Kelley’s Insurance: Understanding Medicare

Medicare is a fundamental health insurance program in the United States that primarily serves individuals aged 65 and over. In addition to seniors, certain younger individuals with specific disabilities and diseases may also qualify. The program has played a pivotal role in ensuring access to essential healthcare services for millions since its inception. At Kelley’s Insurance, we believe that understanding the basics of Medicare can empower you to make the best decisions for your healthcare needs.

How Medicare Was Established:

Medicare was signed into law on July 30, 1965, by President Lyndon B. Johnson. It was initially designed to provide health insurance to individuals aged 65 and older, regardless of income or medical history. The establishment of Medicare marked a significant milestone in the U.S., providing peace of mind to senior citizens, many of whom had been without health insurance.

When Does a Person Qualify for Medicare?

• Age-Based Qualification: Most people qualify for Medicare when they turn 65 years old. It doesn't matter if they're retired or still working; age is the primary factor.

• Disability: Individuals under 65 may qualify if they've been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for at least 24 months.

• Specific Diseases: People with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease) may also be eligible regardless of age.

• Enrollment can sometimes be automatic, especially for those already receiving Social Security benefits. For others, there may be a need to manually enroll, especially if they wish to opt for certain parts of Medicare.

What Does Medicare Cover?

Medicare is categorized into different parts, each covering specific services:

• Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.

• Part B (Medical Insurance): Handles outpatient care, doctor's services, preventive services, and some home health care.

• Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans): This is an alternative way to get your Medicare coverage. It bundles both Part A and Part B and sometimes Part D (prescription drugs). These plans are offered by private companies approved by Medicare.

• Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Offers prescription drug coverage to everyone with Medicare, but it's optional. This part is offered through private insurance companies that follow rules set by Medicare.

• It's important to note that while Medicare covers many health services, it doesn't cover everything. Some out-of-pocket costs may apply, and certain services might be excluded. It's also possible to purchase supplemental insurance, known as Medigap, to cover additional expenses that Medicare doesn't handle.

What Does Medicare Part A Cover?

• Inpatient Hospital Care: This includes semi-private rooms, meals, general nursing, drugs, and other hospital services and supplies. It encompasses care you receive in acute care hospitals, critical access hospitals, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities.

• Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Care: If you meet certain criteria, Part A can cover care in a skilled nursing facility, not to be confused with long-term care or custodial care.

• Hospice Care: For those with a terminal illness and a life expectancy of 6 months or less, Part A can provide hospice care. It offers pain relief, symptom management, and other palliative care, plus support services.

• Home Health Care: If you meet specific conditions, Medicare Part A can cover home health services like intermittent skilled nursing care, physical therapy, and other vital services.

Cost of Medicare Part A:

Most people do not have to pay a premium for Medicare Part A due to themselves or their spouse paying Medicare taxes during their working years. This is often referred to as "premium-free Part A." However, if you or your spouse didn't pay Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters (10 years), you might have to pay a monthly premium. Despite its broad coverage, it's essential to understand that Medicare Part A does come with some out-of-pocket costs, including deductibles and coinsurance. Specific costs can vary year by year.

What Does Medicare Part B Cover?

• Medicare Part B, often referred to as medical insurance, covers two main types of service:

• Medically Necessary Services: This includes services or supplies that are essential to diagnose or treat your medical condition. Examples include: Clinical research Ambulance services Durable medical equipment Mental health services (including outpatient and partial hospitalization)

• Preventive Services: This involves healthcare services that prevent illnesses (like the flu) or detect them at an early stage. Examples include: Cardiovascular screenings Diabetes screenings Cancer screenings Vaccinations 2.

Penalties for Not Enrolling in Medicare Part B

It's essential to enroll in Medicare Part B when you're first eligible unless you have other insurance, like from your job. If you don't sign up when you're first eligible, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty, which means paying a higher monthly premium for as long as you have Part B. The cost will go up 10% for each full 12-month period that you could've had Part B but didn't sign up for it. 3.

How to Get the Most Out of Medicare Part B

• Annual Wellness Visits: Make use of your annual "Wellness" visits. It's an opportunity to discuss and create a personalized prevention plan with your doctor.

• Stay Informed: Regularly review the official Medicare handbook or the Medicare.gov website. They often update covered services, and being informed ensures you take advantage of all available services.

• Consult with Kelley Insurance Service: Ensure you have the best supplemental insurance to cover the gaps that Medicare Part B doesn't address. We're here to guide you to the best options.

• Prompt Enrollment: Avoid penalties and ensure continuous health coverage by enrolling as soon as you're eligible. If you're unsure about your eligibility or the right time to enroll, reach out to us for guidance.

• Check Provider Affiliations: Always ensure that your healthcare provider accepts Medicare. It's crucial for maximizing your coverage and minimizing out-of-pocket expenses.

What Does Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) Cover?

• Medicare Part C combines the coverage of Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) into one plan, and often includes additional benefits.

Here's a breakdown:

• Hospital Services: Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, and home health care.

• Medical Services: This encompasses outpatient care, medical services, and preventive services.

• Additional Benefits (Varies by Plan): Many Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits such as: Dental care Vision examinations and eyewear Hearing exams and hearing aids Wellness programs (like gym memberships)

• Prescription Drug Coverage (similar to Medicare Part D): Remember, specific offerings can vary widely between Medicare Advantage plans, so always review the benefits of individual plans before making a selection.

How to Get the Most Out of Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)

• Choose the Right Plan for You: Since Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare, offerings can differ. Assess your health needs, consult with us at Kelley’s Insurance Service, and select the plan that best aligns with your requirements.

• Make Use of Added Benefits: Take advantage of the additional benefits provided. If your plan offers wellness programs or gym memberships, use them to maintain and improve your health.

• Stay In-Network: Many Medicare Advantage plans use a network of approved providers. Staying in-network will maximize your savings and coverage. Always check the provider network before making appointments.

• Annual Plan Review: Medicare Advantage plans can change annually. Review your plan every year during the open enrollment period to ensure it still meets your needs. If not, consider switching to a more suitable plan.

• Stay Informed with Kelley’s Insurance Service: Regularly consulting with us ensures you're updated about any changes in the insurance landscape, available plans, or additional benefits you might be missing out on.

• Prompt Preventive Care: Since Medicare Advantage plans often cover preventive services, schedule regular check-ups. Early detection of potential health issues can lead to better outcomes and reduced costs in the long run as it did for Ken Kelley himself!

What Does Medicare Part D Cover?

Medicare Part D offers prescription drug coverage to everyone with Medicare. However, the specific drugs covered and the associated costs can vary based on the particular plan. In general, a Medicare Part D plan covers:

• Commonly Prescribed Drugs: Each plan has a list (or formulary) of covered drugs. While plans must cover at least two drugs in popular categories, the specific drugs offered can differ between plans.

• "Tiers" of Drugs: Drugs on the formulary are often split into 'tiers'. Each tier has a different cost associated with it. Typically, generic drugs have lower co-payments compared to brand-name drugs.

• Protection in the 'Donut Hole': There's a temporary limit on what the drug plan will cover for drugs. Once you and your plan have spent a certain amount on covered drugs, you'll pay all costs out-of-pocket, up to a yearly limit. After reaching this limit, your catastrophic coverage phase will begin, reducing what you pay.

Late Enrollment Penalties for Medicare Part D

If you don't sign up for a Part D plan when you're first eligible, and you don’t have other creditable prescription drug coverage (like from an employer), you may face a late enrollment penalty. This penalty is calculated by multiplying 1% of the "national base beneficiary premium" by the number of full months you were eligible but didn't join a Part D plan or had other creditable coverage. This amount is then added to your Part D premium.

How to Get the Most Out of Medicare Part D

• Annual Plan Review: Drug formularies and plan benefits can change annually. During the open enrollment period, review your current prescription needs against your current plan’s formulary to ensure your medications are still covered at the best price.

• Use Preferred Pharmacies: Some plans offer a network of preferred pharmacies that can provide drugs at a lower cost. Using these pharmacies can result in significant savings.

• Generic Drugs: When possible, opt for generic drugs which are usually cheaper than brand-name drugs but offer the same medical benefits.

• Extra Help: Depending on your income and resources, you may qualify for Extra Help, a program to assist with prescription drug costs. Check your eligibility and apply if you qualify. Consult with Kelley’s Insurance Service: Stay connected with us for updated information, available plans, and to ensure you’re making the most of your Part D benefits.

• Avoid the 'Donut Hole': Track your drug costs and plan coverage. Consider switching to lower-cost drugs or using savings programs to avoid reaching the coverage gap.

What Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover?

Medicare Supplement Plans are designed to fill the "gaps" in Original Medicare coverage (Part A and Part B). While specifics can vary among plans, most Medigap policies typically cover:

• Coinsurance and Hospital Costs: After Medicare Part A benefits are exhausted, many Medigap plans cover an extended period of hospitalization.

• Coinsurance and Copayment: This covers Part B coinsurance or copayment, ensuring you're not left with hefty medical bills.

• Blood: The first three pints of blood needed for a medical procedure are often covered. Part A

• Hospice Care: Coinsurance or copayment related to hospice care can be covered by Medigap.

• Skilled Nursing Facility Care: Coinsurance for services in a skilled nursing facility might be included.

• Deductibles: Medigap plans can cover Part A and/or Part B deductibles, depending on the specific plan.

• Foreign Travel: Some plans offer coverage for emergencies when traveling outside of the U.S., usually covering 80% after a small deductible.

There are several standardized Medigap policies, each labeled with a letter (e.g., Plan A, Plan B). Different plans might offer different combinations of the above coverages.

How to Get the Most Out of Medicare Supplement Plans

• Understand Plan Differences: Although Medigap policies are standardized, meaning each Plan (like Plan A or Plan B) offers the same benefits regardless of the provider, premiums can differ. Always compare prices and benefits across insurers for the plan letter you are interested in.

• Enrollment Timing: The best time to enroll in a Medigap plan is during the Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, you can buy any Medigap policy sold in your state, even if you have health issues. After this period, you might not be able to buy a Medigap policy, or it may cost more.

• Consult with Kelley’s Insurance Service: Stay in touch with us to discuss any changes in your health or circumstances. We can guide you to the most appropriate Medigap plan based on your evolving needs.

• Review Annually: Just as with other forms of insurance, review your Medigap coverage annually. While the benefits within each standardized plan won't change, other aspects of your health or financial situation might, affecting your choice of plans.

• Switch If Necessary: If you're not satisfied with your current Medigap policy or find a better price, you can switch policies. Be cautious and ensure you're eligible and that your new policy is in effect before cancelling the old one.

• Understand State Variations: Medigap policies and regulations can vary from one state to another. It's essential to know the rules and available options within your state.

• Combine with Original Medicare: Ensure you continue paying your Medicare Part B premium, even if your Medigap policy covers the Part B deductible. Medigap is supplementary to Original Medicare; it’s not a stand-alone service.

Give Us A Call Today!

Medicare has long been a cornerstone of healthcare provision for seniors and eligible individuals in the U.S. As you approach eligibility or explore your healthcare options, we are here to guide you through the nuances of Medicare. Understanding your coverage options is vital for your well-being and financial peace of mind.

For expert guidance on Medicare Plans, tailored to suit your individual needs, always feel free to contact us at Kelley’s Insurance Service. We are dedicated to making your healthcare journey as smooth and beneficial as possible!