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Medicare insurance FAQ for Brick, NJ: getting started
What is Medicare, and who gets it?
Medicare is federal health insurance. Most people get it at 65, and some younger people get it because of a disability. Read Medicare eligibility for the basic rules.
What are the parts of Medicare?
Part A covers hospital care, and Part B covers doctors and outpatient care. Part C is Medicare Advantage, and Part D covers prescription drugs. Medigap is separate insurance that helps pay Original Medicare costs.
When do I sign up when I turn 65?
Your window lasts seven months. It starts three months before your birthday month and ends three months after it. See Turning 65 in Brick, NJ.
Do I get a Medicare card automatically?
Often yes. If you already receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, Medicare signs you up for Parts A and B and mails your card.
Plans and costs
What is the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?
Original Medicare is Parts A and B, run by the federal government. Medicare Advantage is a private plan that replaces them. See Medicare Advantage.
How much is the Part B premium?
Extra Help may reduce qualifying prescription costs. Eligibility limits and payment amounts can change, so confirm the current rules with Social Security or Medicare.
Does Medicare cover dental, vision and hearing?
Original Medicare does not cover most routine dental, vision or hearing care. Some Medicare Advantage plans add some benefits. See dental, vision and hearing.
Does Medicare pay for long-term care?
Original Medicare does not pay for long-term custodial care, such as help with bathing and dressing in a nursing home. It covers limited skilled nursing after a hospital stay of at least three days.
Do I need Medigap?
Not everyone does. Medigap helps pay deductibles and coinsurance in Original Medicare, and many people compare it with Advantage. See Medigap plans.
Do I need a separate drug plan?
Original Medicare does not cover most drugs, so many people add a Part D plan. Some Advantage plans include drug coverage. See Part D.
Dates and changes
When is open enrollment plans?
From October 15 to December 7. Changes you make start on January 1 of the following year.
Can I change plans outside open enrollment?
Sometimes. If you are in an Advantage plan, you can make one change from January 1 to March 31. A move or a similar event may also open a window, as described on our enrollment periods page.
What is the Annual Notice of Change?
It is a letter your plan sends each fall. It lists the following year's costs and changes. Read our guide to the annual review.
I moved to Brick from another state. What do I do?
A move to a new service area can open a Special Enrollment Period. Call an insurance professional or SHIP at 1-800-792-8820 to learn the window that applies to you.
New Jersey help
Does New Jersey help pay for Medicare costs?
Yes, through several programs for people with limited income. They include PAAD, Senior Gold and the Medicare Savings Program. See our NJ help hub.
Where can I get counseling from a group that does not sell plans?
New Jersey SHIP offers counseling at 1-800-792-8820. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE at 1-800-633-4227.
What is a Special Enrollment Period?
It is a window outside the usual dates, opened by an event like moving or losing other coverage. The length and the rules depend on the event.
What is the Part B late penalty?
It adds 10% to your Part B premium for each full 12 months you could have had Part B and did not. You pay it for as long as you have Part B.
About calling us
Do I pay to talk to an agent?
You are not asked to pay. Agents are paid by insurance companies if you choose to enroll, and you are never required to enroll.
Is this website Medicare or the government?
No. This is a private website. We are not connected with or endorsed by the government or the federal Medicare program.
Do you offer every plan available in my area?
No. We do not offer every plan available in your area. We work with many Medicare plans, and Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE can give you information on all of your options.
Do you have an office I can visit?
No. We help by phone or with an in-home visit. We do not have office hours and we do not take walk-in visits.
Can I speak with someone in Spanish?
Yes. Spanish-speaking assistance is available. Call (732) 641-1183 and ask for Spanish, or request a reply through our contact form.