What can Medicare ABC help me with?
We explain Medicare options, compare plans we represent and help with enrollment and plan questions. Our guidance has no fee. Plan premiums and other costs may apply. We do not offer every plan available in your area.
Can I get help paying my Part B premium?
You may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program, such as QMB, SLMB or QI, through your state. Eligibility depends on program rules, income and sometimes resources. A plan’s Part B premium reduction is a separate benefit and is not available to everyone. There is no automatic “$148.50 back” payment.
How much does Medicare cost in 2026?
Most people qualify for premium-free Part A through work history. The standard Part B premium is $202.90 monthly and the annual Part B deductible is $283 in 2026; income-related adjustments may apply. The Part A hospital deductible is $1,736 per benefit period. People who must buy Part A may pay $311 or $565 monthly depending on work history. Other coverage and care have separate costs.
What programs help with Medicare costs?
Medicare Savings Programs help with certain Part A/B costs. Extra Help reduces eligible Part D costs. Medicaid and State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs have their own rules. Apply through the relevant program; assistance is not guaranteed by an insurance quote.
How are Medicare and Medicaid different?
Medicare is a federal insurance program based mainly on age or qualifying disability/conditions. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program with state eligibility rules, often based on income and other circumstances. Some people have both.
Can I get dental, vision or other extra benefits?
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer benefits beyond Original Medicare. Check each benefit’s limits, network and eligibility requirements. Extra benefits do not replace a review of your doctors, drugs and medical costs.
What should I ask a Licensed Insurance Agent?
Ask about your doctors, prescriptions, pharmacies, total costs and enrollment dates. An agent can help explain plan documents and direct you to assistance programs. The insurer or government program makes coverage and eligibility decisions.
What information should I have ready?
Have your Medicare card and A/B start dates, ZIP code, current coverage, doctor list and medication list ready. Do not send your Social Security number or Medicare number in an ordinary contact form or email. The secure application process will explain what is needed.
Does Medicare Advantage just pay the other 20%?
No. Medicare Advantage is another way to receive your Medicare benefits, with its own cost sharing. It is not a supplement that simply pays Original Medicare’s remaining 20%. Medigap helps with specific Original Medicare cost-sharing amounts.
When can I get or change a plan?
Initial, annual and special enrollment opportunities have different rules. Annual Open Enrollment is October 15–December 7, 2026 for eligible changes effective January 1, 2027. See the enrollment calendar.
How do I get help from your agency?
Use our agent directory to call, email or request an appointment. Our contact page lists offices. Confirm appointments and any in-person or home-visit availability with the agent.
Can I have more than one Medicare Advantage plan?
You generally can have only one Medicare Advantage plan at a time. Original Medicare, a Medigap policy and a stand-alone Part D plan can work together when appropriate. Other insurance may have coordination rules.
Can I switch plans whenever I want?
No. Medicare Advantage and Part D changes require an applicable enrollment period. Medicaid or Extra Help may create specific enrollment opportunities, but not unrestricted switching into every plan. Medigap changes have separate protections and underwriting rules.
Can I have Medicare while I am working?
Yes. Whether you should enroll now or delay Part B depends on your current employment coverage, employer size and other circumstances. Ask your employer benefits administrator and Social Security which plan pays first and what deadlines apply. COBRA and retiree coverage are not the same as active-employment coverage.
Can I qualify before age 65?
Yes, in certain circumstances. People receiving qualifying disability benefits often become eligible after 24 months of benefits. ALS and End-Stage Renal Disease have different timing rules. Confirm eligibility with Social Security or Medicare.
What are Parts A, B, C and D?
Part A is hospital insurance; Part B is medical insurance. Part C is Medicare Advantage, an alternative way to receive A/B benefits. Part D covers prescription drugs. Read the Medicare basics guide.
What is Medigap?
Medigap is private Medicare Supplement Insurance that helps pay specified costs under Original Medicare. It does not work with Medicare Advantage and new policies do not include prescription drug coverage. Benefits depend on the plan letter.
How do I apply for Medicare itself?
Apply through Social Security, call 1-800-772-1213 or arrange assistance with your local office. Some people are enrolled automatically. Choosing an MA or drug plan is a separate step.
How are Medicare Advantage and Medigap different?
Medicare Advantage replaces how you receive A/B services through a private plan, often with drug coverage. Medigap helps pay specified costs while you remain in Original Medicare. Compare premiums, providers, drugs and enrollment protections in our side-by-side guide.
How do I update Social Security information?
Use my Social Security or call 1-800-772-1213. Some changes require additional steps. Also update your health plan and agency contact details where appropriate.