Medicare Plans in Benton, Kentucky
There are many options for Medicare plans in Benton, and this may get confusing when you first begin your Medicare journey. Below 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. During open enrollment you can reassess your coverage and make changes if you need.
If you are under the age of 65 but are enrolled in Medicare because you are receiving Social Security benefits or Railroad Retirement benefits, you will become eligible for Medicare on your 25th month of disability. Once your Part B benefits become active, that is when your seven-month window to enroll in a Medigap policy will begin.
Medigap Policies in Benton, Kentucky
Original Medicare’s 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’s 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.
Some plans put a cap on the amount of out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare.
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 Benton, Kentucky
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 your area.
Medicare Part D options for Benton, Kentucky
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 Benton. 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 benefits, you will become eligible for Medicare on your 25th month of disability. Once your Part B benefits become active, that is when your seven-month window will begin. If you are under the age of 65 in Benton but are enrolled in Medicare, be sure to give Credille Insurance Agency a call to explore your options for coverage.