Serlet Reyes, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: You're not stuck for long. Every year from October 15 to December 7 you can switch plans, and if you're in a Medicare Advantage plan you get another chance from January 1 to March 31. Just keep in mind that if you leave Medigap, getting back in later can be harder in most states because of health questions, so that's the one choice to think through carefully.

Answer: Yes, you can sit in and help, and a lot of families do. To actually enroll them or make changes, though, your parents usually need to be on the call or in the meeting to give permission, unless you have power of attorney. Bring their Medicare cards, a list of their doctors and medications, and what they're paying now, so the agent can compare plans for them.

Answer: If you delayed Part B because you had work coverage, you'll want to sign up for it before your job insurance ends so you don't have a gap. Ask your employer to fill out the form that shows you had coverage, and turn it in to Social Security with your Part B application, so you won't get a late penalty. Then pick a drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan within about two months, or look into a Medigap plan, since your best time to get one is right when Part B starts.

Answer: If you or your spouse worked about 10 years, Part A for hospital care is free, so technically you could take just Part A. But be careful: if you skip Part B and Part D without other coverage, you can get lifelong late penalties, and Part A alone leaves big gaps like doctor visits. Many people end up paying only the Part B premium and pick a $0 premium Medicare Advantage plan, which is often the most affordable way to be fully covered.

Answer: Original Medicare almost never pays outside the U.S. There are only a few exceptions, like an emergency where a hospital in Canada or Mexico is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital, or driving through Canada between Alaska and another state. If you travel, a lot of Medigap plans cover foreign emergencies up to a limit, and some Medicare Advantage plans do too, so check your plan or look into travel insurance before you go.

Answer: The main time is Open Enrollment, October 15 to December 7, and your new plan starts January 1. If you're already in an Advantage plan, you also get one more chance to switch from January 1 to March 31. Outside of those dates you'd need a special reason, like moving, losing other coverage, or getting Medicaid or Extra Help.

Answer: An annuity can give you a steady paycheck in retirement, so you're not worried about outliving your savings. Some people use one to cover basics like housing and Medicare premiums on top of Social Security. They're not right for everyone, since there can be fees and surrender charges, so talk it over with a licensed professional before putting money in.

Answer: Birth control pills are covered through Part D, not Original Medicare, and it depends on each plan's drug list. Generics like Portia and Nikki are on a lot of plans at a low tier, but a brand name like Yasmin may not be covered or could cost more. Ask your doctor about a generic version and check the plan's formulary before you enroll.

Answer: You can use the Find a Local Agent search on this site and type in your zip code to see licensed agents near you in the Cincinnati area. Look for an independent agent who works with several carriers, so they can compare your current plan with others. Open Enrollment runs until December 7, so it's a good time to review your plan for 2027 and make sure your doctors and medications are still covered.

Answer: Yes, in most cases you can get both. Even without enough work credits you can still get Medicare at 65, and because you have Medicaid, your state usually pays your Part A and Part B premiums. You'd also get Extra Help with your prescriptions automatically. Call your local Medicaid office or Social Security a few months before your birthday to make sure you get enrolled on time.

Answer: Yes, almost every Part D plan covers losartan, amlodipine, and lisinopril because they're common generics. They're usually on Tier 1 or Tier 2, so the copay is often low or even $0 at a preferred pharmacy. Tiers and prices change by plan, so check each plan's drug list before you enroll.

Answer: Once you qualify for Medicare at 65, you usually lose the Covered California subsidy, so the plan can get very expensive. Sign up for Medicare during your enrollment window around your birthday, then cancel Covered California yourself once Medicare starts. It won't cancel automatically, so don't skip that step.

Answer: Yes, but it depends on the plan. Each Medicare Advantage plan has its own network, and not all of them include United Health Centers. Call the clinic and ask which plans they take before you sign up, since that can change every year.

Answer: Yes, Medicare still covers Pap tests and pelvic exams after 65, and there's no age cutoff. Part B pays for a screening Pap test and pelvic exam once every 24 months, and that visit includes a clinical breast exam too. If you're considered high risk for cervical or vaginal cancer, or you had an abnormal Pap in the last three years, Medicare covers it every 12 months instead. As long as your doctor accepts Medicare assignment, you pay nothing for the screening, not even the Part B deductible. If you're on a Medicare Advantage plan, you get the same benefit, just make sure you go to an in-network provider. A lot of women over 65 with a history of normal results ask their doctor whether they still need the test, and that's a good conversation to have, but the coverage is there if you do.

Answer: The best option is to always work with a licensed Medicare Broker, so we can review all your needs, medications, doctors' networks, etc. The most important part is to tailor the health plan to your needs.