GREENSBORO, N.C. — Getting on Medicare can be tricky. Insurance experts Catherine Sevier and Steve Edmonds answered common questions about how to get enrolled and avoid mistakes.
Medicare enrollment
AARP has a Medicare Question & Answer Tool. The tool clarifies eligibility and enrollment requirements and provides answers to questions on Medicare’s plan options, coverage, and costs in an easy-to-understand manner.
As a resource, you can also try Medicare.gov
Enrollment for Medicare is time-sensitive. If you're eligible for Medicare when you turn 65, Medicare.gov said you have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period to sign up for Part A and/or Part B. The period begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, it includes the month you turn 65 and ends three months after your birthday month.
If you miss that 7-month window, Sevier said you will suffer a 10% penalty every 12 months, and that penalty doesn't go away once you start.
Medicare plans
Medicare Part A covers your inpatient hospital stays.
Medicare Part B is the premium that covers your doctor visits.
Mediciare Part D covers prescriptions.
Medigap is extra insurance you can get to cover co-pays, deductibles and travel.
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