Questions people ask me most.

Nothing. Licensed agents are paid by the insurance companies, so my help comes at no charge to you. The premium for a plan is the same whether you enroll through me or on your own.

No. Plenty of conversations end with someone simply understanding their situation better. If nothing fits, or you want time to think, that is completely fine.

I'm based in Irvine, California, and licensed in multiple states, including California, Texas, Georgia, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Arizona. I'm adding states over time, so if yours is not listed, just ask. We can go through everything by phone.

A list of your doctors, a list of your prescriptions with dosages, and the pharmacy you use. If you already have coverage, have your insurance card or plan name handy. If you have a Medicare card, bring that too.

If you do not have all of it, we can still start.

Most people sign up during their Initial Enrollment Period. It lasts seven months: the three months before the month you turn 65, your birthday month, and the three months after.

Signing up in the first three months means your coverage starts the first day of your birthday month.

If you are already receiving Social Security benefits at least four months before you turn 65, you are enrolled in Parts A and B automatically. If not, you need to sign up yourself through Social Security.

It depends on your employer coverage. If the employer has 20 or more employees, the group plan generally pays first, and you can often delay Part B without a penalty. If the employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare generally pays first, so you usually need to enroll.

Check with your benefits administrator before deciding. When the job or the coverage ends, you get eight months to sign up for Part B.

If you missed your first window to sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you can sign up during the General Enrollment Period, January 1 to March 31 each year. Coverage starts the month after you sign up.

You may also owe a late enrollment penalty, which is added to your premium for as long as you have that coverage. If you had other qualifying coverage, such as through an employer, you may be able to avoid it.

A Medicare Advantage plan replaces Original Medicare as the way you receive your benefits. It is one private plan, often with a provider network, usually with drug coverage built in.

A Medicare Supplement policy works alongside Original Medicare and helps pay the costs it leaves to you. You keep the freedom to see any doctor who accepts Medicare, and you add a separate drug plan. You cannot have both at the same time.

Not most of the ones you pick up at a pharmacy. For those you need Part D, either as a stand-alone drug plan or through a Medicare Advantage plan that includes it.

Original Medicare does not cover most routine dental care, eye exams for glasses, or hearing aids. Some Medicare Advantage plans include these benefits, and you can also buy separate coverage for them.

Yes, at certain times. Medicare's Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7 each year, with changes taking effect January 1. If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, you also get one chance to switch between January 1 and March 31.

Certain life events, such as moving, can open a Special Enrollment Period at other times of year.

During Open Enrollment, which starts November 1 each year. The closing date depends on your state.

Outside that window, you can enroll if you have a qualifying life event such as losing other coverage, moving, getting married, or having a baby. That window is usually 60 days.

Possibly. Depending on your household income and size, you may qualify for savings that lower your monthly premium. We can check before you choose a plan.

The most common ones are an individual plan through the health insurance marketplace, continuing your employer's plan for a limited time through COBRA, or joining a spouse's plan. Leaving a job counts as a qualifying life event, so you do not have to wait for Open Enrollment.

Separate insurance that helps with costs your main health plan does not cover. Dental, vision, and hearing plans are the most common. You can add it whether your main coverage is Medicare, an individual plan, or a plan through work.