Frequently Asked Questions

Medicare is divided into four main parts. Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing, and hospice care. Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient services, and medical equipment. Part C (Medicare Advantage) is an all-in-one alternative offered by private companies that bundles Parts A, B, and usually D. Part D covers prescription drugs.

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a 7-month window that begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after. Enrolling during this time is crucial to avoid potential late penalties and coverage gaps.

Not necessarily. If you or your spouse are still working and you have creditable health coverage through an employer with 20 or more employees, you may be able to delay Part B and Part D without a penalty. However, it's highly recommended to speak with an advisor to confirm your specific situation, as rules vary.

A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare (Parts A & B) to help pay for out-of-pocket costs like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. You can see any doctor that accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare with a private plan, often including drug coverage and extra benefits (like dental/vision), but usually requires you to use a network of local providers.

Missing your Initial Enrollment Period can result in lifetime late-enrollment penalties for Part B and Part D. Your premiums may go up 10% for every 12-month period you were eligible for Part B but didn't sign up. This is why understanding your timeline is one of our top priorities.

Our services at Hills Insurance Solutions are provided at absolutely no cost to you. We offer completely free, unbiased educational consultations. If you choose to enroll in a plan through us, we are compensated directly by the insurance carriers, meaning you never receive a bill from us.