Lyndon Johnson signs Medicare Amendment. Harry Truman
(The 1st enrollee) and his wife, Bess on right.
For plan specifics in your area - submit a request and someone will call you on the next business day. After filling out the request we will bring you back to our Web-site for more details on each topic. Medicare - Benefits, Copays, and Coinsurance and/or a Summary of Medicare Supplement plans.
Eligibility
Benefits
Part A: Hospital Insurance
Part B: Medical Insurance
Part C: Medicare Advantage plans
Part D: Prescription Drug plans
Out-of-pocket costs
Premiums
Deductible and Coinsurance
To start: Medicare has 4 basic parts, A, B, C, and D (Prescription Drugs) CMS Overview.
Ultimately you will be enrolled in:
Part A - Hospital Insurance
Part B - Medical Insurance
These are standard for everyone who is 65 is eligible. Then you will need to choose a
Part D - Prescription Drug Coverage
or
Part C - Medicare Advantage alone (aka Part "C") or a Medicare Advantage plan with Rx.
Note: This is illustrated on page 43 of the CMS 2009 Medicare & You Booklet
Once you understand parts A, B, C and D, or, C/D combination you have the basics. (See the A, B, C,'s of medicare for a more complete rundown)
Now the three big questions:
1) Do I get a Medicare supplement plan?
This will work with Original Medicare and help cover the deductibles and co-pays Medicare does not cover (Specific coverage and premiums vary by plan type and other variables)
OR
2) Do I get an ENHANCED Medicare Advantage combination?
OR
3) Do I stick with the basic Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare alone?
(And pay the copays and out of pocket expenses yourself?)
In order of least to most expensive; our opinion; the basic "Medicare Advantage" plan is a better starting point for most people and will include a better distribution of benefits for little or no additional cost. I.E. "$0.00 (Zero) Premium"
The next level up on the scale (Lower co-pays and deductibles) would be an enhanced or Premier "Medicare Advantage" plan. This would have a slightly higher premium but as already stated ; lower deductibles and co-pays.
Finally, the highest degree of protection and of course the highest premium is a Medicare Supplement plan. With 12 Medicare Supplement choices and many more Medicare Advantage choices, this means a little more thought. Fortunately we have done that work for you. Submit a request for information
If you'd prefer call and speak to one of our representatives:
610-399-8700.
What is a Medicare Advantage plan?
Medicare Advantage Plans Explained
Medicare Advantage Plans are health plan options (like an HMO or PPO) approved by Medicare and offered by private companies. These plans are part of Medicare and are sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans.” Medicare Advantage Plans provide your Medicare health coverage (in lui of Part A and Part B) and usually includes Medicare drug coverage. (You are still enrolled in Medicare)
Medicare pays a fixed amount for your care every month to the companies offering Medicare Advantage Plans, and these companies must follow rules set by Medicare. They aren’t supplemental insurance which is another catagory.
Not all Medicare Advantage Plans work the same way, so find out the plan’s rules before joining. In all plan types, you are always covered for emergency and urgent care.
For more information on specific plans in your area go to our request page.
References
1) http://www.medicare.gov
2) Medicare and You 2009; Published by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services
For plans in your specific area click here.
