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Welcome to the continuation of Part 4 of the “New to Medicare Series” designed to educate those who will be going on Medicare soon. I want to remind readers that this series and all columns are not meant as a substitution for a one-on-one consolation with me or one of our licensed agents, nor are they written to sway your decision in enrolling in an Advantage Plan versus a Supplement or as an endorsement of any particular Advantage Plan or company.

This week will be dedicated to Supplements and Part 4 will continue next week when we will do the same with Advantage Plans.

Supplements, also known as Medigap policies, are highly Federally regulated to protect the consumer and have been around almost as long as Medicare itself. They’re designed to pick up the portion of the bill not fully covered by Medicare, namely the Part A hospital deductible of $1,676 and the 20% Part B doesn’t pay.

What do Medicare Parts A and B cost and cover? What are the choices in Medicare Plans? Do they differ as far as coverage, premiums and out of pocket expenses, access to doctors and hospitals, and how claims are approved and paid?

Do I have to enroll in Medicare when I turn 65 if I’m still working? Are there penalties for not doing so? Who should and shouldn’t enroll in Medicare Part B?

Since my husband is already receiving Social Security, will he automatically be enrolled in Medicare? If so, when will he receive his Medicare card/information?