Medicare Readiness Checklist
Your Medicare Readiness Checklist: Get Ahead 9 to 12 Months Before 65 Confirm your Medicare eligibility by contacting the Social......
Read MoreBy Dave Miller
Understanding Your Core Medicare Coverage Understand the foundational parts of Medicare: Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): This covers inpatient hospital...
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Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): This covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care. Keep in mind that Part A has a deductible, and after 60 continuous days in the hospital, copays may apply.
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): This covers a range of outpatient medical services, including doctor visits, preventative care (like annual wellness exams), and durable medical equipment. Typically, Original Medicare (Part A and Part B combined) covers about 80% of these services.
Now, let’s explore your plan options to help cover the remaining costs:
Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap): Helps pay for out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as the Part A deductible and Part B coinsurance (the 20% you’d typically pay).
Additional Coverage: Some Medigap plans also cover excess charges under Part B.
Monthly Premiums: These plans typically have a monthly premium.
Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Plan): If you choose a Medigap plan, you’ll typically need to enroll separately in a Medicare Part D plan for outpatient medications.
Nationwide Freedom: Medigap plans let you see any doctor or hospital nationwide that accepts Medicare.
Medicare Advantage (MA) Plans (Part C): An “all-in-one” alternative to Original Medicare that bundles Part A, Part B, and usually Part D.
Private Insurance: Offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare.
Network-Based: Often limited to providers within a network (like HMO or PPO).
Premiums and Cost-Sharing: May have lower premiums but include copays and deductibles for services received throughout the year.
Extra Benefits: Often include vision, dental, hearing, and other benefits not covered by Original Medicare.
Medicare Part D: Most MA plans include drug coverage in one convenient plan.
Choosing the Medicare plan option that best suits your individual healthcare needs and budget is an important decision. Talk to a licensed agent who can guide you through each option and help you make an informed choice.
Experienced a life-changing event (e.g., losing employer coverage, moving, or changes in Medicaid eligibility)? You may qualify for a SEP to enroll outside the standard windows.
Call us today at 1-855-890-2583 for personalized assistance!
Your Medicare Readiness Checklist: Get Ahead 9 to 12 Months Before 65 Confirm your Medicare eligibility by contacting the Social......
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