Frequently Asked Questions

A fee-only Medicare advisor is a consultant who charges you directly for their services and does not receive any commissions or compensation from insurance companies. This means our advice is completely unbiased — we have no financial incentive to recommend one plan over another.

Most Medicare "helpers" are actually insurance agents who earn commissions when you sign up for certain plans. While their services appear free, they may steer you toward plans that benefit them financially, not necessarily the best plan for you.

We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your situation and answer basic questions. If you'd like personalized guidance, plan comparisons, and enrollment assistance, we offer comprehensive consultations for a flat fee.

Contact us to learn about current pricing. We believe in transparent, upfront pricing with no hidden costs.

The "free" help from insurance agents isn't truly free — agents earn commissions from insurance companies, which means they have a financial incentive to recommend certain plans over others.

When you pay for our advice, you know we're working exclusively for you. We'll compare ALL your options, including plans that agents might not show you because they pay lower (or no) commissions. For many people, this unbiased guidance results in better coverage and can save money over time.

Our consultations include:

Understanding your needs: We'll discuss your health situation, medications, preferred doctors, budget, and coverage priorities.

Plan comparison: We'll analyze the Medicare options available in your area, including Original Medicare, Medigap plans, Medicare Advantage plans, and Part D prescription coverage.

Personalized recommendations: Based on your unique situation, we'll explain which options make the most sense for you and why.

Enrollment guidance: We'll walk you through the enrollment process, important deadlines, and help you avoid penalties.

Part A (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.

Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical equipment. Part B has a monthly premium.

Part C (Medicare Advantage): An alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurers. These plans include Parts A and B coverage and often include drug coverage and extra benefits.

Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. Available as a standalone plan or included in many Medicare Advantage plans.

Read our complete guide to Medicare parts →

Medigap (Medicare Supplement): Works alongside Original Medicare (Parts A & B) to cover out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and coinsurance. You can see any doctor who accepts Medicare, with no network restrictions. You'll also need a separate Part D plan for prescriptions.

Medicare Advantage (Part C): Replaces Original Medicare with an all-in-one plan from a private insurer. Often includes drug coverage and extra benefits like dental and vision. Usually requires using a network of doctors and may require referrals for specialists.

Neither is universally "better" — the right choice depends on your health needs, preferred doctors, budget, and priorities.

Read our complete Medigap vs Medicare Advantage guide →

Initial Enrollment Period: The 7-month period that starts 3 months before you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after. This is your first chance to enroll.

General Enrollment Period: January 1 - March 31 each year for people who missed their initial enrollment. Coverage starts July 1, and late penalties may apply.

Special Enrollment Periods: Triggered by certain life events, like losing employer coverage, moving, or other qualifying circumstances.

Annual Enrollment Period: October 15 - December 7 each year to make changes to your Medicare Advantage or Part D coverage.

It depends. If you delay enrolling without qualifying coverage (like employer insurance), you may face late enrollment penalties:

Part B Penalty: 10% added to your Part B premium for each 12-month period you could have had Part B but didn't enroll. This penalty lasts as long as you have Medicare.

Part D Penalty: 1% of the national base beneficiary premium for each month you went without creditable drug coverage. This also lasts as long as you have Medicare.

If you have creditable coverage through an employer or union, you typically won't face penalties when you eventually enroll. Understanding these rules is one area where our guidance can be especially valuable.

No. We do not sell insurance policies or receive any compensation from insurance companies. We provide advice and guidance only. When you're ready to enroll, we'll help you understand the process and can guide you through enrolling directly with Medicare or the insurance company of your choice.

The easiest way to get started is to book a free consultation. During this call, we'll discuss your situation, answer your initial questions, and explain how our services work. There's no obligation to continue after the free consultation.

You can also send us a message if you prefer to start with an email.

Yes! We help people who are new to Medicare as well as those who have been enrolled for years and want to review their options. Whether you're unhappy with your current plan, your needs have changed, or you just want a second opinion, we can help you understand your options during the Annual Enrollment Period or if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

We're here to help! You can contact us with any questions, or schedule a free consultation to discuss your specific situation. We're happy to answer questions even if you're not sure you need our services yet.