Dear Marci,

I have Original Medicare and am going to get inpatient surgery at a hospital soon. I want to understand some of the costs I may have. Can you explain what a benefit period is?

– Ramona (Watertown, SD)

Dear Marci,

I enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B a few years ago when I turned 65, but I only recently signed up for a Part D plan. Then I received a notice from the plan telling me that my monthly Part D premium payment will go up because I have a late enrollment penalty on top of my regular premium. Is there any way I can get this penalty to go away?

Carter (Tupelo, MS)

Dear Marci,

I have retiree insurance from my previous job, and I will be turning 65 in a few months. Do I have to sign up for Medicare even though I already have coverage?

– Jean (Yakima, WA)

Dear Marci,

I will turn 65 soon and be eligible for Medicare. I am still working and receive health insurance from my employer. If I sign up for Medicare, how will it work with my current employer-based insurance?

Marco (Montclair, NJ)

Dear Marci,

My mother has Original Medicare and is currently receiving care from a skilled nursing facility. Her provider gave her a notice saying that she will be discharged soon, but she does not feel she is ready to go home. Is there any way she can stay in the skilled nursing facility and get Medicare to cover the stay?

– Judy (Rockford, IL)

An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) is a notice that your Medicare Advantage Plan typically sends you after you receive health care services or items. EOBs are usually mailed once per month and may be available online. An EOB is not a bill; it is a summary of services or items you received.

Each plan formats its EOB differently, but in general your EOB should tell you: