Medicare
Know your Medicare options and find the best plan that meets your healthcare needs. Talk to one of our Medicare-licensed agents today.
What Is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program designed for individuals aged 65 and older, younger people living with disabilities and those with specific medical conditions.
Marketplace Agency & ElderCare Associates, Inc. is an independent Medicare agent dedicated to guiding you through your Medicare choices. Our team of Medicare-licensed agents helps evaluate your plan options and ensures you have all the information you need to make an informed decision that aligns with your healthcare needs and budget.
Whether you’re new to Medicare or looking to update your plan, our insurance agents for Medicare are here to help you find the right coverage.
Your Medicare Choices
Learn how Medicare can work for you:
Parts of Medicare
Medicare has four parts, each covering different aspects of healthcare:
Medicare
Part A
Medicare
Part B
Medicare Part B (medical insurance) covers outpatient services and other essential healthcare needs, including doctor visits, outpatient services, durable medical equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, etc.) and preventive services (e.g., vaccinations, screenings and annual wellness visits).
Medicare
Part C
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) combines coverage for Parts A and B and often provides additional coverage, such as prescription drug coverage (Part D) and dental, vision and hearing services.
Medicare
Part D
Medicare Part D (prescription drug plan) provides coverage for prescription medications. You can enroll in a separate plan to complement Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or choose a Medicare Advantage plan that includes Part D benefits.
Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement Plans
Many people sign up for Medicare Advantage plans, thinking they are the same as Medicare Supplement plans. Both options offer valuable coverage, but they differ in significant ways.
As your trusted Medicare insurance agency, we’re here to help you explore your options and guide you toward the best coverage for your unique situation.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage combines Medicare Part A and Part B to provide comprehensive coverage in a single plan. It typically includes Medicare Part D and other extra benefits not covered by Original Medicare.
Medicare Supplement
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) is extra coverage you can buy to help pay out-of-pocket expenses that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. These plans are offered by private insurance companies, but they work in conjunction with Original Medicare rather than replacing it.
Why Choose
Marketplace Agency & ElderCare Associates
Less confusion. Better decisions.
Comprehensive Needs Analysis
As an independent Medicare agent, we take the time to understand your unique healthcare needs, financial situation and future goals. This allows our Medicare-licensed agents to provide personalized, unbiased recommendations and ensure you receive the coverage that best meets your needs.
Ongoing Support
Have questions about your plan or want to explore new coverage options? Our insurance agents for Medicare provide ongoing support to ensure you always have the best possible coverage. With our Medicare insurance agency, you’re never left navigating Medicare alone.
Medicare-Licensed Agents
Our insurance agents for Medicare are all licensed and certified, with a deep understanding of Medicare plan options and regulations. We stay up-to-date with the latest changes in the insurance industry to ensure you have access to the most current information.
Get the Right Medicare Insurance for Your Needs
Your Medicare journey starts with understanding your options. Let our Medicare insurance agency guide you through the process of comparing your options, understanding costs and choosing the plan that’s right for you.
Medicare Videos
These videos are for educational purposes. We represent many of the top carriers available. We will review your unique situation and be able to offer you a variety of carrier products and plans to choose from.
Different Parts of Medicare
Deciding to Sign Up for Medicare Part B
Medicare & You:
Traveling Abroad
Medicare & You:
Understanding Your Medicare Choices
Medicare FAQs
For more information about Medicare and other health insurance options, please contact us.
Is Medicare a federal program?
Yes, Medicare is a federal health insurance program administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
What is the difference between Medicare vs Medicaid?
Medicare and Medicaid are both federal programs, but they serve different populations and have distinct eligibility requirements. Medicare provides coverage for people aged 65 or older and those under 65 with certain disabilities or conditions. Medicaid is a needs-based program designed to assist low-income individuals and families.
Is Medicaid an HMO or PPO?
Medicaid can be offered through different types of plans, including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO). The plan’s structure depends on the state and the specific options available.
I’m turning 65 this year and I plan to retire. When am I eligible to enroll in Medicare?
You’re eligible to enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which starts 90 days before the month of your 65th birthday (including your birthday month).
Can my dependent spouse be on my Medicare plan?
No, Medicare is an individual plan. It does not have spousal or dependent coverage. Your spouse will need to qualify and enroll in Medicare separately when they turn 65 or if they qualify earlier due to disability.
Can I keep my employer coverage?
In some cases, you can keep your employer coverage, but it is important to compare it with Medicare to determine which provides better benefits. You may need to enroll in Medicare Part A (which is usually premium-free) even if you keep your employer coverage. If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare generally becomes primary coverage, so you’ll need to enroll in both Part A and Part B.
Do I need to enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B?
Medicare Part A is typically in place and is a paid-up benefit when you turn 65. Part B is not, unless you have enrolled in Social Security prior to age 65. If you have not filed to receive Social Security benefits, then you need to proactively enroll in Part B benefits and begin paying for them.
Can I just have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) as my health insurance at retirement?
Yes, you can have Original Medicare (Parts A and B) as your primary health insurance. However, be aware that it doesn’t cover everything, including prescription drugs, vision, dental or hearing aids, and there’s no cap on out-of-pocket expenses. Many people add a Part D prescription drug plan and/or a Medigap plan to cover some of these gaps.
Can I keep all my same doctors when I’m on Medicare?
You can keep your doctors if they accept Medicare. Most do, but it’s important to check with your healthcare providers.
Does Medicare cover me if I’m in a nursing home?
Yes, Medicare covers short-term stays (up to 100 days after a required three-day hospital stay) in skilled nursing facilities under certain conditions. However, it doesn’t cover long-term care in nursing homes.
Does Medicare have dental plans?
Original Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental care, such as cleanings, fillings or dentures. However, some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) may include limited dental coverage. Alternatively, you can purchase a separate dental insurance plan.
I am entitled to retiree benefits. Does that mean I won’t need Medicare?
No, retiree benefits often work alongside Medicare and may require you to enroll in Medicare when eligible.
What is Medicare Part C?
Medicare Part C is another name for Medicare Advantage. It is also known as MA, MSA or MA-PD (when prescriptions are included). Medicare Part C typically includes Part A, B and D, plus additional benefits.
What is Medicare Part D?
Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. You may enroll in a standalone Part D plan if you have Original Medicare or get prescription drug coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan that includes Part D.
What happens if I miss my designated enrollment window into Medicare?
In addition to having a huge gap in coverage, you will likely face a penalty from Medicare. A Medicare Part B penalty can be 10% of your Part B premium for each 12-month period outside of Medicare and up to 1% of the national average of a Part D plan for each month absent Part D.
Where do I go to get signed up for Medicare?
What is creditable coverage?
Creditable coverage is health insurance that’s expected to pay, on average, at least as much as Medicare’s standard prescription drug coverage. Having creditable coverage allows you to delay Medicare enrollment without penalty.
Should I have both a Medicare Advantage Plan and a Medicare Supplement Plan?
No, you cannot have both a Medicare Advantage Plan and a Medicare Supplement Plan at the same time. You must choose one or the other to complement your Original Medicare coverage.
Get the Right Medicare Insurance for Your Needs
Your Medicare journey starts with understanding your options. Let our Medicare insurance agency guide you through the process of comparing your options, understanding costs and choosing the plan that’s right for you.
