Medicare Planning FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

Medicare is a program that provides essential health coverage to individuals over the age of 65 and those with specific disabilities. Navigating the intricacies of Medicare planning can be daunting, but armed with the right knowledge, you can make informed decisions that positively impact your health and financial well-being.

Q: What is Medicare?

A: Medicare is a federally funded health insurance program primarily designed for seniors and individuals with qualifying disabilities. It consists of different parts, each addressing specific aspects of healthcare.

Q: How Do I Choose a Medicare Plan?

A: Take stock of your healthcare needs, including prescription drugs, preferred doctors or specialists, and any chronic conditions you may have. Consider what matters most to you in a healthcare plan. Familiarize yourself with the different parts of Medicare (A, B, C, and D) and how they work together. Understand the coverage and costs associated with each part.

If you choose Original Medicare, explore Medigap (Plan G) policies. These plans help cover costs like copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance that Medicare doesn't pay for.

 If you take prescription medications, consider enrolling in a Medicare Part D plan. This provides coverage for prescription drugs and helps control your out-of-pocket costs. 

If you have specific doctors or healthcare providers you prefer, make sure they're in the network of the plan you're considering. This is especially important for Medicare Advantage plans.

Q: What Are The Different Parts of Medicare?

Part A: Hospital Insurance

• Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care. It forms the foundational aspect of Medicare, providing critical support during hospitalization.Part A is free if you worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.

Part B: Medical Insurance

• Part B encompasses outpatient care, preventive services, doctor visits, and certain home health care services. It's instrumental in ensuring comprehensive healthcare beyond hospital settings. Most people pay a monthly premium for Part B. The exact premium depends on your income level. You can find what you might pay here.

Part C: Medicare Advantage

• Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, combines the benefits of Part A and Part B, and often includes additional coverage like vision and dental. These plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.You must sign up for Part A or Part B before enrolling in Part C & D.

Q: How to Enroll in Medicare?

A: The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is the first opportunity for most individuals to enroll in Medicare. It begins three months before the 65th birthday month, includes the birth month, and extends three months after. Special Enrollment Periods allow for enrollment outside the standard IEP. They may be triggered by life events such as retirement, loss of employer coverage, or relocation. If you missed your IEP and don't qualify for an SEP, the General Enrollment Period (GEP) runs from January 1st to March 31st each year. Enrollees may face higher premiums. Delaying enrollment in Medicare can lead to late enrollment penalties, particularly for Part B and Part D. Understanding these penalties is crucial to avoiding unnecessary financial strain.

Q: Can You Change Medicare Plans After Open Enrollment

Yes, there are specific circumstances that allow you to change Medicare plans after the Open Enrollment period:

• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (MA OEP): From January 1st to March 31st, if you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you have a one-time opportunity to switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare (with or without a Part D plan).
• Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Certain life events, like moving, losing other coverage, or qualifying for Medicaid, can trigger a Special Enrollment Period. During this time, you can switch or make changes to your Medicare plan.
• Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): From October 15th to December 7th each year, you can make changes to your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. 
• Medigap (Medicare Supplement) Plans: Unlike Medicare Advantage, Medigap plans don't have an annual enrollment period. You can apply for a Medigap plan at any time, but it's generally easier to do so during your initial enrollment period when you first qualify for Medicare. 
• Guaranteed Issue Rights: In certain situations, you may have guaranteed issue rights, allowing you to apply for a Medigap plan without medical underwriting. This can happen if you lose other coverage or if your existing plan no longer meets your needs.

Q: What Are Medicare Costs?

A: Medicare involves various costs, including monthly premiums, deductibles, and copayments. Understanding these expenses is essential for effective financial planning.Your monthly premium will vary depending on the specific plan you choose. If the plan charges a monthly premium, you'll pay this in addition to the Part B premium (and the Part A premium if you don't have premium-free Part A).

Some plans may offer assistance in paying all or part of your Part B premium, but this may not be available in all areas. Your yearly deductible and copayments can differ from what's outlined under Original Medicare.Plans set their own figures for premiums, deductibles, and services on an annual basis. The plan, not Medicare, determines how much you'll pay for the covered services you receive. This can only change once a year, on January 1.

Q: What is Plan G Medicare?

A: Medicare Plan G is a specific type of Medicare Supplement Insurance plan, commonly referred to as a "Medigap" plan. These plans are designed to work alongside Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) to help cover certain out-of-pocket costs that Medicare doesn't pay for. 

It covers everything that Medicare Part A and Part B cover at 100%, except for the Part B deductible, which is $226 in 2023. Despite this deductible, many find Plan G to be a cost-effective option when considering premiums. It also includes coverage for "excess charges," which occur when doctors charge up to 15% more than the Medicare-approved amount for services or procedures. 

Many people find Medicare Plan G to be a popular choice because of its extensive coverage and relatively predictable out-of-pocket costs. However, keep in mind that plan availability and specifics can vary by location and insurance company, so it's recommended to compare options and consult with a licensed insurance agent or broker.