Calling all Medicare enrollees or potential enrollees!
Please remember Medicare Open Enrollment began on October 15th and continues through December 7th. If you are currently eligible for Medicare, or will be soon, this is the time to make changes to your coverage or plan your future coverage.
Not sure you are eligible? Generally, you are eligible for Medicare at age 65 and if you have paid Medicare taxes for 10 years of your working life.
When can you enroll initially? Generally, three months before the month of your 65th birthday; during the month of your 65th birthday; and three months after the month of your 65th birthday.
A few basic facts about Medicare:
- Original Medicare covers hospital visits, inpatient (Medicare Part A) and outpatient (Medicare Part B). You receive Part A automatically, but must elect and pay for Part B, which covers doctor visits, radiology/lab tests, etc., in addition to outpatient visits.
- Original Medicare will NOT cover all your expenses. You will be responsible for a portion. If you don't already have a Medicare supplement policy, Open Enrollment is the time to get one! Medicare supplement policies (Medigap) will help pay for expenses that Original Medicare will not cover.
- Original Medicare and Medicare Replacement Policies are NOT the same. Please read your policy carefully to understand what is covered.
- Overnight hospital visits are not always inpatient visits. Ask your doctor or nurse if you are inpatient or outpatient (this can also change during a hospital visit). This will help you understand how Medicare and any other insurance will pay.
Have questions? Call us! We can help you navigate your health insurance coverage!
How can we help?
- If you are enrolling in Medicare or are interested in changing your Medicare coverage
- If you have questions deciding which Medigap policy you need
- If you need assistance in deciphering your Medicare explanation of benefits
We are happy to help with these questions and more!
