What is Medicare and How Do I Enroll?

Do I Need Medicare Plans?

The short answer is: Yes! For anyone age 65 or older, Medicare is a solid choice to take as a health insurance provider if you feel that you need it.

The longer answer? Maybe.

Because it’s federally-owned, Medicare covers a wide range of standard medical practices and tests a normal person might incur throughout life, but not everything falls under the scope of Medicare. This is especially true for prescription drugs and doctor’s visits for hearing, dental, vision, and more. If you want to experience these benefits, you might have to enroll in Medicare Part C or D, which are provided to you through private health insurance companies.

What About My Other Health Insurance Policy?

Of course, the alternative to Medicare would be to stick with what health insurance you or your spouse might already have. Chances are you might be able to get coverage for the auxiliary medical examinations and tests traditional Medicare doesn’t cover—and at a more competitive rate, too.

You might have to deal with doctor or pharmacy networks, however, which can be inconvenient and costly if your insurance isn’t taken anywhere near where you live and work. At the very least, you can apply for Medicare and use it to complement your existing insurance and can opt-out of either when you’re ready.

Be sure to speak with a licensed and certified agent to help guide you through the differences in what we’ve discussed in this guide and help you enroll in a plan right for you.