By Jay Johnson | February 21, 2017

Dear Marci,

I just turned 65 and don’t feel like I know very much about what’s covered and what’s not covered under Medicare. How can my doctor help me get the services and care I’m entitled to receive, and how can I be sure her recommendations are in my best interests?

– Noreen (Jonesboro, AR)

By Mitchell Clark | February 13, 2017

If you have Medicare and are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, you can switch to Original Medicare during the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP), which occurs every year from January 1 to February 14.

By Jay Johnson | February 6, 2017

Dear Marci,

While I am not anticipating any problems with my private insurance plan, I would like to be prepared for the worst. If difficulties arise, am I allowed to change plans at any time?

– Ronald (Bowman, ND)

By Stacy Canan and Tim Engelhardt | February 3, 2017

If you’re among the 7 million Americans enrolled in the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program , doctors, suppliers, and other providers aren’t allowed to bill you for Medicare costs when you receive covered medical services, equipment, and supplies. Your Medicare premiums, as well as costs like deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments, are all covered by Medicaid.

By Jay Johnson | January 23, 2017

Dear Marci,

I’m not satisfied with my Medicare Advantage Plan, and I’d like to switch either to another plan or go back to Original Medicare. When is it permissible for me to make a change?

– Winifred (Pearland, TX)

By Jay Johnson | January 9, 2017

Dear Marci,

Most months my insurance company sends me Medicare notices in the mail. I have difficulty keeping up with them, and last week I told my neighbor that I usually ignore everything. She told me I should read each notice carefully and take appropriate action. So what have I been missing?

– Walter (Kettering, OH)

By Jay Johnson | December 28, 2016

Dear Marci,

I have Medicare Part A and Part B, but I also have another health insurance policy from my current job. How does Medicare work with my other coverage, and do I need to tell my doctor if I have more than one type of insurance?

– Cole (Lafayette, CO)

By Jay Johnson | December 12, 2016

Dear Marci,

I’m turning 65 soon and I’m still working. Do I need to enroll in Medicare Part B when I’m first eligible, or can I delay it?

– Riley (Albany, OR)

By Jay Johnson | November 30, 2016

Medicare fraud is when doctors or other providers deceive Medicare into paying when it should not or paying more than it should. This is against the law and should be reported.

To report fraud you should either contact 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) or the Inspector General’s fraud hotline at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). When it investigates the potential fraud, Medicare will not use your name if you do not want it to.

By Emily Whicheloe | October 31, 2016

Dear Marci,

My stand-alone Part D plan sent me a notice telling me that it will not cover some of my prescriptions next year. How do I use Medicare Plan Finder to look for a new plan?

– Peter (Sparks, NV)