Medicare guidance
Medicare Questions and Answers
Search straightforward Medicare guides written by Benjamin Thompson, an independent Medicare insurance broker serving Missouri and Illinois. Learn about enrollment, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, Part D, Medicaid, veterans benefits and common coverage problems.
Find the Answer You’re Looking For
Medicare questions tend to become personal very quickly. Two people can be the same age and live in the same community but have different enrollment responsibilities, provider needs, prescription costs and coverage options.
This resource library explains the general rules in plain language and identifies the details that should be checked for your individual situation. It is designed to help people who are:
Preparing for Medicare
Understand enrollment timing, employer coverage, Parts A and B and the decisions that arise when approaching age 65.
Comparing Coverage
Research Medicare Advantage, Original Medicare, Medicare Supplements and prescription drug coverage.
Solving a Problem
Learn about billing, provider networks, prescriptions, Medicaid, enrollment periods and unexpected coverage changes.
If income caused an unexpected Medicare premium, start with what Medicare IRMAA is and how it works. If retirement or another qualifying event lowered your income, review how to request a new IRMAA determination with Form SSA-44.
Search by Question, Topic or Keyword
Use the search tool below to find articles related to your Medicare question. Try entering a short phrase instead of an entire sentence.
Explore Medicare Topics
If you would rather browse than search, choose the subject that most closely matches your situation.
Dual Eligibility, Medicare Savings Program and D-SNP Guides
Start with the question that matches your situation. These guides explain financial-assistance categories, billing protection, prescription-cost help, D-SNP enrollment and Medicare-Medicaid coordination in Missouri and Illinois.
Frequently Asked Medicare Questions
Do I automatically receive Medicare when I turn 65?
Not always. People receiving qualifying Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits before age 65 may be enrolled automatically. Other people generally need to apply. Confirm your individual status rather than relying on a general rule.
Can I delay Medicare if I am still working?
Possibly. The answer depends on whether coverage is based on current employment, employer size and how the group plan coordinates with Medicare. COBRA and retiree coverage generally do not work the same way as active-employer coverage.
Why is my Medicare premium higher because of income?
Medicare may add an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, or IRMAA, to Part B and Part D premiums when the income on the tax return Social Security reviews is above the applicable threshold.
Start with what Medicare IRMAA is and how it works. If retirement or another qualifying life-changing event lowered your income, review how to request a new IRMAA determination with Form SSA-44.
What is the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?
Original Medicare provides Part A and Part B coverage directly through the federal program. Medicare Advantage provides those benefits through a private Medicare-approved plan and commonly uses provider networks, plan-specific costs and prior authorization.
Do I need prescription coverage if I take no medications?
Part D is voluntary, but going 63 consecutive days or longer without Part D or other creditable drug coverage can result in a late-enrollment penalty if you enroll later.
Can I have a Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage together?
Medicare Supplements are designed to work with Original Medicare, not Medicare Advantage. A Medigap policy cannot pay Medicare Advantage deductibles, copayments or coinsurance.
Do Medicare Advantage plans have an annual out-of-pocket limit?
Yes. Medicare Advantage plans have a maximum out-of-pocket limit for covered Part A and Part B services. The amount and which expenses count toward it vary by plan.
Do Medicare plans change every year?
They can. Premiums, provider networks, formularies, pharmacies, copayments, additional benefits and coverage requirements may change for a new plan year.
Does working with a Medicare broker cost extra?
Thompson Medicare Brokerage does not charge beneficiaries a separate fee for Medicare plan consultations or enrollments. Insurance organizations may compensate authorized agents and brokers under applicable rules.
Does Benjamin represent every Medicare plan?
No. Benjamin works with numerous insurance organizations but does not represent every plan available in every area. Medicare.gov and 1-800-MEDICARE can provide information about all available options.
Can Benjamin help after enrollment?
Yes. Year-round client advocacy is a central part of Thompson Medicare Brokerage’s service. Benjamin remains available when billing, pharmacy, provider or coverage problems arise.
Explore Medicare Advantage and Part D Options Online
The primary comparison tool includes participating Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, but it does not include every carrier Thompson Medicare Brokerage represents. Schedule a no-cost consultation for a personalized review and the full list of carrier options Benjamin can discuss based on your location and eligibility.
Primary Plan Comparison
Review participating Medicare Advantage and Part D options through Benjamin’s primary online enrollment platform.
Explore Participating Plans →Primary references
Official Sources
Reviewed against official sources on August 27, 2026. Medicare rules, plan availability, costs and networks can change; verify current information before acting.
Independent Medicare guidance
Ask Benjamin Your Medicare Question
General articles can explain Medicare rules, but they cannot know your doctors, prescriptions, employer coverage, Medicaid status, finances or personal healthcare priorities.
These articles provide general educational information and are not a substitute for individualized guidance from Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid, an employer benefits administrator, a healthcare provider or another appropriate agency. Plan benefits, costs, provider participation, formularies and eligibility rules may change. Thompson Medicare Brokerage is not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.