PROTECT YOUR LEGACY.

Today, Tomorrow & Beyond.

Medicare: Frequently Asked Questions

What is Medicare?

Created in 1966, Original Medicare ('OM") is the federal health insurance program for people who are age 65 or older, people with End-Stage Renal Disease or permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, or individuals under 65 with disabilities. It’s a fee-for-service healthcare program in which the government pays healthcare providers directly for services that fall under Parts A and B, collectively known as Original Medicare. Original Medicare has two parts: Medicare Part A: Inpatient hospital and skilling nursing services Medicare Part B: Outpatient services, doctor visits, durable medical equipment (like wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds), and also covers many preventive services like screenings, shots, vaccines, and yearly wellness visits. The standard Part B premium for 2025 is $185.00 per month. The other parts of Medicare: Medicare Part C: Medicare Advantage plans are Medicare-approved plans from a private company that offers an alternative to Original Medicare for your health and drug coverage. Medicare Advantage plans bundle Part A (Hospital), Part B (Medical), and usually Part D (Prescription Drugs). You MUST continue paying the standard Part B premium, although several plans offer Part B giveback options. Medicare Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage for Medicare eligible individuals. These plans are available as a stand-alone product or included in certain Medicare Advantage plans (Part C). Medicare Supplement Plans: Also known as Medigap or labeled with other letters of the Medicare alphabet soup. These plans cover the gaps in Original Medicare and can reduce exposure to deductibles, coinsurance and copays.

Who is eligible for Medicare?

Must be a U.S. Citizen or 5-year permanent resident; 65 or older; under 65 with disabilities or people of any age with ESRD (End-Stage Renal Disease).

What is "Original Medicare"

Original Medicare, 'OM', consists of Part A and Part B only.

What are all the parts to Medicare?

Created in 1966, Original Medicare ('OM") is the federal health insurance program for people who are age 65 or older, people with End-Stage Renal Disease or permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, or individuals under 65 with disabilities. It’s a fee-for-service healthcare program in which the government pays healthcare providers directly for services that fall under Parts A and B, collectively known as Original Medicare. Original Medicare has two parts: Medicare Part A: Inpatient hospital and skilling nursing services Medicare Part B: Outpatient services, doctor visits, durable medical equipment (like wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds), and also covers many preventive services like screenings, shots, vaccines, and yearly wellness visits. The standard Part B premium for 2025 is $185.00 per month. The other parts of Medicare: Medicare Part C: Medicare Advantage plans are Medicare-approved plans from a private company that offers an alternative to Original Medicare for your health and drug coverage. Medicare Advantage plans bundle Part A (Hospital), Part B (Medical), and usually Part D (Prescription Drugs). You MUST continue paying the standard Part B premium, although several plans offer Part B giveback options. Medicare Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage for Medicare eligible individuals. These plans are available as a stand-alone product or included in certain Medicare Advantage plans (Part C). Medicare Supplement Plans: Also known as Medigap or labeled with other letters of the Medicare alphabet soup. These plans cover the gaps in Original Medicare and can reduce exposure to deductibles, coinsurance and copays.

I am turning 65, what do I need to know about Medicare?

Turning 65 can be an exciting, yet confusing, time! Understanding the ins & ins & outs of Medicare, Social Security & the options available can be daunting! Medicare choices are confusing & cost millions of dollars each year, don't let that happen to you! The first step is to schedule time with Core Legacy Group LLC to go over YOUR individual health needs, medications, providers, & more!

When do/can I sign up for Medicare?

Most people sign up for Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) when they first become eligible, typically at age 65. This is called your IEP (Initial Enrollment Period). Your IEP is a 7-month window that includes the 3 months before your 65th birthday, the month of your birthday, and the three months after your birthday. It’s important to enroll during this period to avoid potential late enrollment penalties. If you are currently 64 years old, book an appointment today to review your options and enrollment periods. It's important to enroll during this time to avoid gaps in coverage or late enrollment penalties, that could last for life! If you're already covered through an employer group health plan, it might make sense to sign up for Medicare later or delay Part B. If you are age 65 or older and receive Social Security benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Part A.

What is a Medicare Supplement Plan?

Medicare supplement insurance plans, also known as Medigap, help pay for the costs that people with original Medicare incur, such as coinsurance, deductibles, and copayments. Private insurance companies administer Medigap policies, which must follow Medicare rules. Some Medigap policies become unavailable when Medicare benefits change.

What is a Medicare Advantage Plan?

Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as "Plan C" often include additional benefits beyond original Medicare, such as dental, vision, transportation assistance, healthy benefits/grocery card, and more. These plans are specific to your zip code and utilize 'networks'. Book an appointment today to see if a Medicare Advantage Plan would be a good fit for YOU!

I already have VA, CHAMPVA or TCFL.

First of all, thank you for your service! For individuals that are enrolled in these plans, there are specific Medicare Advantage plans designed to work alongside these plans, not impede it! Let's work together to find the best options for YOU!

What are the out-of-pocket limits of Medicare?

Original Medicare has no out-of-pocket limit, which means YOU are responsible for 20% of ALL Part B claims with NO out-of-pocket limit!

Does income matter?

Higher-income earners could pay higher premiums than their counterparts earning less income.

What about dental, vision and hearing? Is that covered?

Original Medicare does not cover dental, vision, hearing and other services.

What if I don't sign up on time?

Not applying when you are first eligible can result in lifetime penalties and possible delays in coverage.

What if I continue working past 65?

If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, it's time to enroll in Medicare!

What about long-term coverage? Is that included?

Medicare does not cover custodial care, often referred to as long term care.

I am on Disability (SSDI), when can I get Medicare?

If you are receiving SSDI (Social Security Disability Income), you will automatically be enrolled into Medicare on your 25th month. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT ENROLLMENT PERIOD, CONTACT US TODAY TO REVIEW YOUR OPTIONS!

TESTIMONIALS

What our clients say...

"Crystal is sent from God"

"Crystal is amazing & truly sent from God! She goes above & beyond and digs deep to make everything so easy. She doesn't pressure at me all, like a lot of other agents have done to me before. Finally, someone who truly cares about ME!"

- Dawn S

"Wouldn't go anywhere else!"

"Having knowledge from both nursing and insurance has been awesome! She even takes the time to help me understand my bill and what all the healthcare lingo means, thank you sooo much!"

- Vernice

"The real deal!"

"Truly the real deal, she doesn't sugar coat and always gives me honest and reliable guidance, not biased at all."

- Ray

READY WHEN YOU ARE

Your Health & legacy matters. Let’s protect it—together.

Why Choose Core Legacy Group?

Choosing a plan—whether for your health, Medicare, or your estate—isn’t just about forms—it’s about trust. At Core Legacy Group, we don’t just handle paperwork; we guide you through some of the most important decisions you’ll ever make for yourself and your loved ones.

You’re not rushed. You’re heard.

We’ve seen firsthand the confusion and stress that comes with planning for your health, Medicare, and your family’s future. That’s why our approach is different—personal, guided, and centered around you.

The Core Legacy Difference

  • Compassion-led guidance

  • Licensed, trusted professionals

  • Clear, personalized solutions

  • Education—not pressure

Choosing Core Legacy Group means choosing clarity today—and peace of mind for the people you love tomorrow.

Medicare Disclaimer:
Core Legacy Group and its licensed agents are independent insurance agents. We do not represent or are endorsed by the federal government or the Medicare program. We offer products from multiple insurance carriers. This website is for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation to enroll in a Medicare plan. For official Medicare information, visit www.medicare.gov.