Medicare Plans in Muscle Shoals, Alabama
There are many options for Medicare plans in Muscle Shoals, and this may get confusing when you first begin your Medicare journey. We have broken down those options in this easy to digest guide so you can make the most informed decision for your healthcare coverage needs. Enrollment into any of the following plans requires eligibility for Medicare.
You become eligible for Medicare at age 65. Your first enrollment period for Medicare begins three months before your birth month and lasts three months after. This should not be confused with the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, which is a window from October 15 to December 7 every year. Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is the time in which individuals already receiving Medicare benefits may review and make changes if needed.
Medigap Policies in Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Original Medicare coverage leaves “gaps” or costs that are not covered by Original Medicare. These are usually deductibles and copays, but there are other costs Medicare leaves behind. This is where your Medigap policy, also referred to as Medicare Supplement Plans, comes into play and helps cover those gaps in coverage.
Costs covered by Medigap may include:
- Coinsurance and hospital costs after Part A deductible
- First three pints of blood for a blood transfusion
- Hospice care
- Skilled nursing facility care
- Medicare Part A deductible
- Part B deductible
- Part B excess charges (the difference between the amount a doctor can charge and Medicare-approved amount)
- Medical costs incurred while traveling outside of the US
The best time to enroll in a supplement is during your open enrollment period. During this period, you can enroll without answering any health questions and coverage is a guaranteed issue, which means you are fully covered regardless of pre-existing conditions. You can enroll in a Medigap plan at any time after you’re enrolled in Part B. However, after your open enrollment period ends, you’ll be required to answer health questions and go through underwriting for approval.
Medicare Advantage Plans in Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Medicare Advantage plans must cover all the services that Medicare Part A and B covers. Additionally, Medicare Advantage often offers vision, hearing, dental, and wellness plans (like gym memberships). Some plans have other extra benefits like transportation to doctor visits, prescription drugs, adult daycare, and more. Sometimes, Medicare Advantage plans are available at no added cost to you. There are many Medicare Advantage plans available in Muscle Shoals.
Medicare Part D options for Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Medicare plans do not cover prescription drugs used at home unless you have a Part D plan with it. Each Part D plan must give a standard level of coverage set by Medicare. Plans include a list of drugs they cover, called a formulary. If any changes are made to the coverage of these drugs the provider must send you a notice. There are many prescription drug plans available in your area. If you need help finding one that covers all the medications you need, call Credille Insurance Agency today.
Under 65
If you are under the age of 65 but are enrolled in Medicare because you are receiving Social Security benefits or Railroad Retirement Board disability, you will become eligible for Medicare on your 25th month of disability. You may qualify for Medicare at a younger age if you have End-stage Renal Disease or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease). Once your Part B benefits become active, that is when your seven-month window to enroll in a Medigap policy will begin. If you are receiving your Medicare benefits and under 65, please call us and we can explore your options for coverage.