What Questions Should I Ask If I’m New to Medicare?
Medicare can be confusing, especially when you are new to it. During your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), you should ask key questions to prepare for choosing your coverage.
What are the Medicare basics?
We know Medicare can be confusing – a vital place to start when you are new to Medicare is getting to know the difference between Medicare & your current health insurance options. Understand what defines Medicare eligibility, what is covered in each part of Medicare covers, the different enrollment periods, & penalties that can come from enrolling outside the enrollment periods. Understanding all these key points are the first step in creating a seamless transition from your current health insurance to Medicare.
What are my Medicare coverage options?
Medicare is not a one-size-fits-all approach – the coverage that is right for you that may not be the right coverage for your friends and family and vice versa. Does Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan make more sense for you? If you have current employer coverage, it may not be the best decision to enroll in Medicare until after you retire. If you’re already retired, you might find out that Original Medicare paired with a Medigap plan works better than Original Medicare with retiree insurance (or vice-versa). Make sure you know all of your coverage options before choosing coverage.
Should I Enroll in a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan?
If you do not have other creditable drug coverage, enroll in Part D Prescription Drug Coverage when you become Medicare eligible. There are many options available when choosing Part D Prescription Drug Plans. Many retiree plans also offer drug coverage that is as good as or better than Medicare Part D, so you may not need to enroll immediately. There are also programs to help reduce drug costs if you have difficulty affording your prescription drugs.
Am I Eligible for Programs that Will Help Lower my Medicare Costs?
There are several programs, both federal and state specific, that help low-income individuals cover medicare-related costs like copays and premiums. Find out whether or not you meet the eligibility requirements to take full advantage.
What Resources are Available to Help Me Navigate Medicare?
Medicare can be complicated and confusing to understand on your own. There are a variety of sources that can help you decipher and navigate your rights and options, including:
- 1-800-MEDICARE
- Social Security Administration
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
- Medicare Rights Center
The team at Seniorstar Insurance Group can also help you navigate Medicare. Call us today or schedule an appointment to review your options. We can help you find coverage that meets your needs and budget.
