Medicare & Medigap FAQ — Questions Answered | Gary Zent Senior Health

Question 1

What is Medicare, and who qualifies?

Accepted Answer

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, as well as certain younger people with disabilities or specific conditions. Most people qualify automatically when they turn 65 if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.

Question 2

What are the different parts of Medicare?

Accepted Answer

Medicare has four main parts. Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient services, preventive care, and medical equipment. Part C (Medicare Advantage) is an alternative way to receive Parts A and B through a private insurer. Part D covers prescription drugs.

Question 3

When should I sign up for Medicare?

Accepted Answer

Your Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window that starts 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after. Signing up during this window avoids late enrollment penalties. If you're still working and covered by an employer plan, you may be able to delay enrollment without penalty — but the rules are specific, so it's worth talking through your situation with Gary.

Question 4

Does Medicare cover everything?

Accepted Answer

No. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers a lot, but it was never designed to cover everything. You're still responsible for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance — costs that can add up to thousands of dollars in a single year. That's exactly what a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan is designed to address.

Question 5

What is a Medigap plan?

Accepted Answer

A Medigap plan is a private insurance policy that works alongside Original Medicare to pay the costs Medicare doesn't cover — like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Medigap plans are standardized by the federal government, which means a Plan G from one company covers exactly the same things as a Plan G from another company. The difference between companies is price, and that's where Gary helps.

Question 6

What is the difference between Plan G and Plan N?

Accepted Answer

Plan G is the most comprehensive Medigap plan available to new enrollees. After you pay the annual Part B deductible, Plan G covers virtually everything else Original Medicare doesn't. Plan N offers similar coverage at a lower monthly premium, but you'll pay small copays for some office visits (up to $20) and ER visits that don't result in admission (up to $50), and it doesn't cover Part B excess charges. For most people, the choice comes down to how often you see doctors and whether the premium savings outweigh the occasional copays.

Question 7

When is the best time to enroll in a Medigap plan?

Accepted Answer

The best time is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period — the 6-month window that begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this window, insurance companies cannot deny you coverage or charge you more because of pre-existing conditions. After this window closes, you may still be able to enroll, but companies can use medical underwriting, which means they can charge more or deny coverage based on your health history.

Question 8

Can I use any doctor with a Medigap plan?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Medigap plans work with any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare — which is the vast majority of providers nationwide. There are no networks, no referrals required, and no prior authorizations for covered services. This is one of the biggest advantages of Medigap over Medicare Advantage plans.

Question 9

Do Medigap plans cover prescription drugs?

Accepted Answer

No. Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage. You'll need a separate Medicare Part D plan for prescriptions. Gary can help you find a Part D plan that works well alongside your Medigap coverage.

Question 10

How much does a Medigap plan cost in Indiana?

Accepted Answer

Premiums vary based on the plan type, the insurance company, your age, and your zip code. In Indiana, Plan G premiums typically range from around $100 to $200+ per month depending on your age and the carrier. Plan N premiums are generally lower. Because the coverage is identical between carriers, Gary compares rates from multiple companies to find the best price for your specific situation.

Question 11

Can I be denied a Medigap plan?

Accepted Answer

During your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, no — insurance companies cannot deny you or charge you more due to health conditions. Outside of that window, companies can use medical underwriting in most states, including Indiana, which means they can decline your application or charge higher premiums based on your health history. There are some special enrollment situations that also guarantee coverage regardless of health.

Question 12

How much does Gary charge for his services?

Accepted Answer

Nothing. Gary is compensated by the insurance carriers when you enroll in a plan — not by you. His guidance, plan comparisons, and enrollment help are completely free. The premium you pay is the same whether you work with Gary or go directly to the insurance company.

Question 13

What does it mean that Gary is an independent broker?

Accepted Answer

An independent broker is not tied to any single insurance company. Gary is appointed with multiple top-rated carriers, which means he can shop the market on your behalf and recommend the plan that genuinely fits your needs — not just the one that pays the highest commission. A captive agent, by contrast, can only sell plans from one company.

Question 14

Where does Gary serve?

Accepted Answer

Gary lives and works in eastern Hamilton County and serves seniors throughout central Indiana. In-person consultations are available in communities including Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, Westfield, Cicero, and Arcadia. Phone and video consultations are available statewide.

Question 15

What happens after I enroll — can I still reach Gary?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Gary is available year-round, not just during open enrollment. If you have questions about your coverage, want to review your plan, or need help with a claim, you can reach Gary directly. He's a local contact, not a call center.

Medicare questions, answered in plain English.

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