Frequently asked questions

How do I know what doctors I can see?

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you must use the doctors and other providers in your network. Be sure to check with your doctor before your visit to ensure they accept your plan. With some Private Fee for Service plans your doctor may decide they can no longer see you, even if they have treated you in the past. With a Medicare Supplement plan, you can see any doctor that takes Medicare anywhere in the country.

When can I enroll for Medicare?

You can begin enrolling during your Initial Enrollment Period. This period begins three months before you turn 65, includes your birth month, and ends three months after you turn 65. If you fail to enroll during this initial period you may be forced to pay a higher premium later. Individuals who are still working, or who have insurance through a spouse's employer, may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period after their 65th birthday.

When is the annual enrollment period?

The annual enrollment period is October 15 through December 7, for an effective date of January 1 of the following year. This applies to joining, switching or dropping Medicare Advantage plans and Part D prescription drug plans. There is also a special election period between January 1 and March 31 if your circumstances require a change in plan or carrier.

Can I switch plans at any time?

You can change Medicare Advantage plans during the annual enrollment period, or during a special enrollment period, for example if you have just moved to a new area, lost employer coverage, or are newly enrolling in Medicare. The Open Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31 lets you drop a Medicare Advantage plan and go back to Original Medicare and add a Part D plan if you wish, or switch Medicare Advantage plans. It is highly encouraged that you seek the help of a Medicare professional before making changes in OEP. You can enroll in or switch to a Medicare Supplement plan at any time.

I am a veteran with health care coverage from the VA. Do I need Medicare as well?

If you have coverage through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and are eligible for Medicare, you are not required to enroll, but you may have good reasons to do so. The VA itself strongly recommends that veterans with VA health care also enroll in Medicare Parts A and B as soon as they become eligible, unless they have group insurance from a current employer.

Are there costs associated with purchasing my insurance through a CSG Insurance Pros agent?

No. You can access our unbiased services as an independent insurance broker at no extra cost to you. Our full-service agency will continue to serve you year to year at no cost.

When do I get my Supplement or Advantage card?

You will typically receive your Medicare card approximately three weeks after you apply.

What if Original Medicare does not cover the services I need?

Original Medicare does not cover things like vision, dental and wellness plans. For this coverage you may decide to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) or add standalone coverage alongside your Medicare Supplement plan. There are many different Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans to choose from.

What if I move from my state?

Because Medicare is a federal program, your Part A and Part B will not change if you move to another state, but your options for Advantage (Part C) and Prescription (Part D) plans will likely change. Contact Medicare as soon as possible to ensure there are no disruptions in your coverage, and contact us so we can help you choose a new Part C or Part D plan offered in your new area.

How do I get started?

You can trust CSG Insurance Pros agents to explain the process to you. Each plan is unique and it may be difficult to find a plan that fits your specific needs. Just because a plan works for a friend or family member does not mean it will work for you. Count on the advice of our licensed agents to find the right plan.

Veterans can read the full explanation of how VA benefits and Medicare work together on our veterans page, including the three reasons the VA itself gives for enrolling in Parts A and B.