If you’re new to Medicare or you’ve had it for years, we all want the plan that offers the most benefits. To be able to find that, you have to compare what you have right now with what is available in your county from other companies.
We are a brokerage agency, which means we have contracts with most of the companies that offer Medicare-related plans in the Tampa Bay area. Yes, it matters if you live in Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Polk, Sumter, or Manatee County.
Some companies offer specific plans in certain counties, and some do not. This is NOT a one plan fits everybody kind of deal; it depends on what you want and who offers it.
Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap, are private insurance plans that can help pay healthcare costs that Original Medicare doesn’t pay if you decide to keep Part A & B as your primary benefits provider. Examples include copayments, coinsurance and deductibles.
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) is managed by the federal government. You’ll only need to sign up once, but each year, you can make changes to your health coverage during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period.
Once you become eligible for Medicare, you’ll need to decide how you get your coverage. Generally, there are 2 ways to get Medicare coverage and it’s the same in all Tampa Bay area counties:
Keep in mind that if you choose Original Medicare, you’ll also want to consider prescription drug coverage (Medicare Part D) and supplemental coverage (Medicare Supplement plan, also known as “Medigap”) to help manage out-of-pocket Medicare costs.
Whether you’re new to Medicare or want to change your coverage, there are certain times during the year when you can enroll.
If you live in Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Polk, Sumter and Mantee county, you can schedule an In-Person appointment right now. I do it the old-fashioned way by doing house calls just like your plumber and electrican does. You can select a time on my calader right here. Pick a time that works best for you.
Medicare is a Federal health insurance program for people 65 years or older, certain people with disabilities, and people with permanent kidney failure treated with dialysis or a transplant. Medicare has two parts – Part A which is hospital insurance, and Part B which is medical insurance.
If you have worked at least 10 years in Medicare covered employment you will qualify for premium free Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance). To qualify, you must be:
You should contact the Social Security Administration to file an application.
Generally, Original Medicare does not cover prescription drugs. However, Medicare does cover some drugs in certain cases. There are some Medicare Health Plans that cover prescription drugs. You can also check into buying a Part D prescription drug policy for coverage. Medicaid may also help pay for prescription drugs for people who are eligible.
Supplemental insurance policies are sometimes called Medigap plans. Medigap plans are private health insurance policies that cover some of the costs the Original Medicare Plan does not cover.
Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is an option offered by private insurance companies for Medicare beneficiaries.
To enroll in Medicare Part C, you must already be enrolled in parts A and B.
Under a Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll generally be covered for:
If you have a Medicare Part C plan, it takes the place of original Medicare.
Medicare Part D is an add-on prescription drug coverage for anyone enrolled in original Medicare.
If you are interested in enrolling in Part D coverage, you’ll want to make sure to do so as soon as possible. If you don’t enroll in either Part C, Part D, or equivalent drug coverage within 63 days of your initial enrollment, you’ll face a permanent late enrollment penalty.
If you’ve enrolled in a Part C plan, you won’t need Medicare Part D.
A deductible is the amount you must pay each year before Medicare begins paying its portion of your medical bill. There are deductibles for both the Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (doctor services) portions of Medicare.
Medicare does not cover routine dental care or most dental procedures such as cleanings, fillings, tooth extraction or dentures.
If you are receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement or disability benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. About 3 months prior to your 65th birthday or 24th month of disability, you will be sent an Initial Enrollment Package that will contain information about Medicare, a questionnaire and your red, white and blue Medicare card.
If your income is limited, your State may help pay your Medicare costs such as your premiums and deductibles. They can help you determine if you are qualified.
You must call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or contact your local Social Security Office to verify your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. This information can also be found on your red, white, and blue Medicare card.
If you lose your card, you can obtain a replacement card by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or online at the Social Security Administration web site. Make sure you have your Medicare number ready when you call. You should receive your new card in about four weeks.
