Specializing In Medicare
- Medicare Advantage Plans
- Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans
- Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans
- Part D Prescription Drug Plans
- Medicare Insurance Plans
Certified to help with Medicare Advantage and Prescription plans
As a certified professional specializing in Medicare Advantage and Prescription plans, I am dedicated to guiding you through your options with expert advice and personalized support. Whether you’re seeking to understand your coverage, compare plan benefits, or navigate the enrollment process, my goal is to make the experience straightforward and stress-free. I’m here to ensure you have the information and confidence you need to choose the plan that’s right for you.
What is Original Medicare
The Simple Guide
Original Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities. It consists of two main parts—Part A and Part B—which work together to help cover many healthcare needs.
Simply Defined
Medicare can seem complicated, but it doesn't have to be. If you are already on Social Security or getting ready to sign up, Social Security will automatically enroll you in Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). Keep in mind that Part B comes with a monthly premium.
If you have coverage through another plan, such as employer insurance, you may be able to opt out of Part B. There are specific rules and guidelines for this, and it’s important to make an informed decision based on your situation. I be sharing more details about this in a future article.
What Does Each Part Cover?
Medicare Part A
Hospital Care Coverage
Inpatient Stays
Skilled Nursing
Hospice
Home Health
Medicare Part B
Medical Coverage
Doctor Visits
Other Providers
Outpatient
Medical Equipment
Preventative
Medicare Part C
Advantage plan
Both A & B
Additional Benefits
Medicare Part D
Prescription Coverage
Can be included with Medicare Advantage or a stand alone plan
Medicare Supplemental
Medigap
Use with Original Medicare (A&B enrolled)
Initial & General Enrollment
Initial Enrollment
If you're turning 65 soon, it's important to understand your options for Medicare enrollment. This process ensures you receive the health coverage you need as you enter this new stage of life. Below are some key points to help guide you through your initial enrollment period:
- First-time signup period lasts 7 months
- If you enroll in Parts A and B, you may qualify to enroll in Medicare Advantage using the Initial Coverage Election Period
General Enrollment
If you are 65 or older and missed your initial Medicare enrollment period, you still have opportunities to sign up for coverage. Typically, you can enroll during the General Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1 to March 31 each year. However, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty for Part B (and possibly Part A, if you’re not eligible for premium-free Part A).
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
If you’re 65 or older and currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan (or a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan), it’s important to know that the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period takes place every year from January 1st to March 31st. During this time, you have the opportunity to review your health coverage and make changes if your needs have changed. You may switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare if that better suits you. This annual window is designed to help you find a plan that matches your healthcare needs, so make sure to take advantage of it and explore your options.
Annual Enrollment Period
If you’re 65 or older, the Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. This is your opportunity to review your current Medicare coverage and make changes that better suit your healthcare needs. During this time, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan, or just a stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan. You can also switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan, disenroll from Medicare Advantage plan to return to Original Medicare, or drop your prescription drug plan if needed. If you find that another enrollment period applies to your situation, you may be able to use it during these dates. Carefully consider your options to ensure your coverage aligns with your health needs for the coming year, and don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance if you need help understanding your choices.
