• Chandler Insurance Services
  • PO BOX 11235, Albany NY 12211

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Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Medicare Questions — Answered Simply

1️⃣ When should I apply for Medicare?
You should apply 3 months before your 65th birthday, the month you turn 65, or within 3 months after.
This is called your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) — a 7-month window.
If you miss it, you could face late penalties and delays in coverage.
Most people qualify at age 65.
You can qualify earlier if you have certain disabilities or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
You avoid penalties by enrolling on time during your Initial Enrollment Period — and by making sure you have creditable coverage if you delay Part B or Part D because you are still working.
Late penalties can last for life, so timing matters.
Part A = Hospital Insurance

Covers:

  • Hospital stays
  • Skilled nursing facility care
  • Hospice
  • Some home health care

Most people get Part A premium-free if they worked 10 years (40 quarters).

Part B = Medical Insurance

Covers:

  • Doctor visits
  • Outpatient care
  • Preventive services
  • X-rays, labs, durable medical equipment

Part B has a monthly premium, and this is where many penalties happen if you enroll late.

Part D is prescription drug coverage.

You can get it through:

  • A stand-alone Part D plan
  • Or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drugs

If you go without drug coverage and don’t have creditable coverage, you can get a permanent Part D penalty.

Part C = Medicare Advantage.

These are plans offered by private insurance companies that replace Original Medicare (Parts A & B).

They often include:

  • Doctor coverage
  • Hospital coverage
  • Prescription drugs
  • Dental, vision, hearing, and wellness benefits

But you must use the plan’s network of doctors in most cases.

Medicare Advantage (Part C):
  • One plan that replaces Original Medicare
  • May include extra benefits
  • Usually lower premiums
  • Uses networks
Medicare Supplement (Medigap):
  • Works with Original Medicare
  • Helps pay deductibles, copays, and coinsurance
  • You can see most doctors who take Medicare
  • Usually higher premiums, but fewer out-of-pocket costs

Think of it like this:

👉 Advantage = all-in-one plan
👉 Supplement = fills the gaps in Original Medicare

Yes — during certain times of the year:
  • Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): Oct 15 – Dec 7 You can switch, drop, or enroll in a new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan.
  • Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: Jan 1 – Mar 31
You can switch Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare.
Here are the main ones:
  • Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): 7 months around your 65th birthday
  • Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): Oct 15 – Dec 7 each year
  • Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: Jan 1 – Mar 31
  • Special Enrollment Period (SEP):
If you move, lose coverage, retire, or have certain life changes.
Because Medicare is complicated — and mistakes are expensive.

I help you:

  • Avoid penalties
  • Choose the right plan
  • Understand your coverage
  • Review your medications
  • Make sure your doctors are covered

If your plan is good, I’ll tell you to stay.
If something better fits your needs, I’ll show you your options.
📞 Call or text: 518-364-0162

Chandler Insurance Services

PO BOX 11235
Albany NY 12211

 (518) 364-0162
Personal, Virtual, & Phone Consultations