Mapping Medicare FAQs

At Mapping Medicare, we understand navigating Medicare can be overwhelming. That's why we go beyond simply offering plans. We're your personal Medicare mapper, guiding you through options with clarity and care. 

We're licensed to serve all of Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Colorado, and we'll find the plan that best fits your unique needs and budget. 

Yes! In addition to helping you navigate Medicare, we can also assist you with finding dental and vision insurance plans that complement your Medicare coverage and fit your budget.

We understand your concerns! We'll work with you to find a Medicare plan that offers comprehensive coverage while keeping your costs in mind.  We can also explore options for supplemental insurance to help manage out-of-pocket expenses.

While our office is located in Marquette, MI, we're licensed to serve residents throughout Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Colorado. We can conveniently conduct consultations and guide you through the Medicare enrollment process remotely.

Absolutely! We offer free consultations to discuss your situation and answer any questions you might have about Medicare or other insurance options.  We want to empower you to make informed decisions about your health coverage. 

Mapping Medicare, located right here in Marquette, MI, helps individuals navigate the world of insurance. 

We specialize in Medicare plans (Parts A, B, C & D), dental insurance, and vision insurance. 

We're also licensed to serve residents throughout Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Colorado.

Absolutely!  Even with an existing plan, questions can arise.  Kevin Dorr at Mapping Medicare can assist you in understanding your current plan details, including coverage, costs, and network providers.  

We can also review your situation and see if there are any better options available during the Open Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7) each year.

Yes! We believe in informed decisions. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation and ask any questions you might have about Medicare or other insurance options.

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) typically doesn't cover routine dental or vision care. We can help you explore supplemental dental and vision insurance plans to complement your Medicare coverage and keep your smile and sight healthy!

While Medicare itself is a federal program, some plan details can vary by location.  

Mapping Medicare, a local agency in Marquette, MI, can help you review your current plan and see if it offers adequate coverage in your new area. 

We can also explore other options within the Marquette network if needed to ensure seamless healthcare access.

We're happy to help!  Schedule a free consultation, call us at (906) 360-0948, or click here to schedule an appointment.

 Turning 65 is a big milestone! Medicare is a federal health insurance program for Americans 65 and older.  

Mapping Medicare, a trusted agency in Marquette, MI, can help you understand your eligibility, navigate enrollment periods (typically 7 months before your 65th birthday), and explore plan options (Parts A, B, C & D) to find the best fit for your needs.

Most people, in fact, will have to pay some premiums for their Medicare coverage. The premiums (or lack of) is different between Part A, B, C, and D. It really comes down to your individual situation.

You probably want to plan ahead – that means you are ahead of the game!

If really want to drill down and figure out your Medicare, we are happy to help you. In fact, in one 30-min Medicare Consultation phone call (free), you can be on your way to enrolling yourself in Medicare and knowing exactly how much it will cost you.

• The initial enrollment period for Part D lasts for seven months. It starts three months before someone turns 65 and ends three months after his/her birth month. So, if someone turns 65 on March 15, his or her initial enrollment period would last from January 1 through June 30.
• The annual enrollment period is the same for all Medicare beneficiaries. It lasts from October 15 through December 7. During this period, people can enroll in Part D drug plans or switch their Medicare coverage without incurring any penalties. The new plan will go into effect on January 1st.
• Some people may be able to enroll in Part D during what are known as special election periods. Eligible people include those who have recently left a group health insurance plan and people who have moved to different areas that are not covered by their current plans.

The good news is you can typically change your Medicare plan during the Open Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7) each year. 

We can review your needs and help you find a plan that better suits your current situation.

It's wise to plan ahead!  The Initial Enrollment Period for Medicare is typically 7 months before your 65th birthday. 

We can help you understand your eligibility and explore plan options well before the deadline.

Choosing the right Medicare plan can feel overwhelming.  At Mapping Medicare, we simplify the process. We'll listen to your health needs, budget, and preferences. We'll then explain your options in clear, understandable language and help you find a plan that offers the coverage you need at a comfortable price point.

• Part A: Covers hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, hospice care, and some home health care. It's often premium-free for those who paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years.
• Part B: Covers outpatient services like doctor visits, diagnostics, preventive care, and some medical supplies. It has a monthly premium and usually carries a deductible.
• Part C: Also known as Medicare Advantage, this combines Parts A and B into a single plan offered by private companies. It may include additional benefits like dental or vision coverage, but you'll typically need to pay an additional premium.
• Part D: Covers prescription drugs, but is separate from Parts A, B, and C. It has a separate enrollment period and requires choosing a specific plan with monthly premiums, deductibles, and co-pays.

• You're generally eligible for Medicare at age 65 if you're a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• People with certain disabilities or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) may also qualify at younger ages.

The standard Part B premium for 2024 is $174.70, but it can be higher depending on your income.

Yes, the Part B deductible in 2024 is $240. You'll need to pay this amount before Medicare starts covering most outpatient services.

• Enroll in a Part D plan during your Initial Enrollment Period (7 months around your 65th birthday) or a Special Enrollment Period if you qualify.
• Consider a low-cost Part D plan even if you don't need medication yet. This avoids penalties and provides coverage for future needs.

• Enroll in a Part D plan during your Initial Enrollment Period (7 months around your 65th birthday) or a Special Enrollment Period if you qualify.
• Consider a low-cost Part D plan even if you don't need medication yet. This avoids penalties and provides coverage for future needs.

There is no premium with a qualifying work history.

You pay:

• $1632 deductible each benefit period
• Days 1-60: $0 coinsurance each benefit period
• Days 61-90: $408 coinsurance per day of benefit period
• Days 91 and above: $816 coinsurance per each lifetime reserve day following day 90 for each benefit period. Total lifetime of 60 days
• After all lifetime reserve days- you pay all costs

Without qualifying work history the monthly premium for Part A is $505.

The standard monthly premium for 2024  is $174.70. High income pays more.

In addition to the Medicare Part B deductible, you are responsible for the Medicare Part B deductible of $240 annually, then 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. 

You are automatically enrolled into Part A and Part B if you are already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits. Everyone else will need to apply for Medicare at Social Security.

The first time you can enroll is called your Initial Enrollment Period. 

Your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period usually:

• Begins 3 months before the month you turn 65
• Includes the month you turn 65
• Ends 3 months after the month you turn 65

For example, let’s say your birthday is May 4th. Your eligibility to enroll begins February 1st. Your Initial Enrollment Period is February 1st  through August 31st.

Most people qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A based on their work history. Here's what you need to know:

Eligibility:

You generally qualify for premium-free Part A if you or your spouse:

• Paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years while working.
• Received Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits for at least 4 months before turning 65.

Enrollment:

• If you meet the eligibility criteria, you'll automatically be enrolled in Part A at age 65, and you won't need to pay a premium.
• If you're already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you don't need to take any further action.
• If you're not receiving benefits, you should contact the Social Security Administration to verify your eligibility and enrollment.

Exceptions:

• If you didn't work long enough to qualify for premium-free Part A, you can purchase it, but it will be considerably more expensive than the standard premium.
• People with certain disabilities or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) may also qualify for Part A on different terms.

Medicare is a health insurance program for:

• People age 65 or older
• People under age 65 with certain disabilities
• People of all ages with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.)