Have a question about medicare?
Are you new to Medicare? About to become eligible? These Frequently Asked Questions will help you on your quest for the information you need before you enroll. Don’t forget to view our online list of resources to guide and educate you during your journey.
If at any time your are feeling overwhelmed or confused we encourage you to give us as call (714) 729-3161 or contact us for your free, no obligation, consultation. We are your orange county medicare agent serving southern California for over 30 years.
Medicare Insurance FAQ:
Can I enroll in a Medicare Insurance plan if I am not enrolled in Medicare Part A and B?
No. You must be enrolled in original Medicare Parts A and B to enroll in a Medicare Medicare Supplement plan, or Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Part D’s prescription drug plan requires that you are enrolled in Medicare Part A but you do not need to be enrolled in Medicare Part B.
Do all Medicare Part D prescription drug plans cover the same medications?
No. Each plan has it’s own list of covered medications. This list is called the drug “formulary”. Medicare requires all Medicare Part D plans to cover at least two medications in each therapeutic category/class approved by Medicare. Each drug within the formulary is assigned a specific tier. Which tier your drug lands on determines the co-payment or out-of-pocket costs you will pay for that particular medication. If your medication is not covered on your Part D plan, you will have to pay full retail price for that medication. It’s important to use the expertise of a Medicare Insurance Advisor to help you determine which Part D plan is best for you and your medications.
If I enroll in a Medicare Supplement/Medigap plan, will it cover my spouse?
No. You and your spouse must each enroll in your own Medicare Supplement/Medigap plan.
Are Medicare and Medi-CAL the same thing?
No. Medicare is a federal health insurance program designed for seniors and individuals under age 65 with certain qualifying health conditions such as End Stage Renal Disease. Medi-CAL is California’s state-run health coverage program primarily targeting low-income individuals and families in California.
Why can’t I have the same plan as my friend who lives in Northern California?
Medicare plans in Orange County are different than Medicare plans in Los Angeles County and are different than Medicare plans in Northern California. All Medicare Advantage plans are “County” specific. In other words, your plan is designed and priced based on the county you live in. If you move out of your county you may need to re-enroll in a new plan in the new county that you reside in.
