Simple Medicare Answers for Pensacola & Northwest Florida

MedicareMedicare FAQs in Pensacola, Florida

Simple answers from Ricki Stewart, licensed independent insurance agent, UnitedHealthcare

Have questions about Medicare? Whether you’re turning 65, preparing to retire, or becoming eligible before 65, understanding how Medicare works and when you qualify can help you feel more prepared.

I’m Ricki Stewart, a licensed independent insurance agent based in Pensacola, Florida. I help people in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and surrounding counties with Medicare questions through convenient phone appointments. 

Below you’ll find simple answers to common Medicare questions, official Medicare.gov resources, and helpful videos from my Medicare Minutes with Ricki series.

Want help with your situation? Call 850-341-2185 to schedule a Medicare phone appointment

1. Do I need Medicare at 65 if I’m still working?

It depends on your health insurance. If you have group coverage through your or your spouse’s current employment, you may be able to delay Part B without a late enrollment penalty.

Check with your employer’s benefits administrator before deciding. Employer size and coverage rules matter. COBRA and retiree coverage do not provide the same protection for delaying Part B as coverage based on current employment.

Read Medicare.gov’s guidance on working past 65:
https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/medicare-basics/working-past-65

Watch Medicare Minutes with Ricki: “Still Working Past 65? What You Need to Know About Medicare”
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qqrzhcVJVUg

2. What is a Medicare Supplement, and why do people choose one?

Medicare Supplement Insurance, also called Medigap, works with Original Medicare. It helps pay certain costs you would otherwise pay yourself, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, depending on the policy.

People may choose a supplement to help manage their share of Medicare-covered expenses. You pay a separate premium for the policy. Medigap is different from Medicare Advantage and cannot be used to pay Medicare Advantage cost sharing.

Read Medicare.gov’s explanation of Medigap:
https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/medigap/basics

Watch Medicare Minutes with Ricki: “Why Do People Choose a Medicare Supplement?”
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/SKYPhCr0aXA

3. Can I keep my doctors when I choose Medicare coverage?

Your doctors should be part of your coverage decision.

With Original Medicare, you can generally see any doctor or hospital in the United States that accepts Medicare. With Medicare Advantage, your access to doctors depends on the plan’s network and coverage rules.

Before enrolling, check your primary care doctor, specialists, and preferred hospitals. Review the specific plan you’re considering, even if it comes from an insurance company you already know.

Read Medicare.gov’s comparison of Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage:
https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/get-more-coverage/your-coverage-options/compare-original-medicare-medicare-advantage

Watch Medicare Minutes with Ricki: “Do Your Doctors Matter When Choosing Medicare Coverage?”
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QnSYq_QgST0

4. My doctor accepts Medicare. Does that mean they accept my Medicare Advantage plan?

Not necessarily. Accepting Original Medicare does not automatically mean a doctor participates in every Medicare Advantage plan.

Ask the doctor’s office about your exact plan name, and confirm participation with the insurance plan. Also check whether the doctor is accepting new patients. A general “we accept Medicare” answer does not confirm that the doctor is in your plan’s network.

Read Medicare.gov’s guidance on checking doctors and plan networks:
https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/get-more-coverage/joining-a-plan

Watch Medicare Minutes with Ricki: “Your Doctor Accepts Medicare… But Do They Accept…”
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/SUddFqaDsSg

5. What is Medicare Part D?

Part D is Medicare prescription drug coverage. You can get it through a separate Medicare drug plan or through most Medicare Advantage plans.

Each plan has a list of covered drugs, called a formulary. Covered medications and costs can differ between plans. Check your prescriptions and pharmacy when comparing coverage.

Read Medicare.gov’s explanation of drug coverage:
https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/get-more-coverage/your-coverage-options

Watch Medicare Minutes with Ricki: “Understanding Part D on Medicare”
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ZQr9P7-OdQc

6. Do I need a separate Part D plan with Medicare Advantage or a Medicare Supplement?

If you have Original Medicare and a new Medicare Supplement policy, the supplement does not include prescription drug coverage. You can add a separate Part D plan unless you have other appropriate drug coverage.

Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D. In most types of Medicare Advantage plans, you cannot add a separate drug plan. Check before enrolling because doing so can affect your existing coverage.

Read Medicare.gov’s explanation of your coverage options:
https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/get-more-coverage/your-coverage-options

Watch Medicare Minutes with Ricki: “Do You Need a Separate Part D Drug Plan? Medicare Advantage vs…”
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/FjwawPh7Y98

7. What should I do if I’m getting too many Medicare sales calls?

You do not have to make a coverage decision during an unexpected phone call.

People representing Medicare plans generally cannot call you without permission unless an allowed existing relationship applies. For example, the agent who helped you join your current plan can contact you.

If a call feels suspicious, hang up. You can contact 1-800-MEDICARE to report concerns about Medicare plan marketing.

Read Medicare.gov’s rules for Medicare plan marketing:
https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/health-plans/your-coverage-options/plan-marketing-rules

Watch Medicare Minutes with Ricki: “Getting Too Many Medicare Calls? Try These 3 Tips!”
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mvTwH23OuK0

8. What should I have ready for a Medicare phone appointment?

Have a list of your doctors, prescriptions, preferred pharmacy, current coverage, and questions. Include medication names and doses so you can check coverage more accurately.

Think about your budget, travel plans, and the care you use regularly. Medicare.gov recommends reviewing prescriptions, provider networks, and costs before joining a plan.

To schedule a phone appointment with Ricki Stewart, call 850-341-2185.

Read Medicare.gov’s checklist for choosing coverage:
https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/get-more-coverage/joining-a-plan

Watch Medicare Minutes with Ricki: “Ready to Talk Medicare? Here’s What to Expect”
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LJm-wUb9NWo

Medicare help in Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Pace, Milton, and surrounding communities

You don’t have to sort through every Medicare question alone. If you would like my help understanding Medicare and the UnitedHealthcare coverage options I represent, call 850-341-2185 to schedule a phone appointment.

Ricki Stewart
Licensed Independent Insurance Agent
Pensacola, Florida
Phone: 850-341-2185

Watch more Medicare Minutes with Ricki:
https://www.youtube.com/@medicarepensacola/shorts

Thank you for visiting. I look forward to helping you understand your next steps.

Educational disclaimer

This page is for educational purposes only and is not a recommendation for a specific plan. Coverage, costs, eligibility, and enrollment rules vary and may change. Ricki Stewart is a licensed independent insurance agent, not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.

For official Medicare information, visit https://www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY: 1-877-486-2048.