If you or a loved one is entering Medicare and you need more information about the process, we at Complete Medicare Planning can help. Review the following information for up-to-date details about Medicare health insurance plans. For further assistance, call us today at 816-804-4060 and one of our professional Medicare advisors will be glad to assist you and answer any questions you may have about Medicare or other senior health insurance options.
The RoadMap to Medicare
Before You Turn 65
Seven to Nine Months Prior to Turning 65
- Contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213 to confirm your eligibility for Medicare.
- Review your current health insurance coverage. Find out what happens after you turn 65.
Four to Six Months Prior to Turning 65
- Call us at 816-804-4060 to review and discuss your Medicare Insurance options.
- Call your doctors and confirm their acceptance of Medicare.
One to Three Months Prior to Turning 65
- Enroll yourself into Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
- Enroll in a Medicare health plan.
- Choose your Medicare prescription drug coverage.
About Medicare Part A
Medicare Part A plans cover:
- Procedures that include at least one overnight stay in a hospital
- Meals
- Fees paid to the doctor Required medical tests
- Home health care
- Stays in a nursing home (with conditions)
- Hospice care
About Medicare Part B
Medicare Part B plans cover:
- Chemotherapy
- Diagnostics
- Labwork
- Nursing
- Screenings
- Some diabetic care supplies
- Vaccinations for flu and pneumonia
Services NOT Included in Medicare Part B:
- Eye exams, glasses or contacts
- Hearing Aids
- Routine Screenings
- Prescription Drugs
About Medicare Part C
A Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO) is another Medicare health plan choice you may have as part of Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or ”MA Plans,” are offered by private companies approved by Medicare.
If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, then the plan will provide all of your Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) coverage. Medicare Advantage Plans may offer extra coverage, such as vision, hearing, dental, and /or health and wellness programs. Most include Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D). Medicare pays a fixed amount for your care every month to the companies offering Medicare Advantage Plans. These companies must follow rules set by Medicare. However, each Medicare Advantage Plan can charge different out-of-pocket cost and have different rules for how you get services (like whether you need a referral to see a specialist or if you have to go to only doctors, facilities, or suppliers that belong to the plan for non-emergency or non-urgent care).
These rules can change each year.
About Medicare Part D
These plans cover expenses for generic and brand name prescription drugs. In order to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan, you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A, Part B or both.
Medicare offers prescription drug coverage to everyone with Medicare. Even if you don’t take a lot of prescriptions now, it’s very important for you to consider joining a Medicare drug plan. If you decide not to join a Medicare drug plan when you are first eligible, and you don’t have other credible prescription drug coverage, or you don’t get Extra Help, you will likely pay a late enrollment penalty.
If you decide to stay in original Medicare you will need to enroll in a standalone prescription drug plan or sometimes called (PDP’s). Most Medicare Advantage (PartC) plans include prescription drug coverage.
To speak with an advisor about Medicare Part D, A, B, C or other Medicare details, call Complete Medicare Planning today at 816-804-4060