Thinking about MediCare! What to do!
Individuals are not automatically signed up!
Do you want to apply at 65?
[A person is "eligible" the month when 65]
● The most effective way to sign up - at your Local Social Security (SS) office. *
* Why? - Surveys report people received incorrect information at times when calling the SS 800 # !
● Call the Local office for an appointment with a retirement person to meet an:
+ complete the Part A & B application,
+ select an option to pay Part B's monthly base cost. Your 25% share is $135.50 in 2019.
Note: B's cost is higher if your IRS 1040 AGI from two years ago is above 85k for Single & 170k for Joint. There are five levels of additional cost.
+ review SS's informative charts to help decide what's the best age to start receiving benefits.
When sign up is complete MediCare considers the person "entitled". [not enrolled] They are then covered by:
+ Part A for inpatient care in a hospital.
+ Part B for medically necessary outpatient services.
Note: A person's ID card shows entitled above their A & B effective date.
Soon be 65 and are confused about:
+ all the mail being received on Medicare Health Plans.
+ the information you found on line.
You can simplify this confusing information - call my Google Voice mail (860) 451-9793 for an appointment to understand MediCare and the health plan options in SE CT.
OK! You worked past 65 and now want to apply? What to do: Call the Local SS office - ask for an appointment to meet a retirement person to:
● Activate Part A and apply for Part B.
● Review options to pay Part B's monthly cost [shown above ] if not signing up for SS:
+ it's deducted from SS if receiving benefits.
● Ask during meeting for Form CMS-L564. Take it to your employer to fill in the dates you had medical coverage, sign, and then take it back. Returning this form:
+ approves the Special Enrollment Period to sign up for Part B.
+ means you avoid paying B's late enrollment penalty.
Note: When signing up for MediCare after your eligible month Part A will be backdated up to six months from your Part B date.
Federal regulations limit the times a person can apply for Medicare Part B. The details:
+ on the specific periods are on this page?
Your entitled and have Part A & Part B - What do you pay when treatment is received?
MDs and other providers who agreed to participate are paid 80% of the amount MediCare approved for each Part B Outpatient treatment, procedure, or service they provide.
An important point: People receive so much medical treatment and professional services Outpatient today so paying 20% in a complex situation will quickly be very expensive !
What to do? To offset the possibility of a Big Hit to income & savings buy one of the special insurance plans I call Medicare Health Plans.
Why buy? The value you can gain by owning one of these special plans is highlighted on the red text pages:
● Medicare Advantage Plan in New London CT or a
● Medicare Supplement in CT or a
Options are available, which means one will meet your personal situation and budget.
Beware of Call Today ads saying - get better coverage!
Why? Federal regulations limit when you can sign up for a Medicare Advantage Plan - it's not when you want!
FYI - info on the federal enrollment periods.
Everyone on MediCare received a new ID card:
This page has information on what to do if you did not + there is a picture.
FYI - old cards can be used the rest of 2019.
Do I really need a Medicare Health Plan?
Some think - I take care of myself so a change in health won't happen! That would be nice - But:
● No one can say an accident or change in health won't happen!
● The possibility is significant something will!
Do you have Questions about signing up or about coverage with a Medicare Health Plan?
● Send a note using the form below:
● Call/text my Google Voice today (860) 451-9793) for an appointment. When meeting we can discuss how buying either:
+ a Medicare Advantage Plan approved for New London County or a
+ CT Medicare Supplement
provides peace of mind and puts you in control of any medical treatment expenses.
Discussion will focus on your situation and to find a plan meeting your interest - not just to review plan details.
Note: Taking time to understand & answer questions means you can make a more informed decision.
If an eligible enrollment period is available then all the details of implementing the selected plan are taken care of.
BTW - it's OK to say - now is not the right time! You can also send questions to - Learn@JohnCParker.agency
John C Parker, a professional health insurance advisor in Niantic CT, is licensed (CT #644135) to conduct business in CT and does not solicit or sell in other states.