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FROM THE TOP... Turning 65 soon or are Medicare Eligible via disability.
FILL THE GAPS that
Regular Medicare
does NOT Cover.
Watch Video
on right to
Learn about them.
The Story of Medicare: A Timeline
Medicare, or Original Medicare, is a federal program offered to seniors when they reach 65, certain people with disabilities, and those with ESRD. Original Medicare includes Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance). Supplemental Medicare options are also offered to "fill the gaps" in Medicare coverage. Supplemental Medicare options include Medigap, Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C), and Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Medicare Part D) and are sold by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare.
Am I Eligible For Medicare?
You are eligible for Medicare during the 7 month period surrounding your 65th birthday. This 7 month period is called an initial enrollment period and comprises the 3 months before you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and the 3 months after. Aside from folks turning 65 Medicare is also offered to certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD).Outside of initial enrollment there are two annual enrollment periods where you can change your plan. You can also disenroll in Part B at anytime. Please learn more about the Medicare enrollment process before making any changes. Enrolling in a plan outside of initial enrollment could mean higher premiums down the road.
Am I Eligible for Medicare Advantage, Medigap, or Medicare Part D?
If you already have Parts A and B you are eligible for a supplemental Medicare plan. Please note that the best time to enroll in a supplement plan is during your initial enrollment period. Initial enrollment for supplement plans is typically 60 days from the point you enroll in Part B.To get Medicare Advantage, Medigap, or Medicare drug coverage, you must join a plan run by an insurance company or other private company approved by Medicare. Each plan can vary in cost and coverage. Similar plans may be sold at different prices by
different insurers, so it pays
to shop around.If you are
enrolled in Medicare Part A
and B (original Medicare)
you may want to consider
asupplemental plan to better
meet your medical needs.
How do I know if
I have the best plan for me?
Before you choose a Medicare plan, think about your options carefully. Read through the information that is available on all the plans. Talk to your doctor and friends who have Medicare. Compare the costs, benefits, and quality of the plans you are considering.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- What is most important to you in a Medicare plan — cost, coverage or convenience?
- Will you have your choice of health care providers?
- Will the plan you choose meet your needs? How does the plan’s quality ratings compare with others in your area? With those nationally?
- How much will you have to pay for your health care and prescription drugs?
- Will you have coverage if you travel frequently or leave your hometown for long periods of time?
To compare Medicare plans, use the Medicare Plan Finder at www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan, on the official U.S. government site for people with Medicare, which allows you to compare plans by cost, by quality and by other features that may be of importance to you.
You can contact Medicare directly by calling 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227; TTY 877-486-2048).
AEP is NOW. ENROLL NOW for a NEW DRUG PLAN OR ADVANTAGE PLAN.
DECEMBER 7th is the LAST DAY TO ENROLL into an
ADVANTAGE COMBO PLAN or a PART D DRUG PLAN.