Medicare AEP: Oct 15 – Dec 7, 2026
Mon–Fri 9–5 (419) 277-8097
Kryder Cares logo Kryder CaresKris Kryder Insurance Solutions Schedule a Meeting

Medicare FAQs

Medicare FAQs

Below are our frequently asked questions about Medicare, from when to enroll and how Part B works to drug coverage, penalties and plan changes. These answers give you a solid starting point. For advice about your own situation, contact Kris Kryder for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation in Perrysburg, by phone or by video.

Schedule a meeting (419) 277-8097

Kris’s Medicare FAQs

Below are our frequently asked questions

For more information, please contact us for a consultation.

Q: I’m turning 65 this year and I plan to retire. When am I eligible to enroll into Medicare?

A: Assuming you have met the work-related eligibility requirements, you may begin enrollment into Medicare 90 days in advance of the month you turn 65.

Q: Can my dependent spouse be on my Medicare plan?

A: Medicare does not have spousal or dependent coverage. Medicare is individual. If your spouse has reached age eligibility (65), then they can enroll in Medicare of their own accord 90 days in advance of the month they turn 65.

Q: Can I keep my employer coverage?

A: Maybe. If the employer group has 20 eligible employees or more, and you’re going to continue to work, then yes it’s an option. But there are many things to consider.

Q: Do I need to enroll in Part “A” and Part “B” of Medicare?

A: Part “A” is typically in place, and a paid-up benefit when you turn 65. Part “B” is not, unless you have enrolled in Social Security prior to age 65. If you have not filed to receive Social Security benefits, then you need to proactively enroll in Part “B” benefits and begin paying for them.

Q: Can I just have “Original Medicare” A+B as my health insurance at retirement?

A: Yes. However, you will not have prescription coverage, and you will face unlimited exposure to those costs due to the gaps in Original Medicare.

Q: Can I keep all my same doctors when I’m on Medicare?

A: You usually can. It’s important to be sure your doctor accepts Medicare. Some don’t.

Q: Does Medicare cover me if I’m in a nursing home?

A: Yes, for up to 100 days, after a required three-day hospital stay.

Q: I am entitled to retiree benefits. Does that mean I won’t need Medicare?

A: No, a retiree plan will typically wrap around Medicare primary benefits.

Q: What is Part “D”?

A: Part “D” is the Prescription Drug plan Medicare introduced in 2006.

Q: What happens if I miss my designated enrollment window into Medicare?

A: In addition to having a huge gap in coverage, you will likely face a penalty from Medicare. A Part “B” penalty can be 10% of your Part “B” premium for each 12-month period outside of Medicare, and up to 1% of the national average of a Part “D” plan for each month absent Part “D”.

Q: What is a Part “C” plan?

A: Part “C” is another name for Medicare Advantage. Also named MA, MSA, or MA-PD (when prescriptions are included).

Q: Where do I go to get signed up for Medicare?

A: Online at SSA.gov or in person at a local Social Security office.

Q: What is creditable coverage?

A: This is a Medicare term that establishes previous coverage being at least as good as Medicare’s. Typically is in play for Part “D” to avoid penalty.

Q: Should I have both a Medicare Advantage Plan and a Medicare Supplement Plan?

A: No.

Your Medicare Questions, Answered

Below are our frequently asked questions. For more information, please contact us for a consultation.

For a complete overview of how Medicare works, visit Medicare planning. To check your own enrollment timing, try the Medicare enrollment window tool, or watch the educational Medicare videos.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently, we represent 14 organizations which offer 119 products in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. This is a proprietary website and is not associated, endorsed or authorized by the Social Security Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services or the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This site contains decision-support content and information about Medicare, services related to Medicare and services for people with Medicare. If you would like to find more information about the Medicare program please visit the Official U.S. Government Site for People with Medicare located at www.medicare.gov.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What can I change during the 2027 Annual Enrollment Period?

From October 15 to December 7, 2026, you can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage or back, change Medicare Advantage plans, and join, switch or drop a Part D plan. Changes start January 1, 2027. Medicare Supplement plans are not tied to this window, and switching one may require health questions.

How does the Part D out-of-pocket cap work in 2027?

In 2027, once your out-of-pocket spending on covered Part D drugs reaches $2,400, you generally pay nothing more for covered drugs for the rest of the year. The cap was $2,100 in 2026. The maximum Part D deductible rises to $700 in 2027. Premiums are separate and do not count toward the cap.

What is IRMAA and how is it calculated?

IRMAA is an extra amount added to Part B and Part D premiums for people with higher incomes. It is based on your modified adjusted gross income from two years prior. For 2026, it starts above $109,000 for single filers and $218,000 for joint filers. Kris is not a tax adviser, so confirm tax questions with a professional.

What is the Medigap guaranteed issue period?

Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period lasts six months, starting the month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During this federal window, insurers cannot deny you a Medicare Supplement or charge more because of your health. After it ends, insurers can generally use medical underwriting, so timing this purchase carefully matters.

What is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?

From January 1 to March 31, 2027, people already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can make one change. You can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan, or return to Original Medicare and join a Part D plan. This window does not allow people in Original Medicare to join Medicare Advantage.

What happens to my Medicare plan if I move?

Original Medicare and Medicare Supplements generally go with you anywhere in the U.S. Medicare Advantage and Part D plans have service areas, so moving out of yours usually gives you a Special Enrollment Period to pick a new plan. Kris is licensed in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Florida and may be able to keep helping you.

Call Kris