When it comes to Medicare, there’s so much information to take in. However, there are certain little-known facts about Medicare that don’t get talked about that often.

Medicare is complex – there’s a lot of insurance jargon, lingo, and fine print. And if you’re trying to learn all of this on your own… well, it’s like teaching yourself a college course with no agenda. This is often a surprise to those who are new to Medicare, but an agent can make all of this much easier.

Jerry’s wife, Deb, fell on their concrete patio, and she was rushed to the hospital. She had a nasty bump on her head, a few cuts, and a broken rib. She spent 5 days in the hospital, and was then discharged to a skilled rehab facility. They worked with her for several weeks, and then out of the blue, Jerry got a letter in the mail. And it wasn’t just any letter – it was a bill for $24,000. How could this be? Doesn’t Medicare cover Deb’s medical bills?

Medicare Part D, or your prescription drug coverage, isn’t mandatory to have, but if you choose not to sign up for Part D, you’ll face a penalty. Here's how that penalty works.

Is Medicare mandatory? We're tackling some of the most frequently asked questions by seniors. Learn about what happens when you turn 65 and which parts of Medicare are considered mandatory.