Jeffrey Horn, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: People under 65 can qualify for Medicare if they've received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for 24 months, have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis or a transplant, or are diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). In these cases, Medicare eligibility begins automatically based on disability status rather than age.

Answer: If you're diagnosed with a rare disease, review your plan to ensure the specialists and treatment centers you need are in-network, and that your referrals, prior authorizations, and drug coverage are handled correctly. If your current coverage limits access, you can switch during an eligible enrollment period to a plan with a broader network,s or consider pairing Original Medicare with a Medigap policy for more flexibility.

Answer: Medicare will cover some AI-powered diagnostic tools, but only if they’re built into tests or services that Medicare already approves, like certain imaging scans or lab work ordered by your doctor. If the technology is still considered experimental or hasn’t been cleared and adopted into standard care, Medicare typically won’t pay for it yet.

Answer: Your annual wellness visit under a Medicare Advantage PPO is covered at no cost to you as long as the provider accepts Medicare/your plan — it's a preventive benefit with no copay or deductible like Original Medicare's Part B annual wellness visit.

Answer: Yes, you can enroll in Medicare at age 65 or older if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, even if you have no U.S. work history. However, because you did not pay Medicare taxes for the required 40 quarters (10 years), you will likely have to pay a monthly premium for Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance)

Answer: Start by listening to their priorities, explaining Medicare options in plain language, and reviewing plans together so they feel involved rather than overwhelmed. Offer to help compare coverage for their doctors, prescriptions, and budget, and reassure them that you'll be there to support them before, during, and after enrollment.

Answer: No—once you enroll in Medicare, you can no longer contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA), but you can still use existing HSA funds to pay certain Medicare premiums. You may use your HSA to pay for Medicare Part B, Part D, and Medicare Advantage premiums, but not Medicare Supplement (Medigap) premiums.

Answer: Log in to your secure Medicare account at Medicare.gov to immediately print an official copy or order a new card. Or contact 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Answer: Yes—but in a limited and very specific way, and it’s gradually expanding as digital health becomes more integrated into care. Coverage typically applies only when these tools are prescribed by a doctor and meet Medicare’s criteria for medical necessity.

Answer: You still have to sign up for Part A and Part B. You will have to pay for the Part B monthly premium out of your checking account.

Answer: Yes, Medicare Part B considers bone density tests a preventive service and covers them, typically once every 24 months, at no cost to you if your doctor accepts assignment. To qualify, a doctor must determine that you are at risk for osteoporosis or fractures.

Answer: You can enroll in Medicare during a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) surrounding your 65th birthday: the 3 months before your birthday, the month of your birthday, and the 3 months after.

Answer: Maybe—but Medicare alone usually isn’t enough if you’re worried about a serious illness hitting your finances. It helps with: Lost income, Mortgage/rent, Utilities, groceries, and Travel/lodging for specialty treatment.

Answer: If the person asks for your Medicare number or Social Security number right away. And then if they don't stop pushing for it.