A: Most people are eligible at age 65. Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a 7-month window: three months before your 65th birthday, the month you turn 65, and three months after. If you’re already receiving Social Security, you’ll be enrolled automatically.

A: Original Medicare (Parts A & B) is managed by the federal government and lets you see any doctor who accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage (Part C) is offered by private insurers and often includes extra benefits like dental, vision, or prescription drug coverage, but may limit you to a provider network.

A: Original Medicare doesn’t automatically include prescription drug coverage. To get it, you must enroll in a separate Part D plan or choose a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) that includes drug coverage.

A: No. Medicare typically covers 80% of approved costs under Part B, leaving you responsible for the remaining 20%, plus deductibles and coinsurance. Many enrollees purchase a Medigap (supplement) policy to help with these out-of-pocket expenses.

A: It depends. If you have employer coverage from a large employer (20+ employees), you may delay Medicare Part B without penalty. However, if your employer coverage is through a smaller company, you should sign up at 65 to avoid late penalties.