Here you’ll find a list of frequently asked questions and answers about Medicare.
Medicare is health insurance offered through the government for people age 65 or older. Some people may be eligible for Medicare earlier if they have a disability or certain medical condition.
Medicare has several different parts.
Medicare Part A covers hospital care, including skilled nursing facilities, hospice, and home care.
Medicare Part B covers doctor care, including lab tests, specialists, and outpatient hospital care.
Medicare Part C, often known as Medicare Advantage, is another way to get Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. Medicare Advantage plans are run by approved private companies that must follow rules set by Medicare.
Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs.
Medicare Parts A, B, and D (or a Medicare Advantage plan and Part D) work together to provide you with the health coverage you need.
Generally, you are eligible for Medicare when you turn 65, unless you have a disability or specific health condition. You can sign up for Medicare starting during your initial enrollment period, which is 7 months, starting 3 months before you turn 65.
If you elect to take Social Security benefits before you turn 65, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B when you turn 65.
You may have heard that if you do not sign up for Medicare during your initial enrollment period, you will be subject to a late enrollment penalty fee. This is true, but only if you do not have other health coverage that is similar in value to Medicare, such as an employer-sponsored health plan like the health coverage available through Albertsons Companies. If you are over age 65 and still have coverage through Albertsons or a spouse’s employer, you can delay your enrollment in Medicare until your other coverage ends.
Visit Medicare.gov and answer a few questions to get started signing up for Medicare.
The best place to start is www.medicare.gov or https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare. Another great option is to take advantage of ALEX Medicare – a resource provided to you by Albertsons that can walk you through the whole Medicare process.
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