Your Medicare questions, answered.

Some people qualify after receiving eligible disability benefits for the required period or because of certain conditions, including ALS or End Stage Renal Disease.

Part B is optional, but delaying it without qualifying current employer coverage may lead to a coverage gap or late enrollment penalty. Confirm how any employer coverage works before deciding.

Premiums may be deducted from Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits. People who are not receiving those benefits may receive a bill from Medicare.

Often yes, but the right approach depends on employer size, whether coverage is based on current employment, and how the plan coordinates with Medicare. Ask the benefits administrator before enrolling or delaying coverage.

They generally do not count as coverage based on current employment for the Part B Special Enrollment Period. Confirm your timing with Social Security before employer coverage ends.

Extra Help is a Medicare program that helps people with limited income and resources pay certain Medicare drug plan costs. Social Security and state Medicaid offices can provide application information.

A penalty may apply after a continuous period of 63 days or more without Part D or other creditable drug coverage following the applicable enrollment period. Keep records showing whether prior coverage was creditable.

It generally begins the first month you are age 65 or older and enrolled in Part B, and lasts six months. Other enrollment rights can depend on state law and individual circumstances.

You may apply to change coverage, but outside certain protected rights an insurer may use medical underwriting where permitted. Rules vary by state and situation.

Original Medicare generally does not cover care outside the United States, except in limited circumstances. Some Medicare Supplement or travel policies may offer additional foreign travel benefits.

Medicare may cover limited skilled care or rehabilitation when its requirements are met. It generally does not cover ongoing custodial help with everyday activities.

No. Medicare coverage continues, but it is still useful to review plan notices, costs, prescriptions, providers, and benefits each year.

The Annual Enrollment Period generally runs from October 15 through December 7. Other opportunities may apply after a move, loss of coverage, or another qualifying event.

Before your job-based coverage ends, confirm when Medicare should begin with your benefits administrator and Social Security. If you qualify, a Part B Special Enrollment Period generally lasts eight months after employment or that coverage ends, whichever happens first. Drug-plan deadlines differ, so review prescription coverage separately.

Apply through your state Medicaid agency. Eligibility and benefits depend on your state and circumstances. If you qualify for both programs, Medicare generally pays first for Medicare-covered services and Medicaid may help with costs or services Medicare does not cover.

Extra Help can lower Medicare Part D costs for people with limited income and resources. Some people qualify automatically; others can apply through Social Security. A State Health Insurance Assistance Program can help you understand the application.

Tell your plan before you move. A move outside its service area, or to an area with new plan options, may give you a Special Enrollment Period. Check your new address, doctors, pharmacies and coverage start dates before switching.

Coverage depends on the care you need and Medicare eligibility rules. Medicare may cover qualifying short-term skilled nursing care or hospice services, but generally does not pay for long-term custodial care. Ask your care team and plan to confirm coverage before care begins.

Most people who receive Social Security disability benefits get Medicare automatically after 24 months of those benefits. For ALS, Medicare starts when disability benefits begin. Different rules apply to End-Stage Renal Disease. Social Security can confirm your eligibility and start date.