Medicare FAQ

Your Medicare questions, answered

40 of the most common Medicare questions — answered in plain English, organized by topic.

Medicare Basics

Eligibility & Enrollment

Costs & IRMAA

Plan Types

Prescription Drugs

Supplemental Coverage

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Your Medicare questions, answered

Medicare Basics

What is Medicare and who is it for?

What are the different parts of Medicare?

What's the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

What does Medicare NOT cover?

Is Medicare the same in every state?

Can I have Medicare and employer insurance at the same time?

Eligibility & Enrollment

When am I eligible for Medicare?

When should I enroll in Medicare?

What happens if I miss my enrollment window?

Can I delay Medicare if I'm still working?

Do I need to sign up for Medicare if I'm already on Social Security?

What is a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) and do I qualify?

What is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?

Costs & IRMAA

How much does Medicare cost per month in 2026?

What is IRMAA and will it affect me?

Are there programs to help with Medicare costs if I have limited income?

What is the Part A deductible and how does it work?

Does Medicare have an annual out-of-pocket maximum?

What are the late enrollment penalties and how do I avoid them?

Plan Types

What is the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?

How do I choose between an HMO and a PPO Medicare Advantage plan?

What is Medigap and do I need it?

Can I have both Medicare Advantage and Medigap?

Can I switch Medicare plans every year?

What happens to my Medicare coverage if I travel or move within California?

Prescription Drugs

Do I need Medicare Part D if I don't take any medications right now?

How does a Part D formulary work?

What is the Part D out-of-pocket cap in 2026?

How do I compare Part D plans to find the right one?

Can my pharmacy affect what I pay for Part D?

What is the Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) program for Part D?

Supplemental Coverage

Does Medicare cover dental care?

Does Medicare cover vision care?

Does Medicare cover hearing aids?

When is the best time to buy a Medigap plan?

What's the difference between Medigap Plan G and Plan N?

Can I enroll in Medigap if I have pre-existing conditions?

How2Medicare

Is How2Medicare really free?

Am I obligated to enroll in a plan after booking a call?

How does How2Medicare make recommendations?

What is the How2Medicare member portal?

How do I find Medicare plans available in my California city?

Who can I contact if I have a Medicare problem or complaint?

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