Medicare FAQ: Your Questions Answered by AEC Insure

 

Welcome to AEC Insure’s Medicare FAQ Hub — where we simplify the complex, educate with clarity, and help you protect your health and finances. Whether you’re turning 65 or exploring Medicare for a loved one, you’ll find straightforward answers to the most common questions below.

 

What Is Medicare?

 

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and older, and for certain younger individuals with disabilities or specific medical conditions. It helps cover hospital care, doctor visits, prescription drugs, and more.

Think of it as your foundation for healthcare in retirement — but the real power comes from choosing the right coverage combination for your needs.

 

What Are the Different Parts of Medicare?

 

Medicare is divided into several parts:

• Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facilities, hospice, and some home health services.

• Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable medical equipment.

• Part C (Medicare Advantage): Offered by private insurers, these all-in-one plans bundle Parts A and B — and often Part D — with extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, or gym memberships.

• Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Helps cover the cost of prescription medications.

 

AEC Insure helps you compare plans side-by-side and understand which options make sense based on your health, prescriptions, and budget.

 

When Can I Enroll in Medicare?

 

Timing matters. Here’s the breakdown:

• Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): 7 months total — starting 3 months before your 65th birthday, the month of your birthday, and 3 months after.

• General Enrollment Period (GEP): January 1 – March 31 each year, if you missed your initial window.

• Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7 — time to review and change plans for next year.

• Special Enrollment Periods (SEP): Triggered by certain life events like moving, losing employer coverage, or retiring.

 

Don’t miss your window — penalties and coverage gaps can apply. Book a consultation with AEC Insure to stay compliant and confident.

 

What’s the Difference Between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?

 

Original Medicare is managed by the federal government and includes Parts A and B. You can add a Part D plan and optional Medicare Supplement (Medigap) for extra protection.

Medicare Advantage (Part C), on the other hand, is offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans often include extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing — plus annual out-of-pocket limits for financial protection.

 

AEC Insure works with top-rated carriers to help you compare options and find the right fit in Mississippi, Tennessee, Maine, Michigan, Florida, and Texas.

 

What Is a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan?

 

Medigap plans fill the “gaps” left by Original Medicare — things like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. These are private policies that help reduce your out-of-pocket costs and give you predictable healthcare expenses each year.

 

If you travel frequently or want nationwide provider flexibility, Medigap might be your best move.

 

Do I Need a Medicare Advantage or Supplement Plan?

 

It depends on your health, lifestyle, and budget.

• If you want lower premiums and bundled benefits, Medicare Advantage may fit you.

• If you prefer freedom to choose doctors nationwide and fewer surprise bills, Medigap may be smarter.

AEC Insure helps you run the numbers and align your plan to your goals — not just what’s trending.

 

Can I Keep My Doctor?

 

That depends on your plan type.

• Original Medicare lets you see any provider that accepts Medicare nationwide.

• Medicare Advantage may limit you to network providers (HMO/PPO).

 

Before enrolling, AEC Insure checks your doctor list to ensure your preferred providers and specialists are covered.

 

Does Medicare Cover Prescription Drugs?

 

Only Part D or Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage will cover prescriptions. Without it, you could face late enrollment penalties later — even if you don’t take many medications today.

AEC Insure’s advisors use drug cost comparison tools to match you with plans that fit your prescription needs.

 

What Does Medicare Not Cover?

 

Medicare doesn’t cover everything. Common exclusions include:

• Long-term care or custodial care

• Routine dental, vision, or hearing (unless part of Advantage plan)

• Cosmetic surgery

• Most over-the-counter drugs

• Care outside the U.S. (in most cases)

 

That’s where supplemental or Advantage coverage steps in.

 

How Much Does Medicare Cost?

 

Costs depend on your income, plan choice, and coverage type:

• Part A: Usually free if you paid Medicare taxes for 10+ years.

• Part B: Standard premium (often deducted from Social Security).

• Part D and Advantage: Vary by plan and location.

 

AEC Insure provides transparent cost breakdowns so you know what you’ll pay monthly and annually.

 

How Can AEC Insure Help Me with Medicare?

 

We make Medicare easy. Our licensed experts:

• Compare top-rated plans side-by-side

• Simplify enrollment and paperwork

• Help you avoid penalties and coverage gaps

• Provide ongoing support after enrollment

 

We’re not just agents — we’re your lifelong Medicare partners.

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Ready to Explore Your Medicare Options?

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Choosing the right plan shouldn’t be stressful. Let AEC Insure help you understand, compare, and enroll with confidence.

👉 Book a Free Medicare Consultation
📞 Call us today — we’re ready to help you secure your health and peace of mind.