Medicare FAQ — Synergy Medicare Partners

Question 1

What is Medicare?

Accepted Answer

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older, as well as certain younger people with disabilities or specific medical conditions. It is divided into parts: Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance), Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D (prescription drug coverage).

Question 2

When can I enroll in Medicare?

Accepted Answer

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a 7-month window that begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after. If you miss this window, you may face late enrollment penalties and have to wait for a General Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31 each year).

Question 3

Is Medicare free?

Accepted Answer

Part A is premium-free for most people who worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. Part B has a standard monthly premium ($185 in 2026). Part C and Part D premiums vary by plan. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans also have monthly premiums that vary by plan type and carrier.

Question 4

What does Original Medicare cover?

Accepted Answer

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers most medically necessary hospital stays, doctor visits, outpatient services, preventive care, and some home health services. It does not cover most dental, vision, hearing, or long-term care. It also leaves you responsible for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance — which is where a Medicare Supplement plan helps.

Question 5

What is a Medicare Supplement plan?

Accepted Answer

A Medicare Supplement plan — also called Medigap — is private insurance that works alongside Original Medicare to cover costs Medicare doesn't pay, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Plans are standardized by the federal government, so a Plan G from any carrier offers identical benefits — only the premium differs.

Question 6

What is the difference between Plan G and Plan N?

Accepted Answer

Plan G is the most comprehensive plan available to new enrollees, covering nearly all Medicare-approved costs except the Part B deductible ($257 in 2026). Plan N offers similar coverage but at a lower monthly premium in exchange for small copays at doctor visits (up to $20) and emergency room visits (up to $50 if not admitted). Plan N also does not cover Part B excess charges.

Question 7

Can I use any doctor with a Medicare Supplement plan?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Medicare Supplement plans work with any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare — nationwide. There are no networks, no referrals required, and no need to stay in-state. This is one of the biggest advantages over Medicare Advantage plans.

Question 8

When is the best time to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan?

Accepted Answer

The best time is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period — the 6-month window that starts the month you are both age 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this window, insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge more based on your health history. After this window, you may be subject to medical underwriting.

Question 9

Can I be denied a Medicare Supplement plan?

Accepted Answer

During your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums due to pre-existing conditions. Outside of this window, most states allow insurers to use medical underwriting, which means you could be denied or charged more based on your health history. Some states have additional protections — our advisors can explain what applies in your state.

Question 10

Do Medicare Supplement plans cover prescription drugs?

Accepted Answer

No. Medicare Supplement plans do not include prescription drug coverage. If you want drug coverage, you will need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan. Our advisors can help you find a Part D plan that works alongside your Medigap coverage.

Question 11

How much does a Medicare Supplement plan cost?

Accepted Answer

Premiums vary based on your age, gender, location, tobacco use, and the carrier you choose. Plan G premiums typically range from $80 to $200+ per month for a 65-year-old. Plan N premiums are generally 10–20% lower than Plan G. Because the benefits are identical across carriers, shopping multiple carriers is the best way to find the lowest rate for the same coverage.

Question 12

Will my premium increase over time?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Medicare Supplement premiums typically increase over time due to inflation and your age. The rate at which they increase depends on how the plan is priced: attained-age plans increase as you get older, issue-age plans are based on your age when you enrolled, and community-rated plans charge everyone the same regardless of age. Our advisors will explain the pricing method for any plan we recommend.

Question 13

Is there a cost to use Synergy Medicare Partners?

Accepted Answer

No. Our service is completely free to you. Insurance carriers compensate us for connecting clients with their plans, so your premium is exactly the same whether you work with us or go directly to a carrier. You get expert, independent guidance at no extra cost.

Question 14

How does the quote process work?

Accepted Answer

It's simple. Submit your free quote request online or call us directly. One of our licensed advisors will review your information and contact you — typically within 24 hours — with a personalized comparison of plans from 20+ top-rated carriers. We'll walk you through your options, answer every question, and help you enroll when you're ready. There is never any pressure.

Question 15

Are your advisors licensed in my state?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our advisors hold active insurance licenses in all 50 U.S. states, so we can help you no matter where you live.

Question 16

Can I switch Medicare Supplement plans later?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can apply to switch plans at any time, but outside of guaranteed issue periods you will typically need to pass medical underwriting. If you are in good health, switching to a lower-premium plan with the same benefits can save you hundreds of dollars per year. We offer free annual plan reviews to help you stay on the best plan at the best rate.

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