Medicare FAQs for Blackwood, NJ Seniors

For most people, the first opportunity to enroll begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and continues for three months afterward. This is called your Initial Enrollment Period. If you're still working at 65 and have health insurance through your or your spouse's current employer, your situation may be different — check that your employer coverage qualifies before delaying Part B.

Original Medicare is administered by the federal government and lets you see any doctor that accepts Medicare. A Medicare Advantage plan is offered by a private insurer, replaces your Original Medicare coverage, and usually uses a network of providers while bundling extra benefits like drug, dental, and vision coverage.

Medigap helps pay the out-of-pocket costs Original Medicare leaves to you, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Exact coverage depends on the plan letter you choose. Medigap does not cover prescription drugs, so a separate Part D plan is usually needed.

Even if you don't take prescriptions now, going without creditable drug coverage for too long can trigger a late-enrollment penalty that lasts as long as you have Medicare. Many people enroll in a low-premium plan to maintain coverage and avoid this penalty.

Term life covers you for a set period (such as 10, 20, or 30 years) and generally costs less. Whole (permanent) life covers you for your entire life and can build cash value, but typically costs more. I help you decide which fits your goals and budget.