Frequently Asked Questions

 Medicare is a federal program. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid services (CMS) run this health program. CMS is one branch of the department of Health and Human Services. Enrollment is via the office of Social Security Administration (SSA). 

 Most people become eligible for Medicare at age 65. Those who are under age 65 can qualify for Medicare when they have collected Social Security Disability for at least 24 months. 

 The cost of Medicare depends on a few things. Those with a low income will likely pay less than the standard amount by qualifying for both Medicare and Medicaid. Those with a higher reported adjusted gross income will most likely pay more for both their Part B & Part D—this is called Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). 

 For most, Medicare Part A has no monthly premium and there is no cost to those who meet the requirements. On the other hand, Medicare Part B does have a premium that often comes out of your Social Security check, if you are already receiving Social Security. Otherwise, you’ll pay the monthly premium, which for 2025, the Part B premium starts at $185.00 per month. Both Parts A and B have deductibles and coinsurances that can apply when you have only Original Medicare (Medicare A & B). 

 If you work for a large employer and have employer health coverage, you may choose to delay enrollment. When you delay enrollment because you’re delaying retirement, you won’t need to rush to sign up for Part B, but you may choose to enroll in Part A, especially since, in many cases, it’s no charge to you! 

 You must sign up for Medicare at age 65 if you’re self-employed with private insurance or if you're working part-time for an employer with no employer group health coverage. However, if you work for an employer that has 20 or more (full-time employees) and your stay enrolled in a qualified employer group health plan (one that meets or exceeds the standards for creditable health coverage) you may choose to delay your enrollment. Medicare isn’t always mandatory, so you can choose whichever option makes the most sense for your situation. You should always consult your HR benefits administrator at the office where you work to confirm your plan meets the "creditable coverage" requirements and identify your plan options. 

 If you’re on Social Security, you’ll have automatic enrollment into Medicare at age 65. But, if you’re on Social Security Disability, you will be eligible to apply for Medicare after 24 months of disability payments. 

 If you’re on Social Security, you’ll have automatic enrollment into Medicare at age 65. But, if you’re on Social Security Disability, you will be eligible to apply for Medicare after 24 months of disability payments. 

 There are two main types of supplemental Medicare plans: Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) and Medicare Advantage (Part C). Medigap plans help cover out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and coinsurance that Original Medicare doesn’t pay, and they let you see any doctor who accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are an all-in-one alternative that often include prescription drug coverage and extra benefits like dental and vision but typically require you to use a provider network. Choosing between them depends on various factors. That's where Mesa-Care can assist! Click HERE to learn more about the different types of supplemental programs.

If you choose to enroll onto Medicare, you will no longer be able to contribute money towards your HSA (Health Savings Account). However, you are still able to use existing HSA funds for qualified healthcare costs.

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