The Second of 65 Things Everyone Needs to Know About Medicare before Age 65

65 Things Everyone Needs to Know About Medicare before Age 65

Medicare and Medicaid are not the same things! It is possible, however, to have both. If you are qualified for Medicare by age (65) or disability and have very limited resources, you may be eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.

For answers to your Medicare Questions or to request quotes on a Medicare Supplement or Part D Drug plan visit www.MedicareAnswersfromConnie.com .

 

Medicare Personal Account Information Available Online

Medicare Personal Account Information Available Online 

Question:  Is it possible for me to go on line and look at my personal Medicare account? If so; how do I do it?

Answer:  Yes, you may go online and view your personal account information about claims, coverage, benefits, etc. Go to www.Medicare.gov . On the home page, right side, you will see a box with "MyMedicare.gov" - it's blue. You have the choice to "secure sign in"; "create an account"; and "learn more”. Ultimately you must create an account before you may use the site but I recommend you click "learn more" the first time before you set up your account. You will be directed to a page that will give you a tour of the site and explain the details. If that's what you're looking for then set up your account and get started! Hope this helps.

For answers to your Medicare Questions or to request quotes on a Medicare Supplement or Part D Drug plan visit www.MedicareAnswersfromConnie.com.

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The First of 65 Things Everyone Needs to Know About Medicare Before Age 65

65 Things Everyone Needs to

Know About Medicare

Before Age 65

Medicare and Medicaid are not the same things! Medicare is health insurance for people age 65 and older or those under age 65 who have a qualifying disability. Medicaid is for people of any age with very limited resources.

For answers to your Medicare Questions or to request quotes on a Medicare Supplement or Part D Drug plan visit www.MedicareAnswersfromConnie.com .

Medicare Annual Disenrollment Period 2012

Question:  Is the Medicare Annual Disenrollment Period (January 1 through February 14, 2012) the only time one can drop the Advantage plan? I mean, jobs run out or situations change meaning less money during the year. What if you can’t afford it any longer in the middle of the year?? Thanks.

Answer:  During the period of Jan. 1 to Feb. 14, an existing Medicare Advantage member can dis-enroll from their Medicare Advantage plan and go back to original Medicare and a standalone part D plan if they do not have other creditable coverage (meaning Rx coverage at least as good as the standard Part D plan offered by Medicare). Medicare Annual Enrollment (October 15 through December 7) is also a time you may make changes to Medicare Advantage and Part D plans.

The situation you refer to of change in finances could fall under a Special Election Period (SEP) that would offer extra help to pay premiums and would allow the member to make changes. Special Election Periods are available for people who qualify for extra help; who move to or are in a nursing home; who move out of a service area or who lose other coverage. 

It’s a good idea to confirm and never assume your situation qualifies for an SEP. The more you know the more options you have.

For answers to your Medicare Questions or for a quote on a Medicare Supplement or Part D plan visit www.MedicareAnswersfromConnie.com

2012 Medicare Premiums and Deductibles

2012 Medicare Premiums and Deductibles

Question:  What are my Medicare premiums and deductibles for 2012?

Answer:  Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2012 Medicare premiums and deductibles the end of October, 2011. These figures were not listed in the initial publication of CMS “Medicare and You 2012. Following is a summary of 2012 Medicare premiums and deductibles:

                                           

                                          2012                     2011

Part A Deductible        $1156/Event               $1132/Event

Hospital Days

61-90                    $289/Day                   $283/Day

Hospital Days         

91 & After            $578/Day                    $566/Day

Skilled Nursing

          Facility            $144.50/Day               $141.50/Day

Part B Deductible      $140/Year                    $162/Year

If you have a Medicare Supplement, the Supplement will automatically adjust coverage to reflect the 2012 amounts.

                                    2012                           2011 

Part B Premium       $99.90/month            $115.40/month

Most people who became eligible for Medicare in 2009 or before have been paying $96.40 per month for their Medicare Part B premium 2009 - 2011. Most that became eligible for Medicare in 2010 paid $110.50 per month in 2010 and 2011. Those who became eligible this year(2011)have paid $115.40 per month . All of these people will pay $99.90 per month in 2012, an increase for some, a decrease for others.

People with incomes above $85,000/year may pay a higher premium for their Medicare Part B as well as their Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan coverage. 

Most people pay no premium for Medicare Part A based on their or their spouse’s work credits. For those who must pay a premium for Part A, there has been an increase for the 2012 Part A premium as well.

For complete information about 2012 premiums and deductibles as well as premiums for those with higher incomes or those who must pay a Part A premium, follow this link: http://www.cms.gov/apps/media/press/factsheet.asp?Counter=4140

For answers to your Medicare Questions or to request a quote on a Texas Medicare Supplement or Part D Drug Plan visit www.MedicareAnswersfromConnie.com .

VA Benefits without Medicare After Age 65

VA Benefits without Medicare After Age 65

Question: I am a veteran about to turn 65. I am on Social Security and make 780.00 a month. I go to the VA for medical. Am I required to sign up for Medicare or can I just use the VA?

Answer:  You may continue to just use the VA. You are not required to sign up for Medicare, BUT…  You will receive Medicare Part A premium free, so long as you have earned enough work credits, and because you are receiving Social Security, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part B. You may contact Social Security and decline Medicare Part B. If you choose to do this, should you ever decide you want or need Part B, you may only apply during general enrollment, January through March of each year, and Part B will not begin until July of that year. You will also be assessed a premium penalty based on the length of time you have gone without Part B coverage. 

While you don’t have to, I advise you to, enroll in Medicare Part B. There is a very good possibility, based on your income, that you would qualify for extra help through Social Security paying your Part B premium. Whatever you decide, you will need to contact Social Security – 1-800-772-1213. Here is a link to a Medicare Publication about who pays first when you have other health insurance and Medicare   http://www.medicare.gov/publications/pubs/pdf/02179.pdf

Medicare Began July 1, 1966

On Facebook, Medicare Answers From Connie Posted:  Medicare recently had a birthday. When did Medicare begin?

ANSWER:  President Lyndon Johnson signed Medicare in to law on July 30, 1965. Medicare was implemented the following year on July 1, 1966.