Medicare & Advantage
Q & A Resource
Navigating Medicare doesn't have to be overwhelming. At Cham Joun Insurance, we've compiled the most common questions and simplified the complex details of Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D to help you make informed decisions for your healthcare future.
Simple Medicare Guide
Who qualifies for Medicare
Medicare is health insurance for people aged 65 or older and those with certain disabilities. CHAM JOUN INSURANCE AGENCY & BROKERAGE CORP helps you confirm your eligibility and enroll on time.
Original vs Advantage
Original Medicare uses Parts A and B, while Medicare Advantage is an all-in-one private plan. Advantage plans often include extras like dental, vision, and a maximum out-of-pocket limit.
Can I keep my own doctor
It depends on your plan; Original Medicare allows any provider who accepts it, while Advantage plans use networks. We will check if your current physician is included in your new coverage.
What about drug coverage
Part D helps pay for your prescriptions and protects you from high costs. Cham Joun Insurance Agency guides you through choosing a plan that includes your specific medications and pharmacy.
BASICS
What is Medicare?
Medicare is federal health insurance. It is mainly for people 65+ or those with specific disabilities.
SELECT
Original vs Adv.
Original uses A and B. Advantage (Part C) is an all-in-one private plan that often adds extra benefits.
DRUGS
What is Part D?
Part D offers standalone prescription drug coverage to help you manage and lower out-of-pocket costs.
EXPERT
Why Cham Joun Agency?
We simplify your choices. Our team provides clear guidance to find coverage that fits your lifestyle.
CMS Compliance Disclaimer
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to the plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24 hours a day/7 days a week to get information on all of your options.
Medicare Advantage — Frequent Questions & Answers
- Q1: What is Medicare?
Medicare is federal health insurance for individuals age 65 or older, and younger people with certain disabilities.
- Q2: What is Medigap?
Medigap is supplemental insurance sold by private companies to help pay remaining costs in Original Medicare, like copayments and deductibles.
- Q3: What is IRMAA?
The Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount is an extra charge added to your Part B and Part D premiums if your income exceeds certain thresholds.
- Q4: Can I face enrollment penalties?
Yes, if you miss your initial enrollment window without having creditable coverage, you may face lifetime late enrollment penalties for Part B and Part D.
- Q5: What is Creditable Coverage?
This is health or drug coverage (often from an employer) that is expected to pay at least as much as Medicare’s standard drug plan.
- Q6: What is a Part B Giveback?
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer a 'premium reduction' that pays for part or all of your monthly Part B premium.
- Q7: Does Medicare cover Long-Term Care?
Generally, Medicare does not cover long-term care (custodial care). It only covers limited stays in skilled nursing facilities following a hospital stay.
- Q8: What is a DSNP?
Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans are for individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, offering extra benefits and coordinated care.
- Q9: Can I work past 65?
Yes. If your employer has 20+ employees, you may be able to delay Part B without penalty, provided your employer coverage is considered primary.
- Q10: How does Cham Joun Insurance Agency help?
We offer personalized consultations to compare plans, check doctor networks, and ensure you enroll in the most cost-effective coverage for your needs.
- Q11: What is Medicare Part A?
Part A covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility stays, hospice care, and some home health services.
- Q12: What is Medicare Part B?
Part B covers medically necessary services like doctor visits, outpatient care, and durable medical equipment.
- Q13: What is Medicare Part C?
Also known as Medicare Advantage, these are all-in-one private plans that bundle Parts A, B, and usually D.
- Q14: What is Medicare Part D?
Part D is optional, standalone insurance that helps cover the cost of prescription drugs.
- Q15: When is the Annual Enrollment Period?
From October 15 to December 7 each year, you can join, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage or drug plans.
- Q16: Do Advantage plans have networks?
Yes, most Advantage plans use provider networks (HMOs or PPOs) where you must see specific doctors to get the lowest costs.
- Q17: Is vision and dental covered?
Original Medicare generally does not cover routine dental or vision, but many Medicare Advantage plans include these as extra benefits.
- Q18: How do I apply for Medicare?
Most people apply through the Social Security Administration website or by visiting a local Social Security office.
- Q19: What is the 'Welcome to Medicare' visit?
A one-time preventive physical exam offered within the first 12 months of having Part B.
- Q20: Why choose an independent broker?
Cham Joun Insurance Agency represents multiple carriers, allowing us to provide unbiased comparisons so you find your best-fit plan.
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Cham Joun Insurance Agency & Brokerage Corp follows the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). By submitting this form, you acknowledge that certain health information may be used to provide insurance guidance and quotes. We use only the minimum necessary information and store it securely.
CMS Medicare Disclaimer
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to the plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24 hours a day / 7 days a week to get information on all of your options.