Medicare decisions are highly personal and there may be as many different questions about Medicare as there are beneficiaries, maybe more. But certain questions seem to come up more often than others.
Here are some of the most common Medicare questions and answers.
How Do I Know What Medicare Coverage is Right for Me? The answer to this may be easy to say but maybe not as easy to do. You need to understand your personal healthcare needs and choose Medicare coverage to help meet them. For example, if you take prescription drugs right now when you get Medicare, you need to make sure you get Part D prescription drug coverage through either a stand-alone Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan.
How Much Does Medicare Cost? You will likely pay the Part B premium to Medicare. Beyond that, you may pay other premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance. The total amount you pay will depend on the type of Medicare plan(s) you choose and the health care services you use during the year.
What Do I Do About Medicare if I Work Past Age 65? If you plan to work past 65, you may be able to delay enrolling in Medicare. Or, you may have to enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period in Parts A, B, and D if you want to avoid late penalties. It will depend on your employer and if your employer coverage is creditable. Some people who can delay Medicare still choose to enroll in just Part A when they turn 65 in addition to their employer coverage. Part A is premium-free if you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. Note though, if you do get Part A, you can no longer contribute to your HSA.
How Can I Get Dental and Vision Coverage with Medicare? Original Medicare (Parts A & B) does not cover routine dental or vision care; however, some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans do. Plans include all the coverage provided by Parts A and B, and often additional benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and gym memberships, all in one plan.
Is Medicare Mandatory? No part of Medicare is mandatory, but if you choose to enroll in any part of Medicare after your Initial Enrollment Period, you could face financial penalties unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period with creditable employer coverage.
What’s the Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid? Medicare and Medicaid are both government healthcare programs, but they are very different. Medicare is generally for people who are 65 or older, or who have a qualified disability. Medicaid is a state-governed program for people with limited income and resources. Some people are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. These people are considered dual eligible and are often qualified for special Medicare plans.
Do You Have Additional Questions About Medicare? Medicare is complex, and it can often feel overwhelming when you’re learning about Medicare and shopping around for coverage for the first time. If you have further questions, I would love to be your guide.
Please call Lynne Jones, licensed sales representative, at (480) 212-2246 or email at jonesdvp@yahoo.com