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Turning 65? Here's A Complete Guide to Medicare | Medicare Explained
Turning 65? Here's A Complete Guide to Medicare | Medicare Explained
Health Insurance
Insurance Services
New to Medicare
New to Medicare
Medicare Explained
Are you about to hit the milestone of turning 65 but feeling intimidated by the labyrinth of Medicare? Don’t worry because you’re certainly not alone. Every day, countless individuals become eligible for Medicare, yet the process of transitioning can be a head-spinning experience, especially with the flurry of mailers you’ll receive leading up to your big day. But fear not! Though Medicare is often portrayed as a labyrinthine system, with a little guidance, it can be a manageable and even exciting experience. So let’s get down to it – Medicare explained can be a fascinating topic, full of opportunity and insight into how to take care of your health in the golden years.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program designed for individuals 65 years old and above, as well as certain younger people with disabilities and those with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant, also known as ESRD).
Several parts of Medicare contain different coverage, such as Part A, which provides hospital insurance coverage, Part B, which offers medical insurance coverage, Part C is also called Medicare Advantage (MA), and Part D is also known as prescription drug coverage.
What is Medicare Part A?
Part A of Medicare encompasses coverage for inpatient hospital stays, hospice care, skilled nursing facility care, and some home health care services. The good news is that, more often than not, enrolling in Part A won’t cost you a penny.
What does Part A cover?
Are my required supplies and services covered by Medicare?
Which criteria are used to determine Medicare coverage?
What is Medicare Part B?
Medicare Part B covers outpatient medical services, including necessary diagnostic tests, treatments, and surgeries. This also includes laboratory work and preventative services that are crucial for maintaining your health. So, if you’re in need of medical attention that doesn’t require a hospital stay, Part B has got you covered!
List of Preventative Services Covered
What is Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
What is Medicare Part C?
Medicare Part C, commonly referred to as Medicare Advantage (MA), offers an alternative to Original Medicare by providing additional benefits that may include prescription drug coverage and other extras. These plans are offered through private insurance companies and cannot be enrolled through the Social Security office or website. With Medicare Advantage, you have the flexibility to choose a plan that best fits your needs and preferences.
What Part C Can Cover?
Who Qualifies for Medicare Advantage Coverage?
Understanding Your Medicare Advantage Out-of-Pocket Costs
What is Medicare Part D?
Medicare Part D, also referred to as prescription drug coverage, provides coverage for prescription medications. You can either choose a stand-alone Part D plan (PDP) or opt for a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) that includes prescription drug coverage. These plans are offered by private insurance companies that have been approved and contracted by Medicare. With Part D, you can rest assured that your prescription medication costs will be covered.
What does Part D cover?
How Does Part D Work?
Finding Proper Coverage
If you’re being auto-enrolled into Medicare, it’s crucial to know that you will only be enrolled in Original Medicare, which comprises Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. Unfortunately, this means that if you require prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, hearing, or other important services, you’ll need to enroll yourself in the appropriate forms of Medicare. Don’t worry, though, because here’s what you can do to ensure you get the coverage you need:
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility
Step 2: Apply for Original Medicare at your Social Security office or their website
Step 3: Determine if you need additional coverage beyond Parts A and B
Step 4: Begin shopping for your additional coverage
Your best action is to consult with a licensed Medicare agent, such as here at Dominguez Insurance Services, who can help you identify your specific needs and find the ideal combination of coverage and affordability. By working with an expert in the field, you can rest assured that you will receive the guidance you need to make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage.
How Do I Get Medicare?
✔ Automatic Enrollment
✔ Manual Enrollment
When Can I Sign-up for Medicare?
If you are not automatically enrolled in premium-free Part A, you have the option to enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period. This period typically starts three months before the month of your 65th birthday and lasts for seven months.
You can sign up for Part A anytime during this period, and your coverage will begin coverage will begin the 1st day of the month of your birthday for Medicare or Social Security/RRB benefits. It’s worth noting that your coverage cannot start before the month you turn 65.
✔ Initial Enrollment Period
✔ Special Enrollment Period
✔ General Enrollment Period
Experience Unmatched Trust in the Medicare Industry with Dominguez Insurance Services
Dominguez Insurance Services is a health insurance agency that strives to improve people’s lives by offering excellent healthcare coverage solutions and exceptional service.
We assisted hundreds of Medicare beneficiaries across the United States in selecting and retaining the best Medicare Supplement (Medigap), Prescription Drug Plan, and/or Medicare Advantage Plan, making the transition to Medicare seamless and stress-free.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and experience the peace of mind that comes with expert healthcare coverage advice.
Give us a call at (916) 761-4316 or submit a request online.
We are happy to Help
Dominguez Insurance Services respects your privacy and will only use your personal information, such as your name, phone number, email address, and date of birth, to look up your Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) and current health plan details. We will use this information to recommend a suitable healthcare plan based on your needs. You can withdraw your consent at any time by emailing sdominguez@dominguezins.com. Learn more in our Privacy Policy.
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