Frequently asked questions
Medicare basics
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a U.S. federal program that offers health insurance to American citizens and other eligible individuals.
Who is Medicare for?
Medicare is available for U.S. citizens and legal residents that meet certain requirements:
65 years old or older
Younger than 65 years old with qualifying disability
Any age with a diagnosis of end-stage renal disease or ALS
IMPORTANT: Legal residents must have lived in the U.S. for at least 5 years in a row before applying for Medicare.
Turning 65 years old
What does 'New to Medicare' mean?
"New to Medicare" refers to people who have never been enrolled in Medicare before and are now about to or have already qualified. This is typically referring to people who are about to turn 65, but can also be relevant to people who qualify for other reasons, such as disability, certain medical conditions, and more.
When do I qualify for Medicare?
You qualify for Medicare once you turn 65 years of age. In some cases, you can qualify with a younger age depending on qualifying disability.
What if I work past 65?
You still have your IEP (Initial Enrollment Period), where you have to make decisions regarding Medicare and the coverage provided by your employer (or your spouse’s).
You may be able to delay enrolling in Medicare without penalty if:
The employer has 20 or more employees
The employer-provided health insurance is considered “creditable”
The employer doesn’t require covered spouses to enroll in Medicare at age 65 in order to remain on the employer’s plan
I'm 65 but my spouse isn't, what do we do?
Even though you qualify for medicare, unfortunately your spouse does not and can not be on the same plan. However, we have access to over 20 CARRIERS and will be more than happy to provide them with amazing health insurance that is perfect for their needs up until they turn 65. Then, we can help them make the seamless transition into Medicare once they qualify, pairing them with the best plan possible.
Medicare Plans
What's Part A?
Part A covers inpatient hospital and skilled nursing care. It has a deductible of $1,632 for 2024, every 60 days (per benefit period). This deductible is usually increased yearly.
What's Part B?
Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient care. It has a monthly premium of $174.70 for 2024, an annual deductible of $240 for 2024, and 20% coinsurance for all medical related benefits.
What's Part C?
Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage plans, combine Part A, Part B and often prescription drug coverage (Part D). Some plans may offer additional benefits like coverage for routine vision and dental care. Most Part C plans help with Parts A and B insurance cost, like deductibles and coinsurance.
What's Part D?
Part D, also known as Medicare prescription drug plans, helps pay for medications prescribed by a doctor or other health care professional.
What's Medigap?
Medigap, also known as Medicare supplement insurance plans, helps pay some or most of the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn't cover, such as the 20% co-insurance.
What plan is best for me?
The plan you choose will depend on any conditions you may or not have, or any medications your doctor prescribes you. We understand it is a difficult and complex decision to make, which is why we are here to help. You can contact one of our licensed insurance agents at (833)407-1110.
What's the difference between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Supplement is an add-on to the Original Medicare (Parts A and B), providing prescription drug coverage.
Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, replaces Original Medicare and eliminates the need for Medicare Supplement plan.
Can I have Medicare Supplement AND Medicare Advantage?
Unfortunately, no. Medicare Advantage plans are made to completely replace Original Medicare and Medicare Supplement. If you want to have a Medicare Supplement plan, you cannot add a Part C plan with it.
Coverage
Premium
Medicare Part B has a monthly premium. Some people also pay a premium for Medicare Part A. Medicare Advantage (Part C), Part D and Medigap plans may also have premiums, and amounts will vary by provider and plan.
Deductible
A set amount you pay for covered services before your plan pays.
Copay
A fixed amount you pay at the time you receive a covered service.
Coinsurance
A percentage of the cost you pay for a covered service.
How much does Medicare cost?
Medicare isn't free. The amount you'll pay depends on the coverage you choose and the health care services you receive.
These are some of the costs you may pay with Medicare:
Premium
Deductible
Copay
Coinsurance
What are my coverage options?
Original Medicare
Original Medicare covers Parts A and B automatically (see above for specifics).
Medicare Supplemental
Medicare Supplement is an add-on to Original Medicare, which helps cover prescription drug costs and out-of-pocket payments.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare and provides benefits that help cover what supplement insurance assists with. Many plans come with built-in prescription drug coverage as well as offer perks regarding vision, dental care, and more.
Enrollment
What is IEP?
IEP stands for Initial Enrollment Period. This period is 7 months long, which includes the month you turn 65, the 3 months before and the 3 months after. Your IEP begins and ends one month earlier if your birthday is on the first of the month.
For example: if you were born in January, your IEP would start three months prior and end three months forward. Your IEP would be from October to April.
What is AEP?
AEP stands for the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, where you will have the chance to make changes to your coverage each year after you are enrolled.
How do I enroll in Medicare?
When you become edible for Medicare, you will be automatically enrolled in Parts A and B if you are receiving benefits from Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board. Otherwise, you will need to enroll yourself directly with Social Security.
During your IEP, you can enroll in Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Part D (Medicare Prescription Drug). Moreover, you will have 6 months to be guaranteed coverage in Medigap (Medicare supplement insurance plan), starting the first month you are age 65 or older and enrolled in both Medicare Parts A and B. You may apply at other time, but you could be denied coverage or charged a higher premium based on your health.
When can I change plans?
You might change your plan during what is called SEP, which stands for Special Enrollment Period. This period happens mostly when you had other coverage at 65, such as Employer Group Plan. In that case, you can apply within 8 months of loosing that coverage. If you’re elegible, you might be able to change plans outside of the enrollment period. These are some other situations that can happen:
You’re institutionalized;
You have Extra Help, Medicare, or a Medicare Savings Program (MSP);
You move (permanently change your home address);
You experience contract violations or enrollment errors;And more.
Why would I change plans?
Medicare plans and benefits can change, as well as costs and coverages. You can consider your budget and healthcare needs every year, in order to keep your current coverage or change to a better option.
More Questions
Why should I get Medicare Advantage?
Many people don't know that Medicare Plans provide an abundance of resources and benefits for seniors and other qualifying individuals. These benefits can range from things as simple as covering prescription drug costs, to as unique as providing a robotic pet companion for you to enjoy!
Why Florida Access?
Florida Access is filled with dedicated and experienced brokers who have access to OVER 20 CARRIERS for you to choose from. With this wide variety, we can compare plans for you to deduce which one caters best to whatever health needs you may have now or in the future.
What plan is best for me?
The plan you choose will depend on any conditions you may or not have, or any medications your doctor prescribes you. We understand it is a difficult and complex decision to make, which is why we are here to help. You can contact one of our licensed insurance agents at 407-887-1110.
Don't See An Answer?
Ask Us A Question!
407-887-1110
Medicare
Compare plans
Here you can compare different plans from different providers like:
Cigna
WellCare
United HealthCare
and more!
With access to almost
50 different carrier, covering ACA, Medicare, and Life Insurance, we have the ability to find the best possible options for you and your family wherever you live.
Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions
IDEA Insurance Inc. doing business as Florida Access
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.