Medicare FAQs
Enrolling in Medicare can bring up many questions. That's where we can help. Whether you're wondering about enrollment, coverage or costs, this FAQ is designed to help you cut through the confusion. Let's make Medicare a little easier to understand — one question at a time.
How Medicare works
Medicare is a national health insurance program for most people who are age 65 and older, or who meet special criteria. "Original Medicare" has two parts: Part A hospital insurance and Part B medical insurance. Most people do not have to pay a monthly premium for Part A, but will need to pay a monthly premium for Part B. If you are not already receiving Social Security benefits, you won't be automatically enrolled in Medicare. You'll need to sign up.
No. You are eligible for Medicare at age 65 regardless of whether or not you're receiving Social Security income.
Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage plans, are available through private insurance companies that contract with Medicare to provide Medicare Part A and Part B benefits. Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D outpatient prescription drug coverage and they often include extras like vision, hearing, dental and fitness benefits.
Medicare Part D outpatient prescription drug coverage is optional and helps pay for prescription drugs. It is available through private insurance companies to anyone enrolled in Medicare Part A or Part B. You can enroll through a stand-alone prescription drug plan (PDP) or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes Medicare Part D, known as an MA-PD.
If you choose not to enroll in Part D when you first become eligible, you will have an opportunity to enroll during the next Annual Election Period (Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 of each year for a Jan. 1 effective date). You may also be required to pay a late enrollment penalty of 1% of the national base beneficiary premium for each full, uncovered month that you were eligible to enroll in a Part D plan but did not do so. This penalty is applied monthly and continues for as long as you have Part D coverage.
The penalty would not be applied in some situations, like if you qualify for Medicare Part D Extra Help or if you have maintained creditable drug coverage. Creditable drug coverage means that it is as good as or better than that offered in Medicare Part D plans. This includes drug coverage through Veterans Affairs and prescription drug coverage offered by many employer group plans.
Many Medicare Advantage plans come with Part D drug coverage. You can also choose to get your Part D coverage through a separate plan that covers only your prescription drugs.
A set fee you pay for a medical service or prescription (e.g., $100 copay for an emergency visit).
The amount you pay for a medical service or prescription, usually expressed as a percentage (e.g., 20% coinsurance for an office visit).
The amount you must pay for health care services or prescriptions before Original Medicare, your Medicare health plan or prescription drug plan begins to pay.
Plans sold by private insurance companies that help pay some of the costs (“gaps”) Original Medicare doesn’t cover, such as the Medicare Part A deductible, and your copays or coinsurance when you get care.
These plans do not include Medicare Part D.
To find all Medicare plans available in your area, visit medicare.gov or call a local Medicare insurance broker. You also can ask relatives and friends about their Medicare plans, including how satisfied they are with things like customer service and bill payment.
Learn more about UCare Medicare Supplement Plans and compare plan options.
Medicare Supplement enrollment
Two ways to enroll
Online: Electronically complete, sign and submit the application. Enroll online now.
By mail: Complete and mail the enrollment form. Download enrollment form.
UCare will try to reach you by phone to complete your enrollment. If unable to reach you by phone, we will mail a letter to you asking for the missing information.
Medicare created Special Election Periods (SEP) for specific situations that may allow you to change plans. Some of the most common situations that allow you to qualify for a SEP include:
- Leaving or losing coverage through an employer or union (including COBRA)
- Making a permanent move where new plan options are available
- Becoming eligible, or losing eligibility, for Medical Assistance
- You receive Extra Help for Medicare Part D
Certain time frames and limitations apply to each of the special election periods.
You can first enroll in Medicare through Social Security about three months before your 65th birthday month by going online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or in person at a Social Security office.
If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, you’ll be enrolled in Medicare automatically. Your Medicare card will arrive about three months before the month you turn 65.
Medicare Supplement benefits
You can use One Pass® fitness benefits at local gyms and when you travel. The network includes gyms and fitness locations nationwide.
No, you do not have to inform UCare that you are traveling. You also have emergency coverage worldwide.
Plan materials
It is a Medicare requirement that we send annual updates and required information to each member enrolled in our Medicare plans. This ensures you and your spouse stay informed of any updates or changes with your health care coverage.