Frequently Asked Questions
What is Medicare and why do I need it?
Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65+ and certain younger individuals with disabilities. It helps cover hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription drugs.
How do I choose the right Medicare insurance plan for me?
Explore coverage, costs, and included doctors or hospitals. Our licensed agents can help you find a plan that fits your needs and budget.
Call us today and we'll walk you through the whole process.
What does a typical Medicare insurance plan cover?
Most plans include hospital, medical, and prescription drug coverage. Some may also offer dental, vision, and hearing benefits. This varies by plan. We're here to take the guess work out of Medicare so you get a plan that works for you.
How can I apply for Medicare?
You can enroll online through this portal, go to the Social Security website, by phone, or with assistance from one of our Medicare specialists.
What are premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs?
Premiums: The amount you pay monthly or annually for your health insurance.
Deductibles: The amount you pay for healthcare services before your insurance starts to pay.
Out-of-pocket costs: The total amount you pay for covered health services, including copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance.
Can I switch my Medicare plan during the year?
Yes, you can switch to a different plan during the Annual Enrollment Period or under certain qualifying events.
What if I need medical care while traveling outside of my network?
Many health insurance plans offer coverage for emergency medical care outside of your network or area.
It's important to check your plan's details to understand any restrictions or additional costs for out-of-network care.
What should I do if I don't live in Michigan year round?
You can submit claims online or get help from our support team. We’ll ensure your coverage continues and your claims are processed smoothly wherever you are.
When is the Annual Enrollment Period?
The Annual Enrollment Period is between October 15 - December 7
During this time (called annual enrollment period you can:
Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan
Change or add a Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) plan
Return to Original Medicare (Parts A & B) from a Medicare Advantage plan
Any changes you make during this window take effect on January 1 of the following year.
What is a qualifying event?
A qualifying event in Medicare is a life change that gives you a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to join, switch, or drop a Medicare plan outside the regular Annual Enrollment Period.
You have 2 months to update your plan if you have a qualifying event.
These might include..
Moving to a new address outside your plan’s service area
Losing other health coverage (like through an employer or spouse)
Gaining or losing Medicaid eligibility
Leaving or entering a skilled nursing facility or long-term care hospital
Becoming eligible for Extra Help with prescription drug costs
What’s the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is run by the federal government and covers hospital and medical services. Medicare Advantage (Part C) is offered by private insurers, combining Parts A and B—and often Part D—plus extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing.
How do Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans work?
Medigap plans help pay the out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. They’re sold by private companies and work alongside Original Medicare, not Medicare Advantage.
When can I enroll in Medicare for the first time?
You can first enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period, which begins three months before you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after.
Does Medicare cover dental, vision, and hearing care?
Original Medicare does not typically cover routine dental, vision, or hearing services. Many Medicare Advantage plans include these benefits.
Contact us today to get help choosing a plan that includes dental, vision and hearing care.
What happens if I miss my Medicare enrollment deadline?
If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period (the 7-month window around your 65th birthday), you’ll usually have to wait for the General Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31 to sign up.
Your coverage then begins July 1, and you may have to pay a late-enrollment penalty that permanently increases your premium.
Can I keep my doctor with a Medicare Advantage plan?
It depends on the plan’s network. Some plans require you to see in-network providers, while others allow you to visit any doctor who accepts Medicare.
How do prescription drug (Part D) plans work?
Medicare Part D covers prescription medications through private insurance plans. You pay a monthly premium, and your share of drug costs depends on your plan’s formulary and pharmacy network.
What’s the penalty for not having Part D coverage?
If you go 63 days or more without credible prescription drug coverage after becoming eligible, you’ll pay a late-enrollment penalty added to your monthly Part D premium for as long as you have coverage.
How do I know if I qualify for extra help with Medicare costs?
You may qualify for Extra Help (a federal subsidy) based on your income and resources.
It reduces prescription drug costs, premiums, and deductibles.
You can apply through Social Security or through Michigan's Medicaid office.
What documents do I need to apply for Medicare?
Typically, you’ll need proof of age or citizenship (like a birth certificate or passport), your Social Security number, and any employment or insurance records showing prior coverage.
We bring clarity to your Medicare decisions.
We help you find Medicare insurance plans to fit your needs, ensuring peace of mind. Trust our expert team to guide you in choosing the right plan.
We're committed to helping you find Medicare insurance that ensures peace of mind for you and your loved ones. We're here to help you find a plan that protects what matters most.
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Huggins Medicare Advisors is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Scott Huggins is a licensed insurance agent certified to offer Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplements, and Prescription Drug Plans from various insurance companies. Our services are provided at no cost to you. Enrollment in a plan may be limited to certain times of the year unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.