Your Medicare & Health
Insurance Resource

Every day, 10,000 people turn 65, making many eligible for Medicare.

If you withdraw your Medicare benefits, you must repay all Part A benefits paid on your behalf.

If you withdraw from Medicare and enroll again, your Part B premiums can be higher the second time around.

Once you enroll in Medicare, you can no longer contribute to a health savings account (HSA), although you can continue to take tax-free distributions from your HSA to pay for medical expenses.

Medicare coverage is only valid in the United States. Coverage in a foreign health system is not creditable coverage. If you live overseas at 65, you must choose to enroll in and pay for Part B and not use it or pay enrollment penalties if you return to the U.S. and enroll in Medicare.

Medicare Supplement Insurance is also called Medigap Insurance.

Original Medicare is the same thing as Medicare Part A and B.

Medicare Advantage is the same thing as Medicare Part C.

Original Medicare does not cover dental or vision care. Most Medicare Advantage plans cover dental, vision, and hearing services.

If weight loss is a necessary part of treatment for diseases like diabetes, hypothyroidism, and cardiovascular disease (among others), Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans may help you pay for weight loss programs.

Nearly all Medicare Supplement plans provide the same coverage. Still, the plans cost different amounts.

You can have both Medicare and Medicaid at the same time. It’s called dual eligibility.

Original Medicare isn’t your only option at 65, the alternative is called Medicare Advantage.

The standard Medicare Part B premium can rise from one year to the next. In 2020, the premium is $144.60.