Making sense of Medicare is like alphabet soup!
When talking about Medicare, we often hear about Medicare Parts A, B, C, D, and all of these Medicare Supplemental (Medigap) and the Medicare Advantage plans.
What does it all mean?
People new to Medicare often have a challenging time sorting all of this out. I am here to educate you and make it easy to understand.
Medicare is like a puzzle - Where do the puzzle pieces fit?
Medicare is like a puzzle - Where do the puzzle pieces fit?
Medicare is like a puzzle - Where do the puzzle pieces fit?
Are you…
- Confused about Original Medicare and Medicaid and the difference between these two programs?
Confused about enrolling in Original Medicare if you are still working past 65 years of age and covered by your employer’s health plan?
I can help. I am just like YOU who has enrolled in Medicare.
Are you…
- Confused about Original Medicare and Medicaid and the difference between these two programs?
Confused about enrolling in Original Medicare if you are still working past 65 years of age and covered by your employer’s health plan?
I can help. I am just like YOU who has enrolled in Medicare.
Are you…
- Confused about Original Medicare and Medicaid and the difference between these two programs?
Confused about enrolling in Original Medicare if you are still working past 65 years of age and covered by your employer’s health plan?
I can help. I am just like YOU who has enrolled in Medicare.
Medicare 101:
Original Medicare is an insurance program typically for the 65 years and older age group.
- There is a Part A (hospital) coverage that covers in-patient hospital, skilled nursing, and some home health care after meeting a deductible; and,
- Part B (medical) coverage such as outpatient medical services including doctor visits that pays at 80% after meeting a deductible.
With Part A and Part B, there is:
no maximum out-of-pocket
no coverage for prescriptions or vision, dental or hearing aids.
Alternative Options to Original Medicare include:
Original Medicare plus a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan that supplements the 20% Original Medicare does not cover and then you must decide if you need to add drug coverage (Part D) separately, OR
Part C (Medicare Advantage) which combines Part A, Part B, Supplemental Coverage and usually Part D with added benefits of dental, vision and hearing.
Is enrolling in Original Medicare mandatory when you turn 65? No, but beware. There are significant penalties for late enrollment unless you have other creditable medical coverage such as from an employer who specifies coverage is creditable.
Medicare + COBRA: COBRA is not considered creditable coverage for Medicare. If you are offered COBRA, you must enroll in Part A and Part B within the first eight months of COBRA.
Medicaid on the other hand, is financial and/or healthcare assistance for low-income individuals. Some people 65 and older can qualify for both. In that instance, Medicare is the primary payor and Medicaid is the secondary payor.
Medicare 101:
Original Medicare is an insurance program typically for the 65 years and older age group.
- There is a Part A (hospital) coverage that covers in-patient hospital, skilled nursing, and some home health care after meeting a deductible; and,
- Part B (medical) coverage such as outpatient medical services including doctor visits that pays at 80% after meeting a deductible.
With Part A and Part B, there is:
no maximum out-of-pocket
no coverage for prescriptions or vision, dental or hearing aids.
Alternative Options to Original Medicare include:
Original Medicare plus a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan that supplements the 20% Original Medicare does not cover and then you must decide if you need to add drug coverage (Part D) separately, OR
Part C (Medicare Advantage) which combines Part A, Part B, Supplemental Coverage and usually Part D with added benefits of dental, vision and hearing.
Is enrolling in Original Medicare mandatory when you turn 65? No, but beware. There are significant penalties for late enrollment unless you have other creditable medical coverage such as from an employer who specifies coverage is creditable.
Medicare + COBRA: COBRA is not considered creditable coverage for Medicare. If you are offered COBRA, you must enroll in Part A and Part B within the first eight months of COBRA.
Medicaid on the other hand, is financial and/or healthcare assistance for low-income individuals. Some people 65 and older can qualify for both. In that instance, Medicare is the primary payor and Medicaid is the secondary payor.
Learn more about your options.
If you are new to Medicare, arrange for an in-person, free, no obligation review.
- Learn about the timeframe you have to enroll in Medicare once you decide to retire – making contact with an Agent earlier the better.
- Learn how to avoid penalties for lack of enrolling in Medicare Part B and Part D when you first become eligible.
- Learn about the differences between enrolling in a Medicare Supplemental Health Plan (Medigap) & a Part C – Medicare Advantage Plan.
Email rho-rx@att.net or call/text 586-925-6433 to get started.