Medicare Open Enrollment

medicareandyoucover2-300x225Medicare is a government sponsored health insurance program for most people who are 65 years old and older, or for individuals with a disability, who have been collecting Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for at least 2 years.

Medicare can be confusing to navigate because its coverage is broken into four parts:

  • Part A covers inpatient hospital stays
  • Part B covers outpatient medical services
  • Part C (also known as Medicare Advantage Plans) allows beneficiaries the option of receiving their Medicare benefits through private health insurance plans and combines the coverage of Part A and Part B (meaning that if you have Part C, you do not also need A, B, and D)
  • Part D covers prescription drugs.  Anyone with Part A or B is eligible for Part D

Parts A and B are typically referred to as Original Medicare.  Everyone who is eligible and has paid into the system gets Part A and is automatically enrolled after age 65.  For most people there is no charge for Part A.  To receive Part A for free you generally have had to pay into Medicare for 10 years (40 quarters).  However, if you would like Part B, Part C (Medicare Advantage) and/or Part D you need to take proactive steps to enroll.  There is a fee for each of these Parts.  The standard 2014 premium for Part B is $104.90.  The premiums for Parts C and D will vary depending on the plans you choose.

Each year, during a period of Open Enrollment, you can sign up for a new plan or make changes to your existing plans.  Open enrollment starts October 15, 2013, and ends December 7, 2013.  While you don't have to make changes this is your opportunity to review your coverage and change plans if you choose.

To find out more about when you can join or change a plan, click here.

To find out more about your Medicare coverage choices, click here or review this Medicare and You 2014 booklet.

Go to www.Medicare.gov to enroll in Medicare, check your current enrollment and compare your coverage options.

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