20 Medicare Quiz Questions and Answers

Question 1:
What is the primary eligibility criterion for Original Medicare Part A?
A. Being 65 years or older and a U.S. citizen
B. Having private health insurance
C. Being employed full-time
D. Earning below a certain income level

Answer: A
Explanation: Medicare Part A is generally available to individuals aged 65 or older who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, often without a premium if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working.

Question 2:
Which part of Medicare covers hospital stays and inpatient care?
A. Medicare Part B
B. Medicare Part A
C. Medicare Part C
D. Medicare Part D

Answer: B
Explanation: Medicare Part A primarily covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care.

Question 3:
When can someone first enroll in Medicare if they are turning 65?
A. During the initial enrollment period, which is three months before to three months after their birthday month
B. Only during open enrollment in January
C. At any time after age 65
D. During a special election period

Answer: A
Explanation: The initial enrollment period for Medicare is a seven-month window around the 65th birthday month, allowing enrollment without penalties.

Question 4:
What does Medicare Part B cover?
A. Prescription drugs only
B. Doctor visits and outpatient care
C. Dental and vision services
D. Long-term nursing home care

Answer: B
Explanation: Medicare Part B covers medically necessary services like doctor visits, preventive services, and outpatient care, but not routine dental or vision.

Question 5:
Which Medicare part is also known as Medicare Advantage?
A. Medicare Part A
B. Medicare Part B
C. Medicare Part C
D. Medicare Part D

Answer: C
Explanation: Medicare Part C allows beneficiaries to get their Medicare benefits through private insurance plans, often including additional coverage like dental or vision.

Question 6:
What is the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B in 2023 for most enrollees?
A. $0
B. $148.50
C. $100
D. Varies based on income

Answer: B
Explanation: The standard Part B premium for 2023 is $148.50 per month for most people, though it can be higher based on income through the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA).

Question 7:
Can Medicare beneficiaries have both Original Medicare and a Medigap policy?
A. Yes, to cover gaps in Original Medicare
B. No, it’s not allowed
C. Only if they are under 65
D. Only with Medicare Part D

Answer: A
Explanation: Medigap policies are designed to supplement Original Medicare (Parts A and B) by covering out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and coinsurance.

Question 8:
What does Medicare Part D cover?
A. Hospital stays
B. Prescription drugs
C. Vision care
D. Inpatient rehabilitation

Answer: B
Explanation: Medicare Part D is the prescription drug plan that helps cover the cost of prescription medications, available through private insurance.

Question 9:
Who is eligible for Medicare based on disability?
A. Individuals under 65 with a qualifying disability
B. Only those over 65
C. People with temporary illnesses
D. Employees of large companies

Answer: A
Explanation: Medicare covers people under 65 who have received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months or have end-stage renal disease or ALS.

Question 10:
What is the annual deductible for Medicare Part B in 2023?
A. $0
B. $226
C. $1,600
D. $500

Answer: B
Explanation: The standard annual deductible for Medicare Part B in 2023 is $226, after which beneficiaries pay 20% of approved costs.

Question 11:
Can Medicare cover services outside the United States?
A. Yes, in limited circumstances
B. No, it only covers U.S. services
C. Only for emergency care
D. Only if pre-approved

Answer: A
Explanation: Medicare may cover medically necessary services outside the U.S. in rare cases, such as emergencies in Canada or Mexico near the border.

Question 12:
What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
A. Medicare is for people 65+, Medicaid is for low-income individuals
B. They are the same program
C. Medicare is only for veterans
D. Medicaid covers only prescription drugs

Answer: A
Explanation: Medicare is a federal program primarily for people 65 and older or with disabilities, while Medicaid is a joint federal-state program for low-income individuals and families.

Question 13:
During which period can you make changes to your Medicare Advantage plan?
A. Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7)
B. Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31)
C. Initial Enrollment Period
D. All year

Answer: A
Explanation: The Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7 allows beneficiaries to join, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage plans for the following year.

Question 14:
Does Medicare cover routine dental care?
A. No, except in limited cases
B. Yes, fully
C. Only under Part D
D. Yes, if it’s preventive

Answer: A
Explanation: Original Medicare does not cover routine dental care, though some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) may include it, and there are exceptions for certain hospital-related services.

Question 15:
What penalty might apply if you don’t enroll in Medicare Part B when first eligible?
A. A permanent premium surcharge
B. Temporary denial of coverage
C. No penalty
D. Fine from the IRS

Answer: A
Explanation: Enrolling in Part B after the initial period may result in a permanent 10% surcharge on your premium for each 12-month period you were eligible but didn’t enroll.

Question 16:
Which Medicare part covers skilled nursing facility care?
A. Medicare Part B
B. Medicare Part A
C. Medicare Part C
D. Medicare Part D

Answer: B
Explanation: Medicare Part A covers up to 100 days of skilled nursing facility care after a hospital stay, with conditions like a qualifying hospital stay of at least three days.

Question 17:
Can you have both Medicare and employer-sponsored health insurance?
A. Yes, but coordination of benefits applies
B. No, they cannot be combined
C. Only if the employer plan is primary
D. Only under age 65

Answer: A
Explanation: If you have both, the plans coordinate to determine which pays first, typically based on the size of the employer group.

Question 18:
What is a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plan?
A. Additional insurance to cover costs not paid by Original Medicare
B. A replacement for Medicare Part D
C. Only available through Medicare Advantage
D. Coverage for long-term care

Answer: A
Explanation: Medigap plans help pay for out-of-pocket costs like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles in Original Medicare.

Question 19:
How is Medicare Part D enrollment typically handled?
A. Through private insurance plans
B. Directly through the government
C. Only during hospital stays
D. As part of Medicare Part A

Answer: A
Explanation: Part D is offered through private insurance companies approved by Medicare, and you choose a plan that fits your needs.

Question 20:
What is the maximum out-of-pocket limit for Medicare Part D in 2023?
A. There is no limit
B. $7,050 for brand-name drugs after the deductible
C. $2,000
D. Varies by plan

Answer: D
Explanation: While there is a standard out-of-pocket threshold for catastrophic coverage at $7,050 in 2023, the exact limit can vary by plan, and not all plans have a hard cap.