Let’s talk: Medicare Basics
Medicare is Federal health insurance managed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Social Security works with CMS by enrolling people in Medicare.
Original Medicare
Part B
- Medically necessary services: Services or supplies needed to diagnose or treat your medical condition and meet accepted standards of medical practice.
- Preventive services: Health care to prevent illness (like the flu) or detect it at an early stage, when treatment is most likely to work best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Original Medicare?
Generally, you are eligible for Medicare if you or your spouse worked for at least 10 years in Medicare-covered employment and you are 65 years old and a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. You might also qualify for coverage if you are a younger person with a disability or with End-Stage Renal disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant).
I am 65 or older. How can I get Part A without paying premiums?
- You are already receiving retirement benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.
- You are eligible to receive Social Security or Railroad benefits but have not yet filed for them.
- You or your spouse had Medicare-covered government employment.
I am under 65. How can I get Part A without paying premiums?
- You have received Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board disability benefit for 24 months.
- You are a kidney dialysis or kidney transplant patient.
What is my Medicare Part B premium?
The standard Part B premium amount in 2019 is $135.50. Most people will pay the standard Part B premium amount. If your modified adjusted gross income as reported on your IRS tax return from 2 years ago is above a certain amount, you’ll pay the standard premium amount and an Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). IRMAA is an extra charge added to your premium.
What is the different between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans?
The Original Medicare Plan pays for many health care services and supplies, but it doesn’t pay all of your health care costs. There are costs that you must pay, like coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles.
These plans may cover more services and have lower out-of-pocket costs than the Original Medicare Plan. Some plans cover prescription drugs (these plans are known as, MA-PD for Medicare Advantage-Part D).
What is the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Supplement plan?
The Original Medicare Plan pays for many health care services and supplies, but it doesn’t pay all of your health care costs. There are costs that you must pay, like coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles.
There are costs that you must pay, like coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles. These costs are called “gaps” in Medicare coverage. You might want to consider buying a Medigap or Medicare Supplement policy to cover these gaps in Medicare coverage.
Other Insurances
Medicare Supplements
Get a plan that will supplement your Medicare coverage.
Prescription Drug Plan
Now that you have Medicare you should also consider getting a prescription drug plan.
Medicare Advantage Plans
If you are looking for more care management a Medicare Advantage plan is a great option for you.
Let's get together!
We would love to meet you
We can help you find a plan that will work best for your situation.