Medicare
Navigating Your Medicare Options With Confidence
Medicare is the federally provided healthcare insurance. Original Medicare provides for fundamental doctor and hospital costs. However, Original Medicare might not cover some expenses which can result in out-of-pocket expenses when getting treatment.
To ensure that you will not be spending too much on these out-of-pocket expenses, you can get additional insurance coverage. We have extensive experience providing assistance and services to those seeking Medicare plans.
Understanding Medicare
Medicare has several parts, each covering different healthcare needs. Here's what you need to know.
Hospital Insurance
Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care. Most people don't pay a premium for Part A.
Medical Insurance
Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, medical equipment, and some home health care. Part B has a monthly premium.
Medicare Advantage
An all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurers. Includes Part A, Part B, and usually Part D. Often includes extra benefits like vision, dental, and hearing.
Prescription Drug Coverage
Helps cover the cost of prescription medications. Available as a standalone plan or included in Medicare Advantage. Each plan has its own formulary of covered drugs.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Medicare Supplement Insurance, also known as Medigap, helps fill the "gaps" in Original Medicare. These policies can help pay for copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles that Original Medicare doesn't fully cover.
With over 40 top insurance companies in our network, we compare rates and benefits to find the Medigap plan that fits your healthcare needs and budget. Our experienced agents walk you through every option so you can make a confident decision.
Medigap policies are standardized by the federal government and labeled with letters (Plan A, Plan B, Plan F, Plan G, Plan N, and others). While benefits are standardized, premiums vary by carrier — which is why it pays to compare. We access rates from dozens of top-rated companies to find the best value for your situation.
Important Enrollment Periods
Missing an enrollment window can mean paying penalties or waiting months for coverage. Here are the key dates to know.
Initial Enrollment
Your 7-month window begins 3 months before you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after. This is the best time to enroll — no medical questions asked for Medigap.
Annual Enrollment
October 15 through December 7 each year. During this period, you can switch Medicare Advantage plans, change Part D prescription drug plans, or return to Original Medicare.
Special Enrollment
Qualifying life events — such as moving, losing employer coverage, or other special circumstances — may allow you to enroll or make changes outside of the standard enrollment periods.
Who Is Eligible for Medicare?
Most people become eligible for Medicare at age 65. You may also qualify if you are under 65 and have received Social Security disability benefits for 24 months, or if you have been diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).
If you are still working past 65 and have employer coverage, you may choose to delay Medicare enrollment without penalty. However, the rules depend on the size of your employer, so it's important to get guidance before making that decision. Our team can help you understand your specific situation and avoid costly mistakes.
Why Work With Johnny Watts Agency?
Over 40 years of experience helping families in North Carolina navigate Medicare. We know the local plans and the carriers that serve our community.
We represent over 40 carriers — not just one company. That means we shop the market for you and recommend the plan that truly fits your needs, not the one that pays us the most.
No cost to you. Our services are free. Insurance carriers pay us, so you get expert guidance without an extra bill.
Year-round support. We don't disappear after enrollment. If you have a billing question, need to file a claim, or want to review your plan at renewal, we're here.