, but it may take 30-90 days.
What are the Part D enrollment periods?
There are certain enrollment periods when you can enroll in a Part D plan. The Initial Enrollment Period starts when you first become eligible for Medicare. The Annual Enrollment Period runs from Oct. 15 – Dec. 7 each year. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for additional enrollment windows. Contact us to find out your next opportunity to enroll.
Is Medicare State Specific?
The answer is: Yes and No.
Original Medicare and Medicare Supplement coverage is not state specific.
The Medicare program is a federally-regulated program that allows older adults and people with certain disabilities to get quality health insurance at an affordable price. No matter where you live, you’re eligible for Medicare once you turn 65 years old (or are diagnosed with a chronic condition like Lou Gehrig’s disease).
With Original Medicare (Parts A and B), your coverage is the exact same — it is not state specific. If you move to a different state, travel to a different state, or winter in the south, your health insurance never changes. Pretty cool, right?
The same goes for Medicare Supplement plans. These plans must follow the coverage outlined by the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), so there are no provider networks or coverage changes, no matter where you go. The only thing that may be different per state is the cost.
Since Medicare Supplement plans are provided by private insurance companies, their rates will vary considerably. But since the coverage is the exact same, Medicare Supplement plans are uniquely easy to compare side-by-side. There’s no “best” plan, because they all must offer the same coverage — the only difference is price.
Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D coverage does depend on the state.
Now the answer to this question is different for Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Part D. Insurance companies have a bit more flexibility in what they can offer with these plans, thus, your plan options depend highly on your location.
Medicare Advantage plans will have different coverage, rates, and networks not only depending on your state, but also your county. In 2022, some counties have a choice of 82 Medicare Advantage plans, while others may only have a few.
The same goes for Part D. Though these plans are made to work alongside Medicare, they will still have a network of pharmacies and differing coverage for prescriptions. The plans available to you will be different than the plans available to your friend across the country.
What is the easiest way to shop for plans in my state?
Due to the differing rules and availability around certain Medicare plans, many people prefer to shop with a licensed insurance agent. Getting help from a professional allows shoppers to talk through their options and learn about discounts and programs in their area.
At Christi Senior Advisors, we take this very seriously. We have one-on-one conversations with each of our clients to find out what’s important to each person. Once we understand the kind of Medicare Supplement coverage you’re looking for, we help you compare available plans side-by-side so you get the best rate on your insurance without missing out.
We work with over 20 insurance carriers to compare their plans and help you enroll — this takes hours’ worth of research & phone calls off of your plate. Plus, you can rest assured you’ll find a great plan for your unique needs.
