What is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65+, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease. It has four parts: Part A (hospital), Part B (medical), Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D (prescription drugs).
When should I sign up for Medicare?
Your Initial Enrollment Period starts 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ends 3 months after. If you miss it, you may face late enrollment penalties. If you have employer coverage, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Is Medicare free?
Part A is premium-free for most people (if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for 10+ years). Part B has a monthly premium ($185/month in 2026 for most). Part D and Medicare Advantage plan premiums vary by plan.
What's the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) lets you see any doctor who accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative offered by private insurers that often includes extra benefits like dental, vision, and fitness programs, but may have network restrictions.
Does Medicare cover dental, vision, and hearing?
Original Medicare does NOT cover routine dental, vision, or hearing. However, many Medicare Advantage plans include these benefits. You can also buy standalone dental/vision plans.
What is the $2,000 drug cap in 2026?
Starting in 2026, there's a $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs under Part D. This means no matter how expensive your medications are, you won't pay more than $2,000/year.
Does Medicare cover me when I travel?
Original Medicare works anywhere in the US that accepts Medicare. It does NOT cover you internationally (with rare exceptions). Some Medigap plans include limited foreign travel emergency coverage. We recommend travel insurance for international trips.
What is the Medicare grocery allowance?
Some Medicare Advantage and Special Needs Plans offer a grocery/food allowance benefit through programs like Healthy Benefits+. This gives you a quarterly allowance to buy healthy foods at participating stores. Not all plans include this — ask us which ones do.
Do I need a Medicare advisor? What does it cost?
A Medicare advisor like Insuras Health helps you compare plans, understand your options, and avoid costly mistakes — at zero cost to you. We're paid by insurance carriers, so our consultations are always free.
Can I change my Medicare plan?
Yes! During the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7), you can switch Medicare Advantage plans, switch between Original Medicare and MA, or change Part D plans. Changes take effect January 1.