Curtis Stoner, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: Yes, you can enroll in Medicare even if you've never paid into Social Security due to working overseas. However, your eligibility and costs will depend on your residency status and work history.

Medicare Eligibility Without U.S. Work History

To qualify for Medicare, you must be either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident who has lived in the U.S. for at least five continuous years before applying.

While most people receive Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) premium-free by earning 40 work credits (approximately 10 years of work paying into Social Security), you can still enroll in Medicare by paying premiums if you haven't met this requirement

Costs Without Work Credits

Part A (Hospital Insurance): If you have fewer than 30 work credits, you'll pay the full premium for Part A. For 2025, this premium is up to $505 per month.

Social Security

Part B (Medical Insurance): Part B requires a monthly premium for all enrollees, regardless of work history. In 2025, the standard Part B premium is $185 per month

Answer: Everyone had their own needs when it comes to Medicare. An advantage plan may work best for your neighbor but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be your best option. My best advice is to educate yourself on how they work or meet with a broker who can explain differences between a medigap and an advantage plan

Answer: It cost 20% after your Part B deductible has been met. The deductible for 2025 is $257. I hope this helps

Answer: Medicare does not generally cover 24/7 in-home custodial care for dementia patients, even if they wander or need constant supervision.

Answer: Whether you need life insurance has nothing to do with Medicare. Medicare has no type of death benefit.

Answer: Option 1: Online (Fastest)

Log in to your My Social Security account.

Go to “Replace Your Medicare Card.”

Request a new card—it will be mailed to the address on file within 30 days.

If you don’t have a My Social Security account, you can create one on that same site.

Option 2: Call Medicare

Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)

TTY users: 1-877-486-2048

Available 24/7, including weekends and holidays.

They can help you order a replacement and confirm your current mailing address.

Option 3: Through the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB)

If you get Medicare through the RRB:

Call 1-877-772-5772

Or visit RRB.gov

Important Tips

You can still receive care without the physical card—providers can look you up using your Medicare Number.

Consider writing down your Medicare Number and keeping it in a secure place.

If you think the card was stolen, monitor your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) for suspicious activity and report fraud at 1-800-MEDICARE.

Answer: If You’re Still Working at 65

You may delay Medicare Part B (and Part D) without penalty if:

You have credible coverage through your or your spouse’s current employer

The employer has 20 or more employees

In this case:

You do not need to enroll in Part B at 65.

You can enroll later using a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) when you retire or lose group coverage.

Answer: Yes you will get a special enrollment period. If it is to enroll in Part B you will get an 8 month window starting when your employer coverage ends. For Part D you will have a 63 day window to enroll. You will not want to miss these windows as it could potentially trigger penalties that will follow you as long as your on Medicare

Answer: Part B covers your medical services. There is a $257 annual deductible and then Medicare typically pays 80% of all approved services and you pay 20%. There is no cap on the out of pocket expenses. That's why most people add a medicare supplement or go with a Medicare Advantage plan to limit there out of pocket cost.

Answer: That's a good question. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan or a stand alone PDP they are county specific so you will need to change plans. If you have a Medicare Supplement you can just call and update your address. Depending on where you are moving there could be a change in the premium you pay for your Medicare Supplement.

Answer: you can always check Medicare covered medications on Medicare.gov. Use the plan finder tool. If your medicine is listed then it is covered by Medicare. This does not mean all plans will cover the meds so you will need to check individual plans. If it is not listed when you type it in then it isn't covered by Medicare.

Answer: If you are not drawing social security benefits prior to age 65 you will need to enroll yourself in Medicare. Typically only those receiving their social security prior to 65 will automatically be enrolled. You can enroll by going to ssa.gov, call or visit your local social security office.

Answer: Unfortunately that happens quite often. There is a lot of valuable information on Medicare.gov if you're looking for something specific. I will be happy to try and answer you questions if you would like.