Medicare Questions, Answered in Plain English

Nothing. We're paid by the insurance companies, and your plan premium is the same whether you enroll through us or on your own.

Yes. Both Nidia and John are fluent in English and Spanish — hablamos español.

Yes. We offer personal, in-person help throughout Greater New Orleans. Call us to set up a time, or we can help by phone if you prefer.

We list the companies we represent on our Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement pages. We don't offer every plan available in your area.

No. We're licensed insurance agents. We're not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.

Part A is hospital insurance. Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient care. Part C, or Medicare Advantage, is a way to get your Medicare benefits through a private plan. Part D covers prescription drugs.

Your Initial Enrollment Period is the seven-month window that begins three months before the month you turn 65. If you or your spouse are still working and have employer coverage, you may be able to delay Part B without a penalty — ask us before you decide.

There can be. The Part B penalty is generally 10% for each full 12-month period you could have had Part B but didn’t. The Part D penalty applies if you go 63 days or more without creditable drug coverage. Both penalties usually last as long as you have that coverage.

Original Medicare doesn't cover most routine dental care, eye exams for glasses, hearing aids or long-term custodial care, and it has no yearly limit on out-of-pocket costs. That's why many people add other coverage.

It depends on your health, your doctors, how much you travel and your budget. Medicare Advantage often has lower premiums and extra benefits but uses networks and copays. A Medicare Supplement usually costs more each month but lets you see any provider that accepts Medicare, with fewer out-of-pocket costs. We'll compare both with you.

Usually during specific enrollment periods — like the Annual Enrollment Period each fall — or if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Medicare Advantage members also have a chance to switch between January 1 and March 31.

A Medicare Advantage plan for people with specific needs, such as diabetes or chronic heart conditions, or for people with both Medicare and Medicaid. These plans may offer enhanced benefits. Read about Special Needs Plans.

If you want prescription coverage, yes — Medigap plans sold today don't include drug coverage. Going without creditable drug coverage can also lead to a late enrollment penalty.

October 15 to December 7 each year. It's when you can change Medicare Advantage and Part D plans for the following year. Read our Annual Enrollment guide.

A letter your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan sends by the end of September explaining changes for next year, such as premiums, copays and drug coverage.

No. Your plan renews automatically. If you're unhappy with the changes, schedule an in-person review with us.

Your Medicare card, any current plan cards, your Annual Notice of Change if you have one, a list of your medicines and doses, and the names of your doctors and pharmacy.

No. We don't make unsolicited sales calls. We'll contact you only if you've asked us to, for example through our contact form.

Don't give it to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. Hang up and call a number you trust — or call us. See our Medicare scam protection guide.

A small whole life policy that helps your family pay for funeral and burial costs. Read about final expense insurance.

It pays you a cash benefit for covered hospital stays, which you can put toward your plan's daily hospital copays or other expenses.

Yes. We help with health insurance for people under 65, life insurance, and dental and vision coverage.