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(M-F 9am-5pm) to speak with a
Licensed Insurance Agent
At Linq Insurance Services, we understand that navigating Medicare can be overwhelming.
Our mission is to connect the dots between healthcare needs and Medicare plan options, offering knowledgeable guidance, tailored support, and peace of mind every step of the journey.
From understanding your Medicare plan options to exploring the best plans available, our licensed insurance agents are dedicated to making navigating Medicare smarter, simpler, and more personal for you.
At Linq Insurance Services, we understand that navigating Medicare can be overwhelming.
Our mission is to connect the dots between healthcare needs and Medicare plan options, offering knowledgeable guidance, tailored support, and peace of mind every step of the journey.
From understanding your Medicare plan options to exploring the best plans available, our licensed insurance agents are dedicated to making navigating Medicare smarter, simpler, and more personal for you.
Who is Eligible for Medicare?
You may qualify for Medicare if you meet one of the following conditions:
Age: 65 or older.
Disability: Under 65 and receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments for more than 24 months.
Illness: Any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or ALS.
Residency: U.S. citizen or a permanent resident for at least five consecutive years.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program designed for people aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities or specific diseases such as End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). It helps cover various healthcare costs, providing peace of mind and financial protection for millions of Americans.
Who is Eligible for Medicare?
You may qualify for Medicare if you meet one of the following conditions:
Age: 65 or older.
Disability: Under 65 and receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments for more than 24 months.
Illness: Any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or ALS.
Residency: U.S. citizen or a permanent resident for at least five consecutive years.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program designed for people aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities or specific diseases such as End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). It helps cover various healthcare costs, providing peace of mind and financial protection for millions of Americans.
Medicare Part A – Hospital Insurance
Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care.
Costs: No premium if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. Deductibles and copayments apply.
Medicare Part C – Medicare Advantage
Offered by private companies, these plans include all benefits of Parts A and B and often Part D (Prescription Drugs).
Medicare Part B – Medical Insurance
Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical supplies.
Monthly Premium: $185.00 (may be higher based on income).
Annual Deductible: $257 with 20% coinsurance after deductible.
Medicare Part D – Prescription Drug Coverage
Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs.
2025 Updates:
No more Donut Hole: The coverage gap phase (Donut Hole) has been eliminated.
Out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs are capped at $2,000 per year.
Monthly payment plan available to spread out costs throughout the year.
Understanding Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D
Medicare Part A – Hospital Insurance
Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care.
Costs: No premium if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. Deductibles and copayments apply.
Medicare Part C – Medicare Advantage
Offered by private companies, these plans include all benefits of Parts A and B and often Part D (Prescription Drugs).
Medicare Part B – Medical Insurance
Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical supplies.
Monthly Premium: $185.00 (may be higher based on income).
Annual Deductible: $257 with 20% coinsurance after deductible.
Medicare Part D – Prescription Drug Coverage
Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs.
2025 Updates:
No more Donut Hole: The coverage gap phase (Donut Hole) has been eliminated.
Out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs are capped at $2,000 per year.
Monthly payment plan available to spread out costs throughout the year.
Understanding Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D
Turning 65? Here’s What You Need to Know
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Turning 65 with Social Security
You will be automatically enrolled into Medicare. You will receive your Medicare card three months prior to your birthday.
If you DO NOT have Social Security when you turn 65:
You will need to sign up for Medicare.
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP):
A 7-month window to sign up for Medicare includes:
3 months before your 65th birthday month
The month of your 65th birthday
3 months after your 65th birthday month
3 Ways to Join Medicare:
Apply online at: www.ssa.gov
Call Social Security at:
1-800-772-1213
(TTY 1-800-325-0778)
to apply over the phone or to request an application
Apply at your local Social Security office
Our licensed insurance agents are here to help you navigate your options without cost or obligation.
Turning 65? Here’s What You Need to Know
).png)
Turning 65 with
Social Security
You will be automatically enrolled into Medicare. You will receive your Medicare card three months prior to your birthday.
If you DO NOT have Social Security when you turn 65:
You will need to sign up for Medicare.
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP):
A 7-month window to sign up for Medicare includes:
3 months before your 65th birthday month
The month of your 65th birthday
3 months after your 65th birthday month
3 Ways to
Join Medicare:
Apply online at: www.ssa.gov
Call Social Security at:
1-800-772-1213
(TTY 1-800-325-0778)
to apply over the phone or to request an application
Apply at your local Social Security office
Our licensed insurance agents are here to help you navigate your options without cost or obligation.
Types of Medicare Plans Linq Offers
Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C)
Includes HMOs and PPOs often bundled with prescription drug coverage (Part D).
Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)
Covers costs not paid by Original Medicare, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
Requires separate Part D coverage for prescriptions.
Medicare and Medicaid (Dual-Eligible Plans)
For those who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, providing coverage with little to no out-of-pocket costs.
Prescription Drug Plans (PDP)
Stand-alone plans that help cover the cost of prescription drugs.
Available for those enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and/or B).
Helps reduce out-of-pocket costs for medications with coverage that includes copays, coinsurance, and no deductible options.
Veteran’s Care
Health plans and services for individuals currently serving in the military or a veteran.
Chronic Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs)
Focused on beneficiaries with severe or disabling chronic conditions, offering care management.
Types of Medicare Plans Linq Offers
Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C)
Includes HMOs and PPOs often bundled with prescription drug coverage (Part D).
Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)
Covers costs not paid by Original Medicare, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
Requires separate Part D coverage for prescriptions.
Medicare and Medicaid
(Dual-Eligible Plans)
For those who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, providing coverage with little to no out-of-pocket costs.
Prescription Drug Plans (PDP)
Stand-alone plans that help cover the cost of prescription drugs.
Available for those enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and/or B).
Helps reduce out-of-pocket costs for medications with coverage that includes copays, coinsurance, and no deductible options.
Veteran’s Care
Health plans and services for individuals currently serving in the military or a veteran.
Chronic Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs)
Focused on beneficiaries with severe or disabling chronic conditions, offering care management.
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Is the Donut Hole Still in Effect?No, the Donut Hole has been eliminated. Starting in 2025, your out-of-pocket prescription drug costs are capped at $2,000 per year.
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Can I Switch My Medicare Plan?Yes, you can make changes during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) from October 15 to December 7 or during the Open Enrollment Period (OEP) from January 1 to March 31.
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Will I Have to Pay a Penalty for Missing My Medicare Enrollment Period?If you didn’t sign up for Part B when first eligible and you're not covered by employer plan, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part B. Monthly costs may go up 10% for each full 12-month period that you could have had Part B but did not enroll. Exception: You do not have to pay a late enrollment penalty if you meet certain conditions that allow you to sign up for Part B during a Special Enrollment Period.
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How Much Does Medicare Part B Cost?The standard premium for Medicare Part B in 2025 is $185.00 per month, with a $257 annual deductible. After meeting the deductible, you’ll typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for most services.There is an annual increase for Part B costsof 2-3% per year on average.
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What is the Difference Between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement Plans?Medicare Advantage (Part C): Bundles Part A, Part B, and often Part D into a single plan offered by private insurers. Medicare Supplement (Medigap): Works with Original Medicare to cover out-of-pocket costs but requires separate Part D coverage for prescriptions.
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What is a Medicare Supplement Plan (Medigap)?Medicare Supplement Plans, also known as Medigap, help cover out-of-pocket costs not paid by Original Medicare, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. They do not include prescription drug coverage, which requires a separate Part D plan.
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How Does the Inflation Reduction Act Impact My Medicare Prescription Drug Costs in 2025?The Inflation Reduction Act introduces several improvements to Medicare Part D in 2025. Key changes include a $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs and the elimination of the 5% coinsurance in the catastrophic phase. Additionally, the Act mandates inflation rebates, preventing drug companies from raising prices faster than inflation, and introduces a Manufacturer Discount Program that provides discounts on applicable brand-name drugs.
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What is the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan and How Does It Work?The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan helps manage out-of-pocket prescription drug costs by spreading them throughout the year. Once enrolled, you won’t pay anything at the pharmacy counter; instead, you'll receive a monthly bill from your plan for any out-of-pocket costs incurred. This plan caps out-of-pocket prescription costs at $2,000 per year, providing a predictable way to manage expenses. You can opt out at any time, but you’ll need to pay any remaining balance.
Ready to Get Started?
Call us today at 888-341-2420 TTY 711, Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm PST, or fill out our Contact Form to schedule your free consultation with a licensed insurance agent. Let us help you make Medicare simple, accessible, and maximized for your healthcare needs.
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