Question 1

When am I eligible for Medicare?

Accepted Answer

Most people become eligible for Medicare at age 65. You may also qualify before 65 if you've received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months, or if you have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).

Question 2

Do I have to sign up for Medicare at 65?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. If you're covered by an employer health plan through active employment at a company with 20 or more employees, you can delay Medicare without penalty. However, you should verify your employer plan qualifies as creditable coverage before delaying.

Question 3

How do I sign up for Medicare?

Accepted Answer

You can enroll in Medicare online at ssa.gov, by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office. If you're already receiving Social Security benefits, you'll be enrolled automatically in Parts A and B at 65.

Question 4

What is the difference between Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D?

Accepted Answer

Part A covers hospital care. Part B covers medical services (doctor visits, outpatient care). Part C (Medicare Advantage) is a private plan that replaces Parts A and B and usually includes Part D. Part D covers prescription drugs.

Question 5

Is Medicare free?

Accepted Answer

Part A is premium-free for most people (if you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years). Part B has a standard monthly premium of $202.90 in 2026. Medicare Advantage and Part D plans have their own premiums, which vary by plan.

Question 6

What is the Medicare Part B premium in 2026?

Accepted Answer

The standard Part B premium in 2026 is $202.90 per month. Higher-income beneficiaries pay more through the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). Your premium is typically deducted from your Social Security benefit.

Question 7

What is IRMAA?

Accepted Answer

IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) is an additional premium surcharge for Medicare Part B and Part D paid by higher-income beneficiaries. It's based on your income from two years prior. In 2026, IRMAA applies to individuals with income above $106,000 and couples above $212,000.

Question 8

What is the Medicare Part A deductible in 2026?

Accepted Answer

The Medicare Part A deductible in 2026 is $1,736 per benefit period. This covers your first 60 days of inpatient hospital care. After 60 days, coinsurance applies. There is no out-of-pocket maximum under Original Medicare.

Question 9

What is Medicare Advantage?

Accepted Answer

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is a private insurance alternative to Original Medicare. It covers everything Parts A and B cover, usually includes Part D drug coverage, and often adds extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing. Plans are network-based and vary by county.

Question 10

What is a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan?

Accepted Answer

A Medicare Supplement plan fills the gaps in Original Medicare — covering your 20% coinsurance, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket costs. It works alongside Original Medicare and gives you access to any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare.

Question 11

What is the best Medicare Supplement plan?

Accepted Answer

Plan G is the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement plan available to new enrollees (Plan F is no longer available to those who became eligible after January 1, 2020). Plan G covers everything except the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026). Plan N is a lower-premium alternative with small copays.

Question 12

What is a Medicare Part D plan?

Accepted Answer

Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage offered through private insurance companies approved by Medicare. Each plan has its own formulary (list of covered drugs), premiums, deductibles, and pharmacy network. You need a separate Part D plan if you have Original Medicare or a Supplement plan.

Question 13

What is the Medicare late enrollment penalty?

Accepted Answer

If you don't enroll in Part B when first eligible and don't have creditable coverage, you'll pay a 10% premium penalty for every 12-month period you delayed — permanently. The Part D late enrollment penalty is 1% of the national base beneficiary premium for every month you went without creditable drug coverage.

Question 14

When can I change my Medicare plan?

Accepted Answer

The main window is the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15–December 7). Medicare Advantage enrollees can also make changes during the Open Enrollment Period (January 1–March 31). Special Enrollment Periods allow changes outside these windows when a qualifying life event occurs.

Question 15

What is a Special Enrollment Period?

Accepted Answer

A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) lets you enroll in or change Medicare coverage outside the standard windows when a qualifying life event occurs — such as losing employer coverage, moving to a new service area, or your plan leaving your area.

Question 16

Can I be denied a Medicare Supplement plan?

Accepted Answer

During your Medigap open enrollment window (the 6 months after you first enroll in Part B at 65), insurers must sell you any plan at standard rates regardless of health. After that window, insurers can use medical underwriting and may deny coverage or charge more based on your health history.

Question 17

What does a Medicare broker do?

Accepted Answer

A Medicare broker helps you compare plans from multiple insurance carriers, explains your options in plain language, and helps you enroll in the plan that best fits your health needs and budget. An independent broker represents multiple carriers — not just one.

Question 18

Does using a Medicare broker cost extra?

Accepted Answer

No. Medicare brokers are compensated by the insurance carriers when you enroll in a plan. You pay the same premium whether you use a broker or enroll directly — but a broker does all the comparison work for you at no cost.

Question 19

What is the difference between an independent broker and a captive agent?

Accepted Answer

An independent broker represents multiple insurance carriers and can compare plans from all of them. A captive agent works for one company and can only show you that company's plans. An independent broker has no incentive to steer you toward a specific carrier.

Question 20

How do I find a trustworthy Medicare broker in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Look for a licensed, independent broker with verifiable credentials and local experience. Ask how many carriers they represent. A broker who represents only one or two carriers isn't truly independent. William has been a licensed insurance agent since 1998 and represents 13 Medicare Advantage carriers and 8 Medicare Supplement companies.

William Gray

Still Have Questions?

Medicare Frequently Asked Questions — Florida Medicare Guide

William Gray

Still Have Questions?