Medicare & You Education

Medicare & You — What Families Need to Know

Who Qualifies for Medicare?

Medicare is available to U.S. citizens and lawfully present residents who are age 65 or older, as well as those under 65 with qualifying disabilities, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or ALS. Eligibility requires either age or specific medical conditions, and enrollment usually begins around your 65th birthday.

How Medicare Helps Families

Medicare provides hospital, medical, and prescription coverage and offers options through Medicare Advantage plans to cap yearly out-of-pocket costs. It helps families manage healthcare expenses, ensures consistent access to care, and reduces financial strain during retirement or serious health events.

The Parts of Medicare (A–D)

• Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital, skilled nursing, hospice, and some home health services.
• Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, and durable medical equipment.
• Part C (Medicare Advantage): Private plans that combine Parts A and B (and often Part D), with annual out-of-pocket maximums and additional benefits.
• Part D (Prescription Coverage): Helps cover the cost of medications, either as a stand-alone plan or included in Advantage plans.

How Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Works

Medigap policies work alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to cover deductibles, coinsurance, and other costs. They cannot be used with Medicare Advantage plans but provide peace of mind by reducing out-of-pocket expenses under Original Medicare.

Why Work With an AHIP-Certified Advisor

An AHIP-certified advisor has completed annual CMS-compliant training, including fraud, waste, and abuse prevention. This ensures you receive ethical, accurate, and up-to-date guidance when choosing or reviewing your Medicare options.

Questions to Ask Your Advisor

1. Are my doctors and hospitals covered under this plan?
2. Are my prescriptions included in the formulary, and what will they cost?
3. What are the total costs: premiums, deductibles, and maximum out-of-pocket?
4. What is the plan’s star rating?
5. What coverage is available for travel, dental, vision, or hearing?

Information You’ll Need to Choose a Plan

• Medicare Number (MBI) and Date of Birth
• ZIP code to determine service area
• Prescription list and preferred pharmacy
• Doctors and hospitals you want to continue using
• Other coverage (employer, VA, Medicaid)
• Budget and healthcare priorities

Important Privacy & Safety Notes

Your Medicare card includes a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI), not your Social Security Number.
WARNING: Never provide your Social Security Number for Medicare enrollment—it is not required. The only information an advisor should need is your Medicare Number and Date of Birth. Advisors may ask for banking information only if you choose automatic premium payments. Never share online passwords.

The Role of Your Advisor

Your advisor is there to help you compare and understand your choices, not push you into a specific plan. Be patient in the process, ask questions, and carefully review your options with your agent to ensure the best quality of care.

The Whitaker Commitment

At Whitaker Family Insurance Services, we are committed to guiding families through the Medicare process with patience, integrity, and clarity. Our mission is to empower you to make informed decisions and achieve the peace of mind you deserve.