Maximize Your Medicare Insurance Benefits
The Medicare system is always changing. As carriers adjust existing plans in addition to releasing new plans each year, rules and regulations become more complicated. Navigating through all the this can be a nightmare for anyone.
As a FREE resource, we help Medicare recipients, whether those turning 65 or those looking to lower costs while enhancing benefits, by breaking it all down and guiding them to the best decisions about their Medicare benefits. Our goal is to help you with the following objectives.
Types Of Medicare Insurance Plans We Offer
Medicare Advantage Plans are offered by private carriers and replace your original Medicare Parts A and B, as they are rolled into one plan. You can select between an HMO or PPO, and most plans may cover more of your healthcare costs and have additional benefits, such as prescription drug coverage. Some may have dental or vision benefits. Premiums vary based on coverage, carrier and geographical location.
According Kaiser, note the average Medicare recipient has over 20 Medicare Advantage plans to choose from. Ultimately, The Best Plan is one from a Quality Carrier, Has No Or A Low Premium And Leaves You With The Least Or No Out Of Pocket Expenses.
Medicare Supplement Insurance policies complement your Original Medicare Parts A and B. They cover some, if not all, of the expenses that Part A and B do not cover, like co-pays, deductibles and other charges.
There are many different types of Medicare Supplement policies available, however they are regulated so the benefits for these various policies (known as Plan A through N), are all the same regardless of the carrier. However, premiums can vary greatly among carriers.
Ultimately, The Best Supplement Plan Is One That Is Purchased From A Quality Carrier, Has A Low Premium And Leaves You With The Least Or No Out Of Pocket Expenses.
Prescription drug coverage offered by private carriers contract with Medicare. Because premiums vary greatly, you should carefully weigh your prescription costs against all variables of these plans. Selecting the wrong plan can wind up costing you thousands. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer prescription coverage as well.
Please note that you should sign up for Part D (even if you do not have prescriptions) when you first turn 65, as waiting may result in a costly monthly penalty added to your premium.
The Different Parts of Medicare
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older. Medicare has 4 parts (not to be confused with plans). Each part of Medicare helps pay for different health care costs. Some parts of Medicare are FREE, some require an additional premium.
Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care. Most people get Part A for free.
Medicare Part B resembles what you may think of as traditional health insurance and covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. Most people will pay a standard Part B premium which varies depending on income.
C is Medicare Advantage, as mentioned above, and replaces Original Medicare Part A & B as an alternative option for Medicare coverage. Some people may pay an additional premium (in addition to their Part B premium) for Part C.
Medicare Part D, as mentioned above, is Prescription Drug coverage. Note that Part D is not offered under original Medicare A & B, you must enroll in a separate Part D plan to get these benefits. An additional premium is required for Part D.
To sign up for original Medicare Parts A & B, along with Part D, most people will have an Initial Enrollment Period which is a 7 month period around the time they turn age 65. This period begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65.
For people transitioning from employer coverage at other ages, a Special Enrollment Period is available for eight months after other insurance ends, and coverage begins the first month after you enroll.
Note that COBRA is not normally considered to be creditable coverage for Medicare major medical benefits, so people who are enrolled in COBRA and do not enroll in Medicare Part B within 8 months of turning 65 face substantial financial penalties for the rest of their lives, even if they have months or years left on their COBRA.
Once your Initial Enrollment Period is over, if you wish to change or purchase Advantage or Part D Plans, you must act during the open enrollment period which runs from October 15th through December 7th of year year.
NOTICE: Once you are eligible for Medicare, do not wait to enroll in a Medicare Part D Plan or you could end up paying a penalty every month.
Medicare Open Enrollment
October 15th thru December 7th
Susan and David Lovelace
Medicare Insurance Advisors
Susan and David Lovelace are licensed Medicare professionals in Florida, and in the state of Georgia. The specialize in helping you to add up all your costs (copays, premiums, etc.) so you can pick the best option. And they continue to be resource for you annually, to ensure your plan is always meeting your needs.
Call 561.845.7392 or
888.556.5859 Toll-Free
Email Us
Additional Medicare Resources
Lovelace Insurance is not part of the Federal Medicare System. Lovelace Insurance is a licensed health insurance agent authorized to market Medicare Insurance Plans. This is a solicitation for insurance. Please note a sales agent may call as a result of your inquiry for a quote. The benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, not a comprehensive description of benefits. For more information contact the plan. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Please note you have no guarantee issue.
The above information was retrieved from Medicare.gov
