MEDICARE

 Medicare is a national health insurance program here in the U.S. It began in 1966 under the Social Security Administration and is managed by CMS (Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.). It is divided into four parts: 

1. Medicare Part A - covers inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and hospice services, and some home health care. (Original Medicare)
2. Medicare Part B - Medical Insurance - Covers doctor's services and outpatient care. Most people pay a monthly premium for Part B  (Original Medicare)
3. Medicare Part C - Is an alternative called Managed Medicare - which allows a person to pick a plan that provides the benefits of Part A and Part B and most often much more such as a prescription drug plan (Part D). - Medicare Advantage Plan
4. Medicare Part D - Prescription Coverage - this coverage is available to everyone with Medicare, however, you must join a plan that is Medicare-approved. Most people pay a monthly premium for Part D.

 This is a health insurance program for people age 65 or older, people under age 65 with certain disabilities, and people with End-Stage  Renal Disease (ESRD).

You can enroll as early as 3 months prior to your 65th birthday - and 3 months after you turn 65, so in all you have 7 months to enroll all together.

Medicare health plans are offered by private companies that are contracted with CMS to provide plans to cover Part A and Part B benefits. There are 2 types of Medicare Health Plans, they are:

1.  Medicare Part C - Are Medicare Advantage plans which consist of PPO (Preferred Provider Organization). HMO (Health Maintenance Organizations), PFFS (Private Fee For Service), and MSA (Medical Savings Account)
2. Medigap (Supplement Plans) These are health insurance policies that are sold by private insurance companies that work with your Original Medicare (Part A & Part B) - IT does Not work with Medicare Advantage Plans.

If you are close to 65 and you are not receiving Social security or Railroad Retirement Board Benefits you will have to sign up for Medicare. You can apply at the Social Security office or online at socialsecurity.gov/retirement 3 months before you turn 65. If you do not sign up for Part B when you are 1st eligible you will have to pay a penalty for as long as you have your Part B insurance. ***Exception to this would be IF you are covered under employer or union group health plans based on your current employment or a spouse.  

Yes, Medicare Health Plans and options are a little overwhelming, But no worries that's why we are here, We can assist and ease your mind and get you enrolled:

•  in person, are
• over the phone or are
• through video conferencing. 

To set your appointment click here.