Medicare in Tupelo, MS 

Medicare plans available to those eligible in Tupelo include Medigap, Medicare Advantage, and Part D prescription drug plans. Enrollment into any of the following plans requires eligibility for Medicare. Depending on your needs, the most comprehensive coverage offered is through a Medigap plan, also referred to as a Medicare Supplement plan.  

You first become eligible 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 mixed up with Medicare annual enrollment period.  This is an annual window from October 15 to December 7. During this time, you can reassess your Medicare coverage and make changes if needed. 

Medigap Policies in Tupelo, MS 

Original Medicare’s coverage has “gaps” or costs you must pay for because Medicare does not.  This is where a Medigap plan, also known as a Medicare supplement,  becomes vital.  

Medigap plans are sold by private companies and  help cover the healthcare costs Original Medicare doesn’t.  Some of these include copayments, coinsurance and deductibles.

Some Medigap plans will offer coverage for services that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, such as medical care when you travel outside the United States.  If you have Original Medicare as your primary insurance and you purchase a Medigap plan, Medicare will pay its portion of the Medicare-approved amount.  Your Medigap plan will then pay its share.

Costs covered by Medigap plans 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. 

Open enrollment for a Medicare supplement lasts six months after Medicare Part B begins. This is the best time to get a Medigap plan because you can enroll without answering any health questions and you are guaranteed coverage. You will have no pre-existing condition restrictions or underwriting requirements.

You can enroll in a Medigap plan at any time. However, after your open enrollment period  ends, you’ll be exposed to health questions and underwriting for approval.   

Medicare Advantage Plans in Tupelo, MS 

Medicare Advantage plans must cover all the services that Original Medicare covers in Tupelo, Mississippi. Additionally, Medicare Advantage offers vision, hearing, dental, and wellness plans (like gym memberships).

Some Medicare Advantage plans have extra benefits such as  transportation to doctor visits, prescription drugs, adult daycare, and more. Typically Medicare Advantage plans are available at little to no added cost to you. There are a few Medicare Advantage plans available in Tupelo, Mississippi.

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private companies and would replace Original Medicare.  Enrollment into an Advantage plan would place you into a network (HMO or PPO).

Medicare Part D Options for Tupelo, MS 

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)  in Tupelo doesn’t cover prescription drugs unless you have a Part D plan with it. Each Medicare Part D plan must give a standard level of coverage set by Medicare. 

Plans include a list of drugs they cover, called a formulary, and if any changes are made to the coverage of these drugs, the provider must send you a notice. There are over 20 prescription drug plans available in your area. 

 If you need help finding a prescription plan that covers your medications, call Credille Insurance Agency today. 

Under 65 and Medicare

You may be eligible for Medicare prior to turning 65.  If you are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you will be eligible for Medicare benefits after a 24-month qualifying period. The first 24 months of disability benefit entitlement is the waiting period for Medicare coverage.

Are you under the age of 65 in Tupelo and enrolled in Medicare?  If so, be sure to give Credille Insurance Agency a call to check your eligibility and options. 

Summing it All Up

You basically have two options for your coverage.  Your options are Medicare Advantage plans or Original Medicare/Medicare Supplement. If you select a Medicare Advantage plan as your coverage option, your benefits come from a private company instead of Original Medicare.  Medicare Advantage plans are sometimes called “replacement plans”.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are sold by private companies and bridge the gaps found in Original Medicare. You cannot have both Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare.  You will have one or the other for your health/medical coverage.

Our first priority as an independent agency is to provide you with all of your options for coverage. Secondly, we assist you in understanding these options. It is important to base your decision on what is the best option for you and your medical care.