Medicare, explained in plain English — before your birthday.

No. Our help is at no cost to you. Licensed agents are paid by the insurance companies, and a plan’s premium is the same whether you enroll with us, on your own, or with another agent.

An independent agent is contracted with several insurance companies instead of just one. We compare the plans we offer in your area against your doctors, prescriptions and budget, explain the trade-offs in plain English, and help you enroll. We do not offer every plan available in your area; Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE and your local SHIP can tell you about all of your options.

Yes. Rafael Mendoza speaks English and Spanish, and we can review your Medicare options with you or your family in either language. Sí, hablamos español.

REMCARE is licensed in 14 states: Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. Appointments are by phone or video.

About 6 months before your 65th birthday is ideal. That gives you time to learn your options, gather your doctor and prescription list, and check any employer coverage before your enrollment window opens.

Your Initial Enrollment Period is 7 months long: the 3 months before the month you turn 65, your birthday month, and the 3 months after. If you sign up before your birthday month, coverage usually starts the first day of your birthday month. If you sign up during or after your birthday month, coverage usually starts the first day of the following month.

If you are already getting Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits at least 4 months before you turn 65, you are usually enrolled in Part A and Part B automatically, and your Medicare card arrives by mail about 3 months before your birthday. If not, you sign up through Social Security at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local office.

It depends on your coverage. If you or your spouse have group health coverage from current employment, you may be able to delay Part B without a penalty. If the employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare usually pays first, so you generally need Part A and Part B. When the job or coverage ends, you have 8 months to sign up. COBRA and retiree coverage do not count as coverage from current employment. If you have a Health Savings Account, stop contributions before your Medicare starts, because Part A can be backdated up to 6 months.

You may pay late penalties. The Part B penalty adds 10% to your premium for each full 12-month period you could have had Part B but didn’t, and you usually pay it for as long as you have Part B. Going 63 days or more without Part D or other creditable drug coverage can add a permanent Part D penalty. If you miss your window, you can usually sign up during the General Enrollment Period, January 1 to March 31.

Part A is hospital insurance (inpatient stays, skilled nursing, hospice). Part B is medical insurance (doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services). Part C, also called Medicare Advantage, is a private plan that combines A and B and often includes drug coverage. Part D is prescription drug coverage.

With a Medicare Supplement (Medigap), you keep Original Medicare, the supplement helps pay your share of costs, and you add a separate Part D drug plan. You can see any doctor nationwide who accepts Medicare. A Medicare Advantage plan replaces how you receive your Part A and B benefits, usually uses a provider network, often includes drug coverage and extras, and has a yearly limit on out-of-pocket costs. Which fits better depends on your doctors, health, travel and budget.

Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is the 6 months that start the first month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During that time, companies can’t turn you down or charge more because of your health. After it ends, in most states you may have to answer health questions.

With Original Medicare and a Supplement, you can see any provider who accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans usually have networks. We check your doctors and prescriptions against each plan before you decide, so there are no surprises.

Original Medicare generally does not cover routine dental care, eye exams for glasses, or hearing aids. Many Medicare Advantage plans include some of these benefits, and standalone dental and vision plans are also available.

Original Medicare has no yearly out-of-pocket limit, which is one reason people add a Supplement. Medicare Advantage plans have a yearly maximum for covered medical services. For prescriptions, Part D now has a yearly cap on out-of-pocket drug costs that is adjusted each year ($2,100 in 2026).

No. A Medicare Supplement only works with Original Medicare. If you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan, a company can’t sell you a Supplement unless you are switching back to Original Medicare.

Yes, at certain times. During the Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 to December 7, you can change Medicare Advantage or Part D plans, with changes starting January 1. If you’re in Medicare Advantage, you can make one change from January 1 to March 31. Special Enrollment Periods apply after events like moving, losing other coverage, or qualifying for Extra Help.

Plans can change their premiums, drug lists, copays and doctor networks every year. Your plan mails an Annual Notice of Change each fall. A yearly review, at no cost with us, helps make sure your plan still fits.

Extra Help is a Medicare program that helps people with limited income and resources pay Part D premiums, deductibles and copays. You can apply through Social Security, and we can walk you through it.

VA health care generally covers care at VA facilities, while Medicare can cover care from non-VA doctors and hospitals. Many veterans keep both for flexibility. If you delay Part B and sign up later, you may owe a late penalty. If you have TRICARE, you generally need Part A and Part B to keep TRICARE For Life. Your situation matters, so it’s worth a quick review.