What is one of the the most common misconceptions people have about Medicare?
Answered by 73 licensed agents
One of the most common misconceptions about Medicare is that it covers all healthcare costs for seniors. Turns out, Medicare doesn't cover every single healthcare expense. Additionally, many assume it includes long-term care (like nursing homes) or dental, vision, and hearing services, but these items are not covered under original Medicare. People often learn this the hard way when they realize they need supplemental insurance like Medigap, Medicare Advantage, and other tertiary coverage options to fill those gaps. It’s a rude awakening for those who think Medicare = free healthcare, hence the need to fully understand your options to make the best decision for yourself.
You may think that Medicare Advantage is traditional Medicare, but it is not. In fact, Medicare Advantage is private insurance group coverage that follows the Medicare guidelines. Under Advantage plans, insurance companies have the right to require prior approvals before offering coverage.
When I talk to clients, one of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that Medicare covers long-term care or even burial insurance, which it doesn’t. Medicare’s a living benefit only, so I often have to clarify that it’s built for medical needs excluding nursing homes down the road or final expenses.
Not really knowing the difference between supplements and Medicare Advantage plans called Part C. And there is a lot of confusion about which Part D (drug card) to choose with a supplement plan.
Most people think Medicare covers nursing homes stays (long-term care). That is not the case. I help educate clients so they are not surprised if this situation ever arises.
I would say the most common misconceptions about Medicare are the costs involved and when to enroll. There are fines and penalties for late enrollment. Costs may decrease significantly if you qualify for a low income subsidy or Medicaid. Costs increase for high earners.
Medicare pays all my cost and I will have no out of pocket costs. How much will medicare cost me? Do I need to enroll in medicare if I have coverage through my employer?
They mix up Medicare with Social Security. These are separate. Medicare is only health insurance and although most qualify, there is a standard number of hours worked or “credits” that must be achieved to get Medicare.
That Original Medicare, Part A and Part B, is enough coverage. Remember, Original Medicare Part A is your Hospital Coverage (room and board so-to-speak). Part B is your Medical Coverage (Doctors Visits, lab services, medical treatment, immunizations, ect.).
Original Medicare Part B is only covering 80% of your bill, leaving you responsible for the additional 20%.
You really should have additional coverage to help cover the associated costs, whether that is a Medicare Supplement or a Medicare Advantage plan.
One of the most common misconceptions about Medicare is that it’s entirely free once you’re enrolled. Many people assume that because they’ve paid into the system through payroll taxes during their working years, all Medicare services will come at no additional cost. In reality, while Part A (hospital insurance) is typically premium-free for those who’ve worked long enough, it still has deductibles and coinsurance. Part B (medical insurance) requires a monthly premium——and covers only 80% of outpatient costs after a deductible, leaving beneficiaries responsible for the rest. Add in Part D for prescriptions or extra services like dental and vision (which aren’t covered under Original Medicare), and the out-of-pocket expenses can pile up quickly if you’re not prepared. This misunderstanding often leads to sticker shock when the bills start rolling in.
That is PAYS for EVERYTHING. That it covers Long Term Care - although you only have 100 total days (lifetime) of Assisted Living care after a surgery or stay in the hospital.
One of the biggest misconceptions about Medicare is that its too expensive. The best way to understand the costs associated with Medicare is to sit down with a licensed broker and review all your options.
That it is "one size fits all." So many untruths are spread around without an actual understanding of the Medicare environment, such as "Never get a Medicare Advantage Plan" or "All Supplement/Medigap Plans are expensive." These statements are simply untrue and blanket statements can create a lot of stress and poor choices that can burden down so many without fully understanding the true reality of the situation. In addition, the "Never get a Medicare Advantage Plan" comments are often stated categorically by those that only hold life insurance licenses and not both health and life insurance licenses. Bottom line, they are unable to offer Medicare Advantage plans and therefore are pushing Supplement/Medigap plans. It is definitely a case by case evaluation of what is the appropriate choice when it comes to all of the options out there. This is why we encourage Medicare beneficiaries to only consult with those that are licensed in both health and life insurance. It costs nothing to use a broker's services, so it makes sense to have a good sit-down to understand ALL of your options.
One of the most common misconceptions that I think people have about Medicare is that it is
"FREE". in reality, Medicare Part A can be free, whereas Medicare Part B does have a $185 monthly amount that they have to pay to social security or it is withdrawn from their check before it comes to them. This can be a higher amount if their income falls into a higher income bracket. There is also Premiums for Medicare Supplement Policies and Drug plans or Copays and Out of Pocket costs related to a Medicare Advantage plan. Sometimes there are ways to help the person pay for those costs if they qualify or if there is a Buy Back plan in their area.
One of the most common misconceptions people have about Medicare is that Medicare covers all healthcare costs. While it does cover many costs, it is important to understand what costs are covered, and what are not. Another common misconception is that you must enroll in Medicare when you turn 65. This is not true, and individuals can enroll in Medicare past 65 assuming they have a valid election period to do so.
People are often surprised to learn that Medicare doesn't cover dental, vision, hearing aids, or long-term care. These gaps can lead to major out-of-pocket expenses if not planned for. “Medicare is free.”
Many believe that once they turn 65, Medicare won’t cost anything. While Part A is usually premium-free, Parts B, D, and supplemental plans come with monthly premiums, deductibles, and co-pays.
A common misconception is that I must sign up for Medicare when I turn 65. This is not true especially since many people are working beyond 65. It may not be in their best interest.
There are many people who believe that Medicare will cover them in a nursing home. For the most part this is not true. Medicare will cover a stay in a skilled nursing facility after a qualifying hospital stay. However, they will not cover long term care in a nursing home. This is generally covered by a long term care insurance plan or out of the persons personal funds, which can be very expensive.
The most common misunderstanding is that Medicare pays 100% of your medical costs. While there are many free preventative tests and services available, there are deductibles and Medicare in general, only pays 80% of allowed services, which is why most people choose to have a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage Plan to get additional coverage.
I think one of the most common misconceptions people have about Medicare is that it pays for everything. When in fact for example part D prescription drug coverage must be purchased through an insurance company.
One of the most common misconceptions people have about Medicare is thinking that it covers everything 100%, including things like dental, vision, hearing, and long-term care. The truth is, Original Medicare (Parts A and B) has gaps in coverage, which is why many people need additional plans like a Medicare Advantage or a Supplement to help cover those out-of-pocket costs. It catches a lot of people by surprise if they don’t plan ahead.
That Medicare will cover all your medical needs. They think that by having only Medicare they will pay less and that it will be sufficient as insurance. Some people think that everybody can get Medicare.
One major misconception people have about Medicare is the miss information on social media or the information they received from a friend or neighbor. Most medicare beneficiaries don’t know that all Medicare supplement plans are standardized meaning each carrier offering Plan G is the exact same coverage at different prices.
Also, many beneficiaries do not realize new plans can get introduced into the market yearly.
Clients are often surprised to find out that in most cases, Medicare Part B is not free. Sometimes this happens because the charge is withheld from the clients monthly social security retirement benefit check and they didn't know it. In other cases, because modified adjusted gross income was high in a particular year, they find the Part B premium to be very expensive and they weren't expecting this. This is part of the process that a trusted advisor utilizes to help prevent client surprises and remove any misconceptions.
The most common misconception that I run into is that Medicare will pay for everything. While Medicare does provide much-needed medical coverage, many people are shocked to find out that there are some major gaps that can lead to large out of pocket costs.
For example: Medicare doesn't have a max-out-of-pocket limit, meaning there is no dollar amount that you can reach where you will stop paying for medical services. The program also doesn't cover long-term care (i.e. nursing home or custodial care), dental, vision, hearing, or burial costs. Virtually everyone will need one or more of these services at some point and might find out too late that they aren't covered. Working with a competent agent/broker will help you see what gaps you have and how to get the right protection in place.
That Medicare will pay more than it does. People need to know what Part A, B and D does before they decide if they want an Advantage plan or a Supplement.
The biggest misconception is that Medicare has no cost to the recipient and it covers all of your care. I would say the second biggest misconception is that Medicare covers Long term care stays in a nursing home.
I think the most common misconception about Medicare is that it is FREE and it will cover everything Medical. So I guess that's two but they kind of go hand and hand. Medicare is not free and it does not cover 100% of the bills.
That Medicare covers all of their healthcare costs. Secondary coverage is a must! Having original Medicare only leaves too big of a gap in grand scheme of things. The secondary coverage will help protect people from unforeseen healthcare events.
One of the most common misconceptions people have about Medicare is not enrolling themselves into a Drug plan. "I'm healthy and don't take a single medication, why would I sign up for one?" As this might be true, one would have a late enrollment penalty placed upon them once they do need a particular medication in the future and consequently have the penalty. I always encourage to enroll into a Part D plan as there are plans available at no monthly premium or even below $10 a month.
That it's free! Most people qualify for "premium-free" Part A (80% hospital coverage) because they or a spouse paid into Medicare over the years. Still, Part B (80% doctor/physician coverage) has a standard monthly premium paid to Medicare. This premium is deducted from any Social Security benefits you receive, or you'll be billed directly from Medicare. You could qualify for the Part B subsidy if you meet certain income thresholds. Let's schedule a call so you know where you stand. Chad
When are the most common misconceptions that I hear is people thinking that Medicare covers everything after age 65. However, there are several things that Medicare does not cover that most people want or need to have a plan for. Those include (but aren’t limited to), long-term care, cosmetic surgery, certain things after an auto accident, etc.
It's free, and they have to sign up at 65 regardless. Medicare Part A has a $0 premium for most people, but Medicare Part B's premium is based on your household income from two years ago.
If you are covered by your employer's health plan, you may be able to delay Medicare if you want. This is where a professional can really help.
I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that Medicare is all you need. Just having Part A and B with Medicare can provide good coverage, but also leave you open for a lot of financial responsibility if you find yourself in the hospital, doctor office, or other medical services. A Medigap or Advantage plan can really reduce your overall costs and protect you financially.
Lesser insurance - that is the most common misconception about Medicare insurance. The truth is anything but lesser insurance. Medicare is comprehensive health insurance with a national network of participating providers and hospital systems.
The most common misconception about Medicare is that you have to drop all of your previous coverage and get onto Medicare right when you turn 65. That’s not always true. If you have work coverage (employer sponsored plan), that is not going to cancel when you turn 65 Then you can do something called “delay part B”. What this does is it makes it so that you don’t have to pay a Medicare part B premium every month towards Medicare, you can continue with your work coverage, and when you decide to drop your work/employer coverage, you can get Medicare part B without incurring a penalty.
The biggest and most common misconceptions about Original Medicare is that it is free medical care for those that turn 65.
Medicare is also available to those on Disability (2 years) under age 65.
Original Medicare does NOT cover Routine Dental, Vision, Hearing Aid/Exams (these benefits are available in Medicare Advantage plans). There may be standalone plans to add on to cover these services (Premiums/Co-pays/Co-Insurance can apply).
NO coverage for Cosmetic surgery.
Medicare does NOT cover Medicare expenses when traveling out of the country. (limited emergency care coverage). *Contact me for World-wide Travel coverage quotes.
People hear that Medicare advantages are all HMO and need referrals. That is not true. They are also PPO's and the networks are VERY large. You can travel and even go out of country and you do not need referrals!
That is covers everything which it does not. Medicare A & B covers 80% and no cap for possible liability. Also doesn’t cover things such as dental, vision or hearing or prescription drugs. You need to either purchase a Supplement or Advantage plan to cover those things.
That they feel that Medicare is tied to Social Security and that they cannot enroll in just Medicare. They feel that if you have Medicare then you have to collect Social Security also.
One of the most biggest misconceptions about Medicare is that it covers all healthcare costs without any expenses for the beneficiaries. Many people believe that Medicare pays for everything, but in reality, there are premiums, deductibles, and copayments, and it doesn’t cover certain services like long-term care or dental care.
Without a doubt when they are turning 65 and if they're working or if they have a spouse is working, that they have to sign up for Medicare or they'll pay penalties.
I would say the most common misconception about Medicare is that it works the same as other health insurance plans. Medicare is unique and there are many differences between Medicare and the health insurance people are used to having.
A common misconception about Medicare is that it covers all medical expenses, but in reality, Original Medicare (Parts A and B) only covers a portion of costs, and other parts and plans, like Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Part D (prescription drug coverage), require additional premiums and may have limitations.
That a PPO is always better than an HMO, especially when traveling.any carriers have doctors that are in network for their HMO plans in other cities and states. PPO does not guarantee your carrier will pay for out of network doctors. The doctor has to agree to the terms and conditions of the plan.
That Medicare will cost an "arm and a leg." The truth is, there are costs, but also, often times people are in a far better place under Medicare than they were on ACA plans or on their employer group's plan.
Medicare is FREE and it covers everything. There are some premiums, deductibles, coinsurances and possible penalties if you don’t sign up on time. There some gaps in prescription, dental, vision and other benefits, Medicare itself it’s not enough.
that it just happens automatically. That they don't have to do anything or add anything to it. It is not explained well at all by the people at Medicare.
That is covers everything. Many are shocked when you go over the coverage gaps in Medicare. The other big misconception is that it's free. People don't realize that Part B costs extra.
They think that once they have their Medicare A & B everything is taken care of. They don't realize that they don't have maximum out of pocket protection and they can be penalized later because they didn't get Part D prescription coverage.
A huge misconception is having to enroll in Medicare Part A & B when you are first eligible at age 65. Certainly does apply to some individuals but many people think they MUST do something even if they are still working and for an employer with more than 20 employees. Fear of a penalty is huge.
When is it appropriate to delay Medicare or should it ALWAYS be at age 65? That comes up often.
Another misconception is that everyone pays the same premium to have Medicare Part B. Higher income individuals can be in for a surprise when it comes to their Part B premiums.
Some people aren't aware that there are multiple programs which can help pay some Medicare costs and healthcare costs. If you're low-income, you should find out what's available to you.
Most people think they will have poor coverage when on Medicare vs what they had when working. As plans have continued to add benefits and there are caps on out of pocket for Part D, plans tend to be much better than work coverage.
The most common misconception is that Medicare is expensive. I think people get Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans confused. Some people have an Advantage plan and call it a supplement mistakenly because it supplements their Medicare A&B.
That Medicare is so confusing. Medicare is actually quite simple, and depending on the answers to just a few questions, a logical and economical decision can be made on your Healthcare as a Senior
Most are totally surprised when you explain the Part B premium is being taken from their Social Security check... and the second misconception is the true cost (and denial rates of insurance companies of MAPD plans).
