At The Barnes Agency
We specialize in helping you understand when and how to enroll in Medicare. We will answer your questions and clarify the Medicare options you have. We will help you avoid common misconceptions and late penalties. Call today for a no-cost, no-obligation, no-pressure consultation.
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Agent: Tim Barnes
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Original Medicare Plans
Medicare Part A
Medicare Part A covers your hospital expenses. This includes hospital stays, skilled nursing care, hospice, and home health-care services. You may have to pay various deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. You earn Part A by paying taxes toward Medicare while working for 10 years (or 40 quarters). If you did not earn Part A, you will pay a premium.
Medicare Part B
Medicare Part B covers services that treat illnesses or conditions such as doctor’s office visits, lab work, x-rays, and outpatient surgeries. It also covers preventive services like cancer screenings and flu shots. Part B also covers medically necessary durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs and walkers to treat a disease or condition. Most people pay a premium for Part B. Even if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that provides your Part A and Part B benefits, you will still pay your Part B premium.
Plan Choices
Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans
A Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan is used with original Medicare. Any caregiver that accepts Medicare will take a Supplement because they only need to bill Medicare. Medicare pays their part (generally 80% of Medicare covered benefits) and sends the remainder of the bill to the Supplement which pays their part (generally 20%). It is important to note that Supplements do NOT include Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D, PDP) and for those that do not get a PDP when first eligible there will be a penalty when they do get a PDP. (there are exceptions to this) A Medicare Supplement does not change year to year (although the cost does generally go up the coverage does not change).
Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called "Part C" or "MA Plans," are an “all in one” alternative to Original Medicare. They are offered by private companies approved by Medicare. If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you still have Medicare. These "bundled" plans include Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance), and usually Medicare drug coverage (Part D). Most advantage plans include extra coverage like dental, vision, hearing, and gym memberships.
Medicare Part D - Prescription Drug Plans
Original Medicare doesn’t cover prescription drugs. Although Medicare Part D coverage is optional, it can be valuable if you take medications. You will pay a late-enrollment penalty if you don’t sign up for Medicare Part D Coverage when you are first eligible. You can get Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage either through an independent Prescription Drug Plan (PDP), or through a Medicare Advantage Plan that includes prescription drug coverage.
We partner with multiple carriers in order to find the plan that meets your needs and budget.
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Frequently Asked
Questions
A: Assuming you have met the work-related eligibility requirements, you may begin enrollment into Medicare 90 days in advance of the month you turn 65.
A: Medicare does not have spousal or dependent coverage. Medicare is individual. If your spouse has reached age eligibility (65), then they can enroll in Medicare of their own accord 90 days in advance of the month they turn 65.
A: Maybe. If the employer group has 20 eligible employees or more, and you’re going to continue to work, then yes it’s an option. But there are many things to consider.
A: Part “A” is typically in place, and a paid-up benefit when you turn 65. Part “B” is not, unless you have enrolled in Social Security prior to age 65. If you have not filed to receive Social Security benefits, then you need to proactively enroll in Part “B” benefits and begin paying for them.
A: In addition to having a huge gap in coverage, you will likely face a penalty from Medicare. A Part “B” penalty can be 10% of your Part “B” premium for each 12-month period outside of Medicare, and up to 1% of the national average of a Part “D” plan for each month absent Part “D”.
