What’s the most important question I should be asking about Medicare that I probably haven’t thought of yet?

Question

Thomas Ashton · Accepted Answer

If I am still working do I need to sign up for Medicare? How do I determine if a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medicare Supplement is right for me?

Nikki Rowland · Answer

Medicare does not cover everything.  You should always ask, are there gaps in my coverage that could leave me with unexpected out-of-pocket costs?

David Moscowitz · Answer

What plans are available in my area, @ am I eligible. I will be turning 65 in 3 months when should I apply?

What documentation do I need to have to be able to consider a Medicare advantage plan, and how do I go about getting what I need?

Keaton Lewis · Answer

This might sound a bit cliche since it's coming from an agent, but I would ask: "What are the reasons why I should work with an agent?" Over the years I've had many clients and come across many beneficiaries who are confused and overwhelmed with relentless, intrusive, and misleading advertising. It has become worse that it's ever been in the last year alone. As an agent, it's my job to understand what's happening in the industry so you won't have to! Trying to understand and navigate everything is like trying to get a college degree without the help of a teacher. I'm here to help relieve the burden, and it costs you nothing to use me!

Answered by Keaton Lewis on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in ID, AZ, CA & 11 other states

Answered by Keaton Lewis Medicare Insurance Agent

Jane Ahrens · Answer

What is the difference between a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy and a Medicare Advantage Plan? Will I always be able to purchase either?

Daniel Weeks · Answer

What's the difference between a Medicare Advantage plan (MAPD) and a Medigap Supplement? How do they work with Medicare?

Andrew Bennett · Answer

The question you aren't asking might just be what options give me most control of my healthcare?  The opposite question is important as well, What might limit my healthcare?  With Advantage plans you have to stay in-network for your care and often there are prior authorization hoops to jump through.  

With Medicare supplements there are fewer prior authorizations and when there is one they are generally just looking for Fraud, Waste, and Abuse.  What they are not looking for are ways to protect their profits.  They aren't looking for how they can squeeze more money out of the system to pay their CEO or have more money for their marketing budget.

Yes, there are times when an Advantage Plan is the right fit.  It does depend on your budget and the amount of control you have really depends on the company you go with.  In general though I think you retain more control of your healthcare with traditional Medicare and a supplement.

Candace McWilliams · Answer

The most important question to ask depends on your specific situation and budget. But a great place to start is: Which Medicare plan best meets my healthcare needs and budget? From there you have plenty of options. That why working with a licensed sale agent can help in these important decisions.

Answered by Candace McWilliams on March 31, 2025

Agent Licensed in IN

Answered by Candace McWilliams Medicare Insurance Agent

Anthony Castelluccio · Answer

There are so many great questions, it's hard to narrow it down to the most important question. Is your Agent sitting down face to face with you to review all of your questions either at your kitchen table or their office? I am a visual learner myself and I know I would prefer to sit down to review all of the many different options people have. This process can be overwhelming and I simplify the full process and walk through the timeline you need to be aware of!

Answered by Anthony Castelluccio on March 31, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA, DE, MD, NJ & VA

Answered by Anthony Castelluccio Medicare Insurance Agent

Betsy Mullison · Answer

When choosing your Medicare coverage, it’s essential to consider how the plan will meet your current and future needs. Understanding enrollment periods and your ability to switch plans is key. Many people mistakenly believe they can switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to a Supplement plan during the Annual Enrollment Period—without realizing that medical underwriting is required for that change.
So, an important question is "Do I understand the Medicare Plan enrollment periods and requirements?

Jeffrey Jon · Answer

I think one of the most important questions to ask is if the plan will allow me to continue to travel anywhere and be covered. 
If there is no network, you can travel any where in the United States and be covered. HMO's and PPOs are not universal in their ability to allow you to go anywhere and get coverage.

Leslie Helene Sussman · Answer

The most important question I would ask is How are my Medications and preferred Pharmacy going to be covered. (which plan would be best to cover my Medications and Pharmacy).    
A thorough needs analysis is critical when choosing a Medicare plan.

Dana Dane · Answer

What is the difference between Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage Plans?  Which plan is right for me?

Michael Yost · Answer

Should I enroll in a Medicare plan or stay on my group health insurance plan? Many people think Medicare is too confusing and they don't want to deal with it now. They feel very comfortable with their group plan because that's what they are used to. So many families I've spoken with over the years got better coverage on Medicare and paid less, saving $$. People may be missing out on better coverage and savings if they don't take time to compare and talk with a broker about their options.

Answered by Michael Yost on March 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH, AL, AZ & 27 other states

Answered by Michael Yost Medicare Insurance Agent

Claire Akey · Answer

When you are new to Medicare, I would always look into all options available to you. And I would always go through a licensed, experienced broker who is contracted with all the major companies. That way you are not limiting your choices both for now and in the future.

Answered by Claire Akey on March 31, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, CO & 14 other states

Answered by Claire Akey Medicare Insurance Agent

Jennifer Stark · Answer

Where do i start the process? Will Medicare provide me with the coverage I may need if I get sick and or have health issues.  Can an agent explain Medicare so I understand it clearly?

Andrew Zurbuch, MBA · Answer

Does this new coverage with Original Med cover me outside of the United States.

Answer: No, Original Medicare Part A & Part B does not cover Medicare Beneficiaries outside of the United States. Except for limited coverage near the U.S. border.

Barbara Barnes · Answer

How much will it cost?

There is so much more to this question than just premiums.  Of course, premiums are a part of it.  Usually, Part A will be premium-free because you've already paid for it through payroll taxes, but there is a premium for Part B and Part D, and if you made more than a certain amount, the premium might be even higher than what most people pay.

Beyond Parts A and B of Medicare, you will need to choose how you want to receive those benefits.  Do you want just Medicare A and B?  Do you want to add a Medicare Supplement plan to Original Medicare for additional coverage?  What about Prescription Drugs?  Or do you want to forgo Original Medicare for a Medicare Advantage plan?  Each option comes with different costs, risks and rewards.  It's important to understand each option before you decide which is best for you.  Then you still need to choose an insurance company!

Once you've decided on a plan and know what premiums you will pay, there are your deductibles, coinsurance, copayments and fees for the covered services you receive.  Did you know that with Original Medicare, there is no out-of-pocket limit on how much your claims could cost?  Usually, Medicare Advantage plans will have a maximum out-of-pocket amount, but that could be thousands of dollars.  Medicare Supplements limit your out-of-pocket risk, but they often have higher premiums.  Unless you have a low income and qualify for Medicaid, you will pay more than just the basic premiums for Medicare Parts A and B.

Confused yet?  That certainly is not my goal, but I do want to convey to you that Medicare is complicated.  This is why having an experienced Independent Insurance Agent who specializes in Medicare Insurance is so important.

Tony Hardwick · Answer

The most important question to ask is "Are you happy with your healthcare coverage?" It's also important to ask if the client wants to increase benefit amounts or reduce any co-pays they may have.

Gregory Dunham · Answer

If you are turning 65, the first questions to ask are, what choices are available to me and which of those choices best suite my lifestyle and healthcare needs.

If you are 65 or older, you should be asking if the healthcare plan(s) you have are being utilized.  Are there benefits you are missing or now need based on a change in health or lifestyle.

Gina Landers · Answer

For Medicare Advantage plan beneficiaries: Are all my doctors, hospitals in the network and are all my medications covered and how much will my costs be?

For Medicare Supplement plan and Part D beneficiaries:  What are my options when my Medicare supplement plan premiums increase?  

When can I review and change my Medicare Part D plan?

Daniel Jones · Answer

Understanding Medicare and how it works can be confusing to many. If you're going to choose a Medicare replacement or Medicare Advantage, you'll want to understand the difference between Network types, what is a PPO, HMO and HMO-POS for example, and more importantly, what does that mean to me as a health care consumer.

Answered by Daniel Jones on March 31, 2025

Broker Licensed in CO, AZ, FL & 6 other states

Answered by Daniel Jones Medicare Insurance Agent

What’s the most important question I should be asking about Medicare that I probably haven’t thought of yet?

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What’s the most important question I should be asking about Medicare that I probably haven’t thought of yet?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Related Questions

Agent Locator

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A non-government resource website