Who Qualifies, When to Enroll, and Requirements Understanding Medicare eligibility requirements is one of the most important steps before turning 65. Many people ask: Who qualifies for Medicare? Can you get Medicare before age 65? When should I enroll in Medicare? Does work history affect Medicare eligibility? Can I get Medicare if I never worked? [...]
Medicare Supplements Original Medicare is intended to help cover your healthcare costs. Unfortunately, Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B) does not pay 100% of your costs for medical care. You will be financially responsible for copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. After Medicare pays, your cost will usually be 20% for medical services [...]
Medicare and Working Past 65 Turning 65 doesn’t always mean retiring. If you’re still working—or covered by a spouse’s employer plan—you may want to wait about beginning Medicare. The right choice depends on your situation, and knowing the rules can save you money and help you avoid penalties later. Do I Have to Sign Up [...]
PSA: “Medicare” Phone Calls — They’re Usually Scams Medicare does not call you out of the blue. Medicare nor Social Security will call you and ask for your Medicare number, Social Security number, bank details, or other private information. Legitimate calls happen only if you requested a callback or if a plan you’re already [...]
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) When it happens: October 15 – December 7 each yearWhen changes begin: January 1 of the next year Heads-up: Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies can be shopped and changed any time of the year. AEP doesn’t govern Medigap. Switch coverage types: Move between Original Medicare (Parts A & B) and Medicare [...]
Do you need to sign up for Medicare at 65 if you have other coverage? If you turn 65 and already have comprehensive health insurance, you don’t necessarily have to enroll in Medicare. In some situations, though, enrolling at 65 is essential to avoid coverage gaps and penalties. When enrolling at 65 makes sense Potentially [...]
Avoiding the Medicare Part B Late Enrollment Penalty When it comes to Medicare, timing is everything. Unless you have qualifying (creditable) employer group coverage, you generally need to enroll in Medicare at age 65. Some people qualify earlier due to disability or certain medical conditions. Missing key enrollment windows can trigger late enrollment penalties—especially for [...]
Understanding Your Medicare Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) Letter What it is, what to look for, and what to do next. What is the ANOC? The ANOC is a letter from your current plan—either a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan or a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan—spelling out any updates that will take effect [...]
Medicare Eligibility Medicare is the federal health insurance program that helps millions of Americans get the care they need. But who qualifies? Let’s break it down in simple terms. The Basics of Medicare Eligibility You may become eligible for Medicare a few different ways: Turning 65 Most people qualify for Medicare when they turn 65 years [...]
Hospital Ratings: What They Mean for You Choosing a hospital is a big decision, and quality of care matters. To make that choice easier, Medicare provides an Overall Star Rating for hospitals across the U.S. This rating takes lots of different quality measures and combines them into a single score—ranging from 1 to 5 stars. Simply put, [...]
How to Choose the Right Fit for You Choosing a Medicare plan can feel overwhelming. You’ve probably heard about Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans, but what’s the real difference? Both options will give you health coverage—it just depends on your lifestyle, budget, and priorities. Let’s walk through the main things to consider so you can feel more [...]
What is the process of enrolling in Medicare Part B?
What Does Medicare Cost? Medicare Part A Covers inpatient hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, hospice, inpatient rehabilitation, and some home health care services. Thankfully, most Medicare beneficiaries do not have a Part A premium since they have 40 or more quarters of employment. Forty Quarters is the equivalent to ten years. For a stay in a [...]
Original Medicare & Medicare Advantage Comparing Your Two Coverage Options Original Medicare (Medicare Part A & Medicare Part B) and Medicare Advantage (Part C) are two different ways to receive your Medicare benefits/coverage. Both options provide you with hospital and medical insurance, but there are differences between them. Learning about the differences in your coverage options will allow [...]
When Can I Change My Medicare Advantage Plan? If we lived in a perfect world, you would be more than satisfied with your new Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage plans may be a perfect coverage option for some individuals. However, situations occur, and maybe you realize that your family doctor doesn’t accept your plan, or [...]
Medicare Supplement Plans A Medicare Supplement insurance plan, also known as Medigap, is an insurance you can buy that helps pay for the out-of-pocket costs Original Medicare doesn’t cover. There are ten different supplemental plans to choose for coverage. Plans are referred to by letters. The three most purchased plans are Plan [...]
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (For Individuals Currently Enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan) January 1st through March 31st The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) gives you the opportunity to enroll in another Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plan or go back to Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B). Normally, [...]
Medicare Premiums Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount Some individuals believe that once they begin Medicare, that it is free. Unfortunately, that is not true. Original Medicare is composed of two working parts, Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. Medicare Part A is free for most individuals because they paid Medicare taxes while working. [...]
Medicare and Marketing Agents assisting you with your Medicare options ARE NOT allowed to….. Ask for information, such as your bank account, over the phone unless it’s needed as part of an enrollment. Require you to provide them your Medicare Number or Social Security Number for a quote. Plans don't need those numbers to [...]
Medicare Supplement Plan G: A GREAT value!
Medicare Annual Enrollment Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) begins October 15th and runs through December 7th. This is your time to review your Medicare coverage. There will be many changes coming for year 2025. Our job is to note changes concerning plans and assist you in making the best decision for your coverage. What [...]
Annual Notice of Change Letter During the month of September, you should receive a Medicare Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) Letter. What is the Purpose of this Letter? The purpose of the ANOC letter(s) is to describe any changes for the upcoming year. You should except to receive a letter if you have a Prescription [...]
Paying Your Medicare Part B Premium You are probably like most people and receive Medicare Part A at no cost. Medicare Part A is premium free if you or your spouse worked 10 years or more and paid Medicare taxes while working. However, Medicare Part B is not free. If you are receiving retirement benefits [...]
Medicare and Medicaid Medicare and Medicaid are two separate programs that are both run by the government. A person may qualify to receive benefits from one or both programs. The major difference between Medicare and Medicaid is that Medicare covers health care mainly for people age 65 and older. Medicaid is for people with low income. Medicare provides health [...]
New to Medicare Several months prior to your 65th birthday, something happens. You start receiving mail and phone calls like never before. Every phone call and letter you receive in the mail is about Medicare. You will also receive a book in the mail entitled Medicare and You Handbook. This book has information and terms [...]
