All Answers
- Can I have Medicare and Medicaid at the same time?
Yes. People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called 'dual eligibles'. Medicare pays first for covered services, and Medicaid can help cover Medicare's cost-sharing and pay for some services Medicare doesn't cover.
- Does Medicare cover dental?
Original Medicare does not cover most routine dental care — including cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, dentures, or other dental devices. Medicare may pay for certain dental services when they are an essential part of a covered medical procedure.
- Does Medicare cover hearing aids?
Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or exams for fitting hearing aids. Medicare Part B may cover a diagnostic hearing and balance exam if a doctor orders it to see if you need medical treatment. Some Medicare Advantage plans include hearing benefits.
- Does Medicare cover long-term care?
Medicare does not pay for most long-term care — sometimes called custodial care — which includes help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and eating. Medicare can help pay for medically necessary skilled care in a nursing facility for a limited time after a qualifying hospital stay.
- Does Medicare cover prescription drugs?
Yes — Medicare covers most prescription drugs through Part D, which you get either by joining a stand-alone Part D drug plan with Original Medicare, or by choosing a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage. Part D plans are offered by private insurers approved by Medicare.
- What are the Medicare AEP dates?
The Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP) runs October 15 through December 7 each year. During AEP you can join, drop, or switch a Medicare Advantage plan or a Part D prescription drug plan, with any changes taking effect January 1.
- What is a Medigap plan?
A Medigap plan — also called Medicare Supplement Insurance — is a private policy that helps pay some of the health care costs Original Medicare does not cover, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Medigap works only with Original Medicare, not with Medicare Advantage.
- What is the Medicare Part A deductible in 2026?
The Medicare Part A inpatient hospital deductible in 2026 is $1,736 per benefit period, per medicare.gov. A benefit period begins when you're admitted as an inpatient and ends when you've been out of the hospital for 60 days in a row.
- What is the Medicare Part B premium in 2026?
The standard Medicare Part B premium in 2026 is $202.90 per month, according to medicare.gov. Higher-income beneficiaries pay more under IRMAA, and Social Security typically deducts the premium from monthly benefits.
- What is the Part B late enrollment penalty?
If you don't sign up for Part B when you're first eligible and don't have other creditable coverage, your Part B premium may go up 10% for each full 12-month period you could have had Part B but didn't. You typically pay this penalty for as long as you have Part B.
- What is the Part D late enrollment penalty?
The Part D late enrollment penalty is 1% of the national base beneficiary premium ($38.99 in 2026) multiplied by the number of full months you went without creditable prescription drug coverage after you were first eligible. The amount is added to your Part D premium for as long as you have Part D.
- When can I enroll in Medicare?
Most people first become eligible during their Initial Enrollment Period — a 7-month window that starts 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends 3 months after. If you miss it, you may have to wait for the General Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31).