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The popularity of Medicare Advantage plans is growing at a rapid pace. In 2020, more than 36% of all Medicare beneficiaries were enrolled in Medicare Advantage health care plans. Whether you’re already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you’re curious about them, or you’ve never heard of them, this Medicare Advantage guide is for you. In this in-depth Medicare Advantage guide, we’ll provide a Medicare Advantage overview that will answer your frequently asked Medicare questions and cover the following topics: What is Medicare Advantage and who qualifies for it The different types of Medicare Advantage plans and how they work The difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage What Medicare Advantage plans cover Who should consider getting Medicare Advantage How much Medicare Advantage costs Medicare Advantage and special scenarios Medicare Advantage plan ratings When to enroll in Medicare Advantage How to enroll in Medicare Advantage What Is Medicare Advantage? Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, is an alternative to Original Medicare. The Medicare Advantage program is a way for beneficiaries to access their benefits and rights under Original Medicare, but through a private insurance company instead of the Federal Government. A Medicare Advantage plan is a contract between a private insurance company and the Medicare program. By law, every Medicare Advantage plan must cover everything covered by Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B). This means that if you choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can be confident that you’ll receive all the benefits you’re entitled to under Original Medicare. Who Qualifies For Medicare Advantage? To qualify for Medicare Advantage, you must be enrolled in Original Medicare Parts A and B. You also must continue to pay your Part B premium in order to keep your Medicare Advantage coverage. There are no age restrictions for Medicare Advantage plans. If you’re enrolled in Part A and B before age 65 due to a disability or chronic condition, you’re still eligible for Medicare Advantage coverage. How Do Medicare Advantage Plans Work? Medicare Advantage health care plans work like the employer-sponsored health insurance plans you may be used to from your previous or current job. Medicare Advantage plans provide comprehensive coverage, and you usually need to stay in-network to receive care. You’ll typically have some out-of-pocket expenses when you receive services and procedures under your Medicare Advantage policy. These costs typically come in the form of copayments or coinsurance that you’ll pay to your provider when you receive care. An important point to remember is that all Medicare Advantage plans have an annual out-of-pocket (OOP) maximum that limits the total amount you can spend in any year. But you do not have an OOP with Original Medicare. What Types Of Medicare Advantage Plans Are Available? There are 6 types of Medicare Advantage plans, including: Medicare Advantage HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations) Medicare Advantage PPOs (Preferred Provider Organizations) Medicare Advantage PFFS (Private Fee-For-Service Plans) Medicare Advantage SNP (Special Needs Plans) Medicare Advantage HMO-POS (HMO Point-Of-Service Plans) Medicare Medical Savings Plans (MSPs) In this Medicare Advantage guide, we’ll focus on Medicare Advantage PPO plans and Medicare Advantage HMO since they’re the most common types of MA plans. The Difference Between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage The primary difference between these programs is that Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare. When you join a Medicare Part C plan, you no longer receive your Medicare benefits through Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are offered and administered by private insurance companies. But these private insurance companies must comply with many rules and regulations set by the Medicare program. Pros And Cons Of Medicare Advantage Plans vs. Original Medicare Medicare Part C plans have many advantages when compared to Original Medicare. The 3 biggest pros of Medicare Advantage plans are: Annual Out-of-Pocket Maximum spending cap Availability of prescription drug coverage* Extra benefits for things not covered by Original Medicare *Note: Some MA plans are available without prescription drugs. These additional benefits from Part C make Medicare Advantage a more complete coverage option than Original Medicare. MA plans can have their drawbacks in comparison to Original Medicare, depending on your healthcare needs. The 3 biggest pros of Original Medicare are: #1. You can see any doctor or go to any facility anywhere in the country, as long as they accept Medicare. #2. There are no networks. Most Medicare Advantage plans have some kind of network restrictions. #3. You don’t need referrals to see specialists. With some Medicare Advantage health care plans, such as HMOs and Special Needs Plans, you usually need referrals from your primary care physician to visit a specialist. What Does Medicare Advantage Cover? Medicare Advantage plans provide coverage that matches Original Medicare Parts A and B. Generally speaking, your Medicare Advantage plan will cover the same service or procedure as Original Medicare. But there is one exception to this rule, which we’ll cover below. Medicare Advantage plans cover the following services. Medicare Part A Services Medicare Part A covers services that take place in healthcare facilities or institutions like: Inpatient hospital stays Skilled nursing services (not room and board) Hospice care In-home care Note: Hospice care is usually not covered by Medicare Advantage plans. Instead, hospice care is covered under Original Medicare, even if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. However, a new test program in 2021 will explore Medicare Advantage plans providing hospice benefits. Medicare Part B Services Medicare Part B services and procedures are considered more routine and non-emergency in nature than Part A. Common Medicare Part B services include: Doctor’s visits, including specialists Physical and occupational therapy Lab and diagnostic testing services like blood work and x-rays Durable medical equipment Mental health services Ambulance services Some cancer treatments, including chemotherapy As mentioned, Medicare Advantage plans cover all of these services with the exception of hospice care. Medicare Advantage And Prescription Drugs Most Medicare Advantage plans offer prescription drug coverage. These plans are also known as Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MAPDs), and they include Medicare Part D. Medicare Advantage Extra Benefits When considering Medicare Advantage pros and cons, it’s essential to take extra benefits that Medicare Advantage could offer to you. Many of these benefits are not provided through Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage benefits may include: Fitness programs: SilverSneakers, gym memberships, and fitness trackers. Vision care: Eye exams, contact lenses, and sometimes eyeglass frames. Hearing care: Exams and often discounted hearing aids. Dental coverage: Some plans have basic dental benefits built in, others offer dental coverage for an extra premium. Transportation: Rides to and from medical appointments. Meal Deliveries: For qualified people returning home from the hospital or skilled nursing facility Telemedicine services and virtual healthcare. Note: Medicare Part C plans have the ability to choose which, if any, extra benefits to offer. These insurance companies may also make changes to their Medicare benefits and offerings each year. Who Is Medicare Advantage Good For? You should consider enrolling in Medicare Advantage if: You want to put a cap on your total out-of-pocket spending under Original Medicare. You want prescription drug coverage without paying for a separate Part D drug plan. You need some of the extra benefits (vision, hearing, private home aides) that come with many Medicare Part C plans. You don’t want to pay for Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans. You don’t mind using a network of doctors and facilities. You don’t mind needing referrals to see specialists. You don’t mind paying small copays each time you see a doctor. How Much Does Medicare Advantage Cost? Medicare Advantage plans have several costs associated with them. Before we dive into each cost, it’s important to remember that you always have to pay your Part B premium in order to have Medicare Advantage. Now, some Medicare Advantage plans offer a benefit that covers part, or all, of your Part B premium. But check the plan benefits closely to see if this is offered by a specific Medicare Advantage plan. Beyond this Part B premium, you might face the following Medicare Advantage plan costs: Monthly premium Annual deductible Copayment Coinsurance You might have a monthly premium for your Medicare Advantage plan, but these premiums tend to be low. For example, the average Medicare Advantage premium was $23.63 per month in 2020. However, many Medicare Advantage plans do not have a monthly premium. In 2020, 60% of people enrolled in Medicare Advantage didn’t pay a monthly premium. Some Medicare Part C plans have an annual deductible, but again, many do not. If your plan does have an annual deductible, this means you’ll have to pay a certain amount before the plan begins paying benefits. Note that there may be separate deductibles for drug coverage and medical benefits. Beyond premiums and deductibles, the most common expenses you’ll have with Medicare Advantage plans are copayments and coinsurance. These two terms are referred to as “cost-sharing.” This is what you’ll pay out of pocket when you receive covered services. All the amounts you pay during the year count towards your annual out-of-pocket cap. Examples Of Medicare Advantage Costs Let’s look at 3 examples of how these Medicare Advantage costs work in a Medicare Advantage HMO plan. (Note: These costs are not the actual costs for any specific plan, but rather, in the range of costs for plans that you may have access to.) Scenario 1: Medicare Part B Services You injure yourself shoveling snow on your property, and you go to the doctor for an examination. You’ll pay a copay of $20 to see your primary care physician who then refers you to an orthopedic specialist. Your orthopedic specialist charges you a $35 copay for the office visit and wants you to get x-rays. You pay a $50 copay for the x-rays. Fortunately, nothing is broken or torn, so your specialist refers you to physical therapy. You pay a copay of $40 for four physical therapy sessions. Your total out-of-pocket spending for this injury is $265, spread out over a month-long period. All of these costs count towards your Medicare Advantage out-of-pocket maximum. Scenario 2: Medicare Part A & B Services You experience the symptoms of an irregular heartbeat, so you’re admitted to the hospital as an inpatient. You spend two nights in the hospital. You pay a copay of $300 per day, which amounts to a total of $600. After you’re released from the hospital, you continue to see a cardiologist, and you pay a $35 copay to see this specialist each time you visit. Scenario 3: Cancer You’re diagnosed with a treatable cancer, and you’re given chemotherapy. The copay for this treatment is 20% of the Medicare-approved cost. Although 20% amounts to more than $20,000, you hit your annual out-of-pocket maximum, so your costs are capped at $5,900 for the year. When Can You Enroll In Medicare Advantage? You can normally enroll in or change your Medicare Advantage coverage during 3 periods of time: Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) when you’re first eligible for Medicare. The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31 each year - however, this MA open enrollment is only for those already in a Medicare Advantage plan. Enrolling In Medicare Advantage For The First Time If you’re turning 65, you can enroll in Medicare Advantage during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). Your IEP lasts for 7 months, which begins 3 months before your 65th birthday, includes that birthday month, and ends 3 months after you turn 65. If you’re under 65, your first chance to enroll in Medicare Advantage starts: After your 24th month of receiving Social Security disability benefits, or At any age if you have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gherig’s Disease, or if you have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Changing Your Medicare Coverage During AEP The Medicare Open Enrollment Period, also called the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period or Annual Election Period, is a good time to decide whether Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare is right for you. Also keep in mind that Medicare Advantage plan benefits can change annually. So if you have a MA plan, you should check to make sure the plan still meets your needs. Here are the actions you can take during AEP: Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan. Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another. Disenroll from your Medicare Advantage plan and go back to Original Medicare. Change from one prescription drug plan (Medicare Part D) to another. Enroll in a prescription drug plan. Cancel your prescription drug coverage. If you enroll in, or switch your Medicare Advantage insurance during AEP, your new coverage will be effective on January 1st of the following year. You may also be able to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan if you drop your Medicare Advantage coverage during AEP. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you have access to another enrollment period beyond AEP: The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA-OEP). MA-OEP runs from January 1 to March 31 of each year. During the MA-OEP, you can: Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another. Drop Medicare Advantage, and return to Original Medicare. Add a Prescription Drug Plan if you return to Original Medicare. It’s important to keep in mind that the MA-OEP is only for people who already have a Medicare Advantage plan. If you change plans during the MA-OEP, your new coverage will be effective on the first day of the month after you enroll. Medicare Advantage & ESRD Coverage For all years before 2021, there was an exclusion for people with permanent kidney failure, known as End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). ESRD patients could not get new Medicare Advantage coverage. However, beginning January 1, 2021, ESRD patients will be able to enroll in or switch Medicare Advantage plans. Now the eligibility for Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare will be perfectly aligned. Medicare Advantage And Other Special Scenarios We mentioned earlier that Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are a type of Medicare Advantage insurance. Let’s take a look at some common types of SNPs, and how Medicare Advantage health plans are also helping people to get access to care and benefits during the coronavirus pandemic. Medicare Advantage And Chronic Conditions There are Medicare Advantage plan options for people with chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. These plans are known as Chronic Special Needs Plans (Medicare C-SNPs), and the benefits are tailored to help you treat and manage your chronic condition. These health plans often provide you with a care coordinator to make sure your needs are being met. These Special Needs Plans have Special Enrollment Periods (often called SEPs), so if you qualify for a C-SNP, you can enroll in it at any time. You won’t have to wait for an annual enrollment window. Medicare Advantage And Medicaid Another kind of Special Needs Plan exists for “Dual Eligibles” – people who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. These plans, called Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs), have cost-sharing that conforms to the Medicaid program, which means that most costs are $0. D-SNPs incorporate various prescription drug discount programs, depending on your income level - so you’ll save money on your prescriptions if you qualify. D-SNP plans also have more favorable enrollment windows, which allow you to access the benefits once you become eligible for Medicaid or extra help and at certain times during the year without waiting for an annual enrollment window. Medicare Advantage And COVID-19 Medicare provides Coronavirus coverage to help people combat the virus, which includes: No-cost lab testing. Antibody testing. All medically-necessary services and procedures, including hospitalizations and doctor’s visits. Coronavirus vaccine coverage, when one becomes available. Many Medicare Advantage health plans are waiving cost-sharing for these services. In this case, you wouldn’t pay a copayment or coinsurance for seeing a doctor or going to the hospital if you have COVID-19. Medicare has also approved an expanded role for telehealth and virtual doctor’s visits. And many Medicare Advantage health care plans offer these no-contact services with no out-of-pocket cost to you. Medicare Advantage Plan Ratings Every established Medicare Advantage plan is given a Medicare Start Rating by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Star ratings range from 1 to 5, with 5 stars being the highest. Here’s a breakdown of what each rating means: 5-star rating: Excellent 4-star rating: Above Average 3-star rating: Average 2-star rating: Below Average 1-star rating: Poor Medicare Advantage plans are rated on several different metrics and are given an overall rating. This Medicare star ratings system is designed to help you get a feel for the level of quality and satisfaction a MA plan offers. Star ratings also give you an idea of how well a plan treats its members. Plans are rated on how quickly it responds to appeals and complaints and how they cover health screenings and preventative services. Plans are also rated for both medical benefits and prescription drug benefits, if the plan has drug coverage. How To Enroll In A Medicare Advantage Plan If you want to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll want to consider 3 things before joining: Make sure you find a plan that’s available in your area. Most Medicare Advantage plans are restricted to specific counties or states. Make sure your current doctors and medications are covered. This is especially important if you’re looking at a Medicare Advantage HMO plan. You’ll have to use the doctors that are in-network, and you’ll only get coverage for medications that are on the plan formulary. So make sure you investigate these before enrolling. Pay attention to star ratings. This can help you compare the overall quality among different plans. But keep in mind that new plans are not given star ratings until enough data has been collected for CMS to calculate a rating. Once you’ve found a plan, you have a few options to enroll, including: Online, by phone, or paper enrollment directly with the insurance company. Working with a licensed health insurance agent who can help you find, compare, and enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan of your choice. Medicare Advantage Guide Conclusion Medicare Advantage plans can be a great way to manage your out-of-pocket spending while enjoying extra benefits we covered, if you qualify. And they can offer some compelling advantages over Original Medicare, depending on your healthcare needs. So if you'd like to learn more about Medicare Advantage plans in your area, call 800-620-4519 to reach a licensed insurance agent who may be able to guide you to the right plan for your needs. You can also try online Medicare plan comparison tool.

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), sometimes called Medicare Open Enrollment or the Medicare Annual Election Period, starts on October 15. If you’re eligible for Medicare, you’ll probably receive lots of information over the next few weeks and throughout AEP. And this information can be overwhelming. But we’re here to help you with this useful Medicare guide. So let’s dive into the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, what it is, how to prepare, and what you can do during AEP. Then, we’ll cover some tips for choosing the right Medicare plan for your healthcare needs. What is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period? The Medicare Annual Enrollment period happens each year from October 15 to December 7. During this time period, you have the option to make changes to your Medicare coverage. Your new coverage would then take effect January 1. But if you’re satisfied with your current Medicare coverage, you don’t have to take any action during Medicare AEP. There are no penalties involved if you do nothing. Medicare plan details can change annually, though, so it’s wise to review your Medicare coverage each year. We’ll cover more on this shortly. What’s the Difference Between Medicare AEP and the Medicare General Enrollment Period? The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is sometimes confused with the Medicare General Enrollment period, which is January 1 to March 31 each year. It’s important to understand the differences between the two enrollment periods. The Medicare General Enrollment Period is for Medicare beneficiaries who didn’t sign up for Medicare Part A or Part B when they first became eligible and aren’t eligible for a Medicare Part B special enrollment period. The AEP, however, is for beneficiaries who are already enrolled in Medicare and want to change their Medicare coverage. What Changes Can I Make During the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period? The first thing to know is that you cannot use the Medicare Annual Election Period to enroll in Medicare Part A or Part B for the first time. But if you’re enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B and you’d like to change your Medicare coverage, here are some things you can do during the Medicare Annual Election Period: Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan. Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another. Disenroll from your Medicare Advantage plan and go back to Original Medicare. Change from one prescription drug plan (Medicare Part D) to another. Enroll in a prescription drug plan. Cancel your prescription drug coverage. 5 Tips to Prepare for the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period There are many Medicare insurance carriers and plan options, but there are several steps you can take to be a savvy shopper and choose the right plan for your unique needs. 1. Mark Your Calendar This may seem like an obvious tip, but it’s worth mentioning: Mark your calendar for October 15 through December 7 if you’d like to make a change to your Medicare plan. You might even set aside a few hours to research and compare Medicare Advantage plans and Prescription Drug plans ahead of October 15. These plans announce their benefits for the next year starting on October 1. Writing down these Medicare AEP dates and to-dos will help you to commit to these priorities. 2. Review Your Medicare Annual Notice of Change You’ll receive lots of information over the next month or so, so if you’re currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan, the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) is one piece of mail you’ll want to read. Your Medicare plan will mail your Annual Notice of Change letter to you by September 30. The ANOC letter will inform you of most changes to your Medicare health plan, including coverage and benefits that will take effect on January 1, 2021. Each year, your Medicare health plan sets the amounts it will charge you for premiums, deductibles and other services. Medicare doesn’t set these rates - but your insurance company does. With this in mind, the amounts you pay could change each year. While evaluating your current Medicare plan, you may want to ask yourself questions like: Did the plan cover the services I needed? Did I use out-of-network providers? Did I spend more out of pocket than I originally anticipated? Has something changed with my health (new diagnosis, new prescriptions, etc.)? The ANOC will also provide a side-by-side comparison of your current plan and next year’s plan benefits, costs and other changes (if any). Moral of the story: Don’t toss this piece of mail aside. Always review your ANOC to ensure your plan continues to meet your needs on an annual basis. And if you don’t receive your ANOC by September 30, contact your Medicare insurance company. 3. Make A List of What’s Important To Your Health Keeping a list of what’s important to your health is an invaluable way to prepare for the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period. Start by writing down all of your doctors, preferred health care facilities and hospitals, and prescription drugs, if you take any. We also recommend making a list of value-added benefits that may fit your health, lifestyle and budget. For example, you may be someone who likes to keep active and have social interaction. So a fitness program like SilverSneakers, which gives you access to a network of gyms and other programs, might be a good fit for you. A Medicare Advantage plan may provide these types of fitness or wellness programs. Another thing to consider is whether or not you have an elective surgery planned for 2021. If so, you’ll want to check your hospital-specific benefits under your current Medicare Advantage plan. 4. Check Your Plan’s Drug Formulary Your Medicare plan’s drug formulary will not be included in your Annual Notice of Change, so be sure you call your insurance customer service representative to see if your prescription drugs will be covered for the 2021 plan year. If your prescription drugs aren’t covered, it’s wise to use the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period to find a plan that does cover them. 5. Talk To Your Doctor Another “Medicare must-do” is to make sure all of your doctors and healthcare facilities will remain in network with your current Medicare plan. If they aren’t, you may want to take advantage of the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period. So be sure to ask your doctor if he or she plans on changing health plan affiliations over the next year. What Are The Benefits of A Medicare Advantage Plan? Understanding your Medicare plan options - starting with a Medicare Advantage plan - is a smart first step to take because you can switch, enroll into or disenroll from Medicare Advantage plans during AEP. Medicare Advantage plans, otherwise known as “Medicare Part C” or “MA Plans,” bundle Original Medicare (Parts A and B) services into one plan. While Original Medicare offers you a number of benefits, it may not cover health and medical services you might need. Medicare Advantage plans might be an attractive option because some plans include extra benefits that could save you money. These benefits may include: $0 monthly plan premiums Prescription drug coverage Dental, vision and hearing coverage Access to fitness programs Rides to medical appointments Help managing certain chronic conditions (congestive heart failure, COPD, diabetes) Medicare Advantage plans may also cover a number of in-home services to keep you safe and healthy at home, especially during these uncertain times due to the coronavirus pandemic. These benefits may include: Telemedicine services (also known as telehealth) Home-delivered meals Home-delivered prescriptions Private home aides Another potential perk of Medicare Advantage plans is that they include annual out-of-pocket maximums, which means your costs will be capped. But it’s important to note that Medicare Advantage plans vary by county and zip code. One way to compare Medicare Advantage plans and get Medicare quotes is through our easy-to-use quoting tool. Just enter your zip code to see Medicare Advantage plans that are available in your area. More Medicare Options for People With Kidney Failure One major change happening for the 2021 plan year is that people with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), also known as kidney failure, will now have the option to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) estimates that more than 80,000 people living with ESRD will enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan by 2026 - a significant increase of 63%. Medicare Advantage plans may provide ESRD patients with better coverage compared to Original Medicare. Many Medicare Advantage plans include access to coordinated care, which helps ensure all your doctors are on the same page regarding your treatment. What Are Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans? Medicare beneficiaries also have access to Medicare Advantage plans designed for unique needs. These are called Special Needs Plans (SNPs). Like other types of Medicare Advantage plans, SNPs vary based on location. You may be able to switch to a Special Needs Plan during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period if one of these situations apply: You’ve been diagnosed with a serious medical condition by a doctor. There are SNPs for certain chronic conditions, such as kidney and heart failure, diabetes and dementia. Services are tailored to the specific condition the plan covers. You need or have received skilled nursing care for at least 90 days at your home or at an institution, such as a nursing home or long-term care facility. You qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. Medicaid eligibility is based on your income and assets. If you qualify, Medicaid will pay most of the costs for your Medicare Special Needs Plan. Special Needs Plans include all the same benefits as regular Medicare Advantage plans, plus some expanded coverage. For example, all Special Needs Plans must include prescription drug coverage, which is usually tailored to the specific condition the plan covers. Although most regular Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drugs, some do not. Some SNPs also provide a care coordinator to help you stay on track with your doctor appointments and treatment plan. What If My Income Has Changed in 2020? The coronavirus crisis has affected the financial well-being of many Americans, including those on Medicare. If you’ve experienced a decrease to your income or assets, the Medicare AEP 2020 season is a great time to switch to a more affordable plan. If you have limited income, you might qualify for extra savings on Medicare costs through these programs: Medicare Savings Programs. These programs help pay for some of your Medicare Part A and Part B out-of-pocket costs, such as copays, deductibles and premiums. Most programs are for Medicare beneficiaries who also qualify for Medicaid. And as mentioned, Medicaid covers the majority of your costs when you join a Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan. You can check if you qualify through your local Medicaid office. Medicare Extra Help. Extra Help reduces your Medicare prescription drug plan costs. You should contact Social Security to check your eligibility for Extra Help if you have an existing Medicare drug plan or you join one during AEP. How To Enroll During the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period To enroll in an eligible plan during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, you can visit Medicare plan comparison websites like healthinsurance.com or Medicare.gov. Or, you might prefer to talk to a licensed insurance agent to get help enrolling in Medicare. Whatever option you choose, be sure to have 3 items handy before you enroll in a plan or make changes to your current plan during AEP: Your Medicare card Your list of doctors, prescriptions and what is important to your health Pen and paper to take notes More on Medicare Eligibility Medicare is a federal health insurance program developed in 1965. To be eligible for Medicare you must meet one of the following criteria: You are age 65 or older You are under age 65, disabled, and have been receiving Social Security disability benefits for at least 24 months. You have End Stage Renal Disease or Lou Gehrig’s Disease (also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS). You can visit Medicare.gov to see if you’re eligible for Medicare and calculate your estimated premiums for certain plans. How To Find A Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan You don’t have to go it alone when choosing a Medicare Advantage plan or Prescription Drug Plan. We’re here to help you navigate the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period through a number of ways, including: Our Medicare plan comparison tool Our online Medicare resources You can also call 800-620-4519 to speak to a licensed insurance agent about your options. You can also read through some of our articles to learn more about Medicare. Medicare 101 Guide Top Medicare Frequently Asked Questions Understanding Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage

People often have questions about Medicare as they get close to age 65: Does Medicare cover my prescription drugs? Will my doctor accept my Medicare plan? Does my Medicare plan cover dental, vision, and hearing? These are questions we often hear, and we’re here to help get you these answers and more. Let’s start by reviewing the basics of Original Medicare, including coverage and out-of-pocket costs. Then we’ll cover some options to reduce your Medicare costs and add valuable benefits to your coverage. How Original Medicare coverage works Original Medicare is split into two parts – Part A and Part B. Medicare Part A Covers some of the costs of care provided by the following facilities and providers: Inpatient hospital care Hospice Care Home Health Care Skilled Nursing Facility Care Medicare Part B Covers medically necessary services and supplies, including: Doctor’s visits Diagnostic tests (x-rays, blood work, MRIs, etc.) Therapy visits (physical, occupational) Some cancer treatments like chemotherapy Outpatient surgeries like arthroscopic surgeries Outpatient mental health visits Durable medical equipment like bottled oxygen How much does Original Medicare cost? When you use your Medicare insurance, you will have to pay for some of the costs out of pocket. But the out-of-pocket costs are different for Parts A and B. When you have a hospital stay, you’ll have to pay the Part A deductible which is $1,408 in 2020. You’ll pay this inpatient hospital deductible each time you are admitted to the hospital, provided you haven’t received hospital or skilled nursing facility services within the previous 60-day benefit period. Meanwhile, Part B has three types of charges: Part B deductible: $198 for 2020, which you only pay once each year. After that, Medicare will pay 80% of the cost, and you’ll pay 20% for every Medicare-covered Part B service or procedure you receive. Part B coinsurance: 20% of the cost for each service or procedure Part B excess charges: Up to 15% of the Medicare-approved charge if your doctor does not accept the Medicare-approved amount for a service (known as Medicare assignment). For the most part, your out-of-pocket costs could be quite low if you’re healthy and don’t need many health care services. And if you get the flu or need some therapy for a sprained ankle, your 20% coinsurance could total a few hundred dollars for the entire year. But your out-of-pocket costs could be very high if you suffer a major illness or need specialized surgery. Plus, Original Medicare does not cover prescriptions. So if you need medications, costs could be high. One last point on costs: There’s no cap on your spending with Original Medicare. This means there’s no out-of-pocket maximum cap like you may have seen with your previous traditional, private health insurance plan. And this means your out-of-pocket costs could be extremely high if you require treatment for a chronic condition or illness. Medicare Advantage may help control costs Many Medicare beneficiaries choose to enroll in Medicare Advantage plans to curb out-of-pocket costs and get prescription drug coverage. Medicare Advantage (also known as Medicare Part C) is a contract between the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and a private health insurance company. Medicare Advantage plans must cover everything that Original Medicare covers. When you join a Medicare Advantage plan, you may still pay for certain expenses including: Monthly plan premium (if any): Many plans have a low-cost or $0 monthly premium. (You must continue to pay your monthly Part B premium). Annual deductible (if any) Copayments and/or coinsurance Still, these costs are often lower than what you’d pay under Part A or B. One big benefit of a Medicare Advantage plan is that it includes an annual out-of-pocket maximum - so you’ll know your costs are capped, no matter what services or treatments you might need during a year. Medicare Advantage provides extra benefits Medicare Advantage can serve as a way to cover services that Original Medicare doesn’t. That’s because these plans often go beyond Original Medicare coverage offerings. These extra benefits can vary by state and health plan, but they often include: Chiropractic care and acupuncture. Dental coverage: Sometimes for an additional premium. Emergency coverage outside of the United States Fitness benefits: Discounted or free gym memberships and silver sneakers programs. Hearing coverage: Exams, and sometimes discounted hearing aids. Prescription drug coverage: You’ll typically share the cost of your medications with your insurance company in the form of copayments or coinsurance for each prescription. Transportation: To and from medical appointments. Vision coverage: Exams, lenses, and the cost of frames. An example of how it works Let’s take vision coverage as an example. Original Medicare doesn’t cover basic vision services like eye exams and lenses. If you pay out of pocket, you can expect to pay (on average): $114 for an eye exam $113 for lenses $238 for frames Based on these averages, you could pay a total of $465 for an exam, lenses, and frames. While benefits vary by state and insurance company, many Medicare Advantage plans have exams and lenses for $0. Many companies could also give you a credit towards the purchase of frames. And though you probably don’t buy new glasses every year, it’s unlikely that prices for lenses and frames will decrease. Getting frames from a Medicare Advantage plan can save you quite a bit of cash, especially given the relatively low (or $0) plan premiums they charge. You will find that other extra benefits work in the same way. The hearing or dental coverage available from Medicare Advantage plans may not be completely comprehensive or free, but it’s often less expensive than what you can get from an individual policy. How Medicare Supplements can help control costs Medicare Supplement insurance is another way to lower your Medicare out-of-pocket costs. These policies are offered by private insurance companies and work with Original Medicare, paying for some or all of the costs that you’d normally pay. The costs you have to pay with Original Medicare are known as “gaps in coverage.” Medicare Supplements help to fill these gaps - hence the name “Medigap” plans. You’ll pay a premium directly to your insurance company for Medigap coverage. And Medigap can help with some or all of: Part A deductibles Part B deductibles Part B coinsurance Part B excess charges Medicare Supplement plans come in standardized plans, with each plan paying a slightly different portion of the Original Medicare gaps. The standardized plans are known by letter: A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. Plans F, G, and N are among the most popular with people on Medicare. Medigap plans offer a lot of freedom when it comes to choosing a doctor. Your coverage is portable all over the country, so you can see any doctor who accepts Medicare patients. You don’t have to deal with a network, or get a referral from a primary care physician. As an added bonus: Many Medigap plans also cover you outside the United States, so you can have emergency coverage while you’re traveling as part of your retirement routine. What Medigap plans don’t cover There are a number of items that Medicare Supplement insurance doesn’t cover. For starters, they don’t cover prescription drugs, so you’ll need to enroll in a stand alone prescription drug plan to help cover costs. These are also available from private insurance companies. Medigap plans also don’t cover vision, hearing, or dental. While it’s possible that some Medigap plans offer discounts on these items, none provide comprehensive coverage. Medigap plans also provide no coverage for staying in a nursing home or other facility for long-term care. Instead, you’ll have to purchase individual coverage from an insurance company to cover these items. Or, you may be able to purchase coverage for some of these items from your Medigap insurer in a separate supplemental policy. With either option, you’d pay an additional premium for the coverage, but buying standalone vision or dental coverage from another company might be the more expensive option. How to enroll in a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan The most important thing to know is that you’re not “stuck” in a Medicare plan: If you want to switch Medicare plans, you can do so during the Annual Enrollment Period, which is from October 15 to December 7 each year. You can also switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or go back to Original Medicare during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, which is from January 1 to March 31 each year. And if you want to learn how to reduce your out-of-pocket medical expenses in the meantime, you just need to get smart on maximizing your Medicare benefits. Save time, learn more Let us do the hard work for you, so you can save time and find the best Medicare plan for your needs. Just call 800-620-4519 to reach one of our licensed insurance agents or you can find and compare Medicare Advantage plans in your area to see if they work with your doctors and cover your medications.

Are you turning 65? Turns out, you’ll be joined by thousands of birthday buddies. In fact, 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day - a real cause for celebration, whether it’s the milestone of retirement or your journey to the right Medicare coverage. Still, many Americans are confused by Medicare: how to enroll, when their enrollment period is and what plan to even enroll in. But the process doesn’t need to be so complex. Here’s your Medicare checklist for turning 65. 1. Make Sure You Qualify For Premium-Free Medicare Part A Most people qualify for Medicare Part A because of their work history. If you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident, you qualify for premium-free Part A as long as you have paid payroll taxes for at least 10 years. Call your local Social Security Office to see if you’re eligible for Medicare Part A. You may receive a paper statement from SSA [sample here] as a reference, or you can create an account online at ssa.gov. What If You Didn’t Work Enough? You may still qualify for Medicare Part A through your spouse if you don’t (or won’t) have 40 quarters of work history. You’re eligible if your spouse qualifies for premium-free Part A, and: You have been married for at least one year and your spouse is eligible for Social Security benefits. You're divorced and your former spouse is eligible for Social Security benefits. You must have been married at least 10 years, and you must be single now. You’re widowed, but were married for at least nine months, and you are currently single. If you don’t meet any of these criteria, you can either continue working until you’ve logged 40 quarters, or pay for Part A. For 2020, the Part A premium is $458 per month, but this amount may be reduced if you have some work history. 2. Figure Out When You’re Going To Need Part B If you are currently employed and you are covered by an employer health plan, and your employer has more than 20 employees, you don’t have to sign up for Part B until you retire and give up your employer-based health coverage. Many people can’t take full Social Security benefits until age 66, so it’s common to delay retirement by a year. You can delay Part B as long as your employer coverage meets Medicare’s minimum requirements. But if you work for a small company with less than 20 employees, you’ll probably need to enroll in Part B when you’re first eligible. Be sure to talk about this with your employer before your 65th birthday. There’s no reason to pay the Part B premium until you’ll actually need Medicare. 3. Decide When You’re Taking Social Security There are a few nuances to receiving Social Security and how it impacts when you can enroll in Medicare Parts A and B: If you take Social Security at age 65, your enrollment in Medicare will be automatic. If you pass on Social Security at age 65, but want to sign up for Medicare, you’ll have to apply for it separately. You can use ssa.gov to enroll if you choose to enroll before your 65th birthday. If you wait until after you’re 65, you’ll have to visit a Social Security office to sign up for Medicare. 4. Know Which Doctors You Want To See When You Have Medicare Make sure the doctors you see, or want to see, accept Medicare. Finding out ahead of time can help you avoid surprises. If you plan to move during your retirement, it’s wise to get recommendations for doctors in your new hometown and see if they accept Medicare patients. 5. Get A Firm Understanding Of Your Medications When it comes to medications and aging into Medicare, there are 3 steps to take: You should always know your medications and their doses. Talk to your doctor about generic versions of your prescriptions to reduce costs. Find out if your doctor thinks you might need a new or different medication in the future. 6. Understand The Gaps In Original Medicare Medicare doesn’t cover 100% of your health care costs. Instead, you’ll pay a portion out of your own pocket. The costs you pay for Part A differ from what you’ll pay for Part B. Gaps In Medicare Part A Part A will cover you for inpatient type of events, like: Hospital stays Home health care Hospice Skilled nursing facilities When you have a hospital stay, you’ll have to pay the Part A deductible. For 2020, the deductible is $1,408. You’ll pay this inpatient hospital deductible each time you are admitted to the hospital, provided you haven’t received hospital or skilled nursing facility services within the previous 60-day benefit period. Gaps In Medicare Part B Part B of Original Medicare covers the services you’d receive in an outpatient setting, including: Doctors and therapy appointments Lab work and diagnostic imaging Outpatient surgeries Medical equipment like oxygen machines Some cancer treatments like chemotherapy When you use Part B coverage, you can expect to pay out of pocket for each service. Your share of cost can include: Part B deductible: $198 for 2020 (you only pay the Part B deductible once each year). Part B coinsurance: 20% of the cost for each service or procedure. Part B excess charges: Up to 15% of the Medicare-approved charge if your doctor does not accept the Medicare-approved amount for a service (known as Medicare assignment). The biggest Part B expense is the 20% coinsurance, which you’ll pay throughout the year. There are other costs you can expect to pay out of pocket with Original Medicare, including things like dental care, eye exams, hearing aids, and more. Keep in mind that there is no cap on how much you can spend out of pocket with Original Medicare. How To Find The Right Medicare Plan For You Make sure any Medicare plan you consider: Covers the doctors you want to see Covers the medications you need Has a premium you can afford You can also narrow your choices down further by asking yourself: Do I intend to split my time between two or more States? Am I comfortable with an HMO-type arrangement, or using a set group of doctors and facilities? If you spend a lot of time travelling or living in a second home, you’ll want to consider Medicare Supplement Insurance. But if you’re comfortable with a particular HMO-type medical group and plan to live in one place, then Medicare Advantage could be right for you. Your Options Beyond Original Medicare There are Medicare plans available that help close the coverage gap of what Original Medicare doesn’t cover. They include: Medicare Advantage Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Plans) Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Medicare Advantage Plans Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, is a contract between a private insurer and Medicare. These plans must cover everything that Original Medicare covers. Medicare Advantage plans work like traditional private health insurance, so you may see certain out-of-pocket costs with Medicare Advantage, including: Monthly premium: Many Part C plans don’t have a monthly premium. Annual deductible: Most plans don’t have a deductible. Copayments or coinsurance for services and procedures. Medicare Advantage plans also offer a number of added benefits, which vary by state and health plan. Some benefits include: Fitness programs like Silver Sneakers or free memberships to local gyms. Vision coverage for exams, lenses, and sometimes frames. Hearing coverage for exams and discounted hearing aids. Dental coverage for basic dental services. Transportation to and from medical appointments Prescription drug coverage (some plans) Medicare Advantage plans can also provide emergency coverage outside the United States. With the international coverage, out of pocket maximum protection, and a wide range of extra benefits, you can see why many people choose Medicare Advantage plans. Prescription Drug Plans Prescription Drug plans (PDPs or Medicare Part D) help with the cost of prescription drugs. Each company creates their PDPs differently, but you can expect to pay these costs for coverage: Monthly premium, which varies based on income Annual deductible (although many plans don’t have a deductible) Copayment or coinsurance per filled prescription The copayments and coinsurance costs increase as the total amount your plan pays rises above certain thresholds, also known as coverage stages: Coverage Stage 1 – Deductible Stage: You pay full price until you’ve spent $435 (for 2020). Coverage Stage 2 – Initial Coverage Stage: You pay small copayments or coinsurance for each prescription. Coverage Stage 3 – Coverage Gap Stage: Also known as the Medicare “Donut Hole.” Once your total drug costs (what you’ve paid plus what your plan has paid) exceed $4,020, you hit the coverage gap. You’d then pay 25% of the cost of prescriptions. Coverage Stage 4 – Catastrophic Stage: Once your total drug costs (excluding what your plan has paid) exceed $6,350, you pay no more than 5% for medications These coverage stages reset on January 1 each year. But it’s important to know that there is no out-of-pocket cap on drug costs under Part D. Medicare Supplement Insurance Medicare Supplement Insurance, also known as Medigap, is designed to fill the gaps in Original Medicare. Medigap supplements Original Medicare by paying some or all of the expenses that you’d normally have to pay out of pocket. Medigap policies are issued in 10 standardized plans: A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. Each of these plans cover a slightly different portion of the Original Medicare gaps. Plan G is a popular Medigap option that covers every gap except for the Part B deductible. If you have Plan G, you can expect to pay for the first $198 in Part B expenses (like doctor’s visits). Plan G will then cover every penny of any Medicare-approved service or procedure. Several Medicare supplements provide some international coverage, including plans C, D, F, G, M, and N. Medigap plans also give you maximum flexibility, so you can see any doctor or use any facility that accepts Medicare patients, anywhere in the United States. You’re not bound to a network, or reliant upon referrals. Medicare Supplement Insurance plans don’t cover prescription drugs, so you’ll need to enroll in a stand alone Prescription Drug plan to get drug coverage. Considerations Before Choosing A Plan Make sure any Medicare plan you consider: Covers the doctors you want to see Covers the medications you need Has a premium you can afford You can also narrow your choices down further by asking yourself: Do I intend to split my time between two or more States? Am I comfortable with an HMO-type arrangement, or using a set group of doctors and facilities? If you spend a lot of time travelling or living in a second home, you’ll want to consider Medicare Supplement Insurance. But if you’re fine with HMO-type medical groups and plan to live in one place, then Medicare Advantage could be right for you. As you approach age 65, it’s important to start your research sooner rather than later. Make sure you know what plans your doctors will accept, and which plans cover your medications. Comparing Medicare plan features and costs doesn’t have to be complicated though. You can get Medicare quotes through our site. Or you can call 800-620-4519 to reach one of our licensed Medicare agents who can guide you through your Medicare plan options.

Medicare spending is trending upward. In 2018, Medicare benefit payments totaled $731 billion - an increase from $462 billion in 2008. And Medicare-aged people can sometimes have chronic conditions and limitations, which can lead to costly medical services and treatment - all while living on a modest income. So it might be important for you to know the cost of an impending medical procedure to treat your condition. But finding the true cost of a medical procedure can be tricky, so we used Medicare's procedure price lookup tool to find rough costs of every procedure covered under Medicare. It's not a perfect science though: The average costs found on Medicare's procedure price lookup tool are based on Original Medicare. That said, the prices do not account for physician fees and Medicare Advantage or Supplemental plans. Still, the tool can give you a ballpark estimate for medical procedures so you can plan ahead and budget accordingly. With this in mind, let's take a look at five common procedures for Medicare recipients and the costs associated with each procedure. (Note: All costs are based on Medicare's procedure price lookup tool. Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) is a medical code used to report medical, surgical and diagnostic procedure codes for tracking and billing purposes.) 1. Cataract surgery Cataract surgery is a common surgery procedure designed to correct blurry vision and reduce glare from lights. During the procedure, an ophthalmologist removes the lens of your eye and replaces it with an artificial lens. How much does cataract surgery cost? According to Medicare’s tool, the average out-of-pocket cost of cataract surgery is between $51 and $101 for CPT 66821, but the treatment may involve more than one procedure so the final cost could be more. And there may be additional costs from the facility where the procedure is performed. Who typically needs cataract surgery? The need for cataract surgery increases with age. In fact, one in five people ages 65 and up need the procedure, and that ratio increases to three in five people by age 80. Not everyone with cataracts will need surgery to correct the problem, though. Only those having trouble doing everyday activities because of their cloudy, blurred vision will need the surgery. Is cataract surgery covered by Medicare? Yes. 2. Upper GI endoscopy An upper GI endoscopy involves inserting a small camera into the esophagus, so your doctor can see the inside of your stomach and small intestine. This procedure is often performed to diagnose the cause of persistent heartburn. If abnormalities are found, additional procedures may be performed at that time or scheduled for a later date. How much does an upper GI endoscopy cost? The average cost to the patient for this procedure is between $57 and $112 for CPT 50572, depending on the type of facility used. Who typically needs an upper GI endoscopy? People who suffer from acid reflux. Their symptoms often include abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, nausea, or stomach bleeding. Is an upper GI endoscopy covered by Medicare? Yes. 3. Colonoscopy and biopsy Like an endoscopy, a colonoscopy involves inserting a small camera attached to a tube into the intestinal tract — in this case into the colon. The main purpose of a colonoscopy is to check for colon cancer. During this procedure, it’s not uncommon to find polyps, which are removed and sent for a biopsy. A biopsy is a lab test to determine whether tissue is cancerous. How much does a colonoscopy cost? It can be tricky to calculate the cost of a colonoscopy because there are several variables involved. For example, there's no need for a biopsy if polyps aren't found. But if something else is found, like a tear in the lining of the colon, an on-the-spot procedure might be performed. Generally, the patient cost for a colonoscopy with no complications is between $100 and $195 for CPT 45380. And there may be additional costs from the facility where the colonoscopy is performed. Who typically needs a colonoscopy? Colonoscopies are recommended for anyone with a family history of colon cancer or over the age of 50, making this one of the most common procedures for seniors. Your doctor is likely to order a colonoscopy if you have such symptoms as: Rectal bleeding A change in bowel habits including constipation or diarrhea Narrow or thin stools Abdominal discomfort including gas pain and bloating Chronic fatigue Unexplained weight loss Unexplained anemia Is it covered by Medicare? Yes. 4. Arthroplasty knee (knee replacement) ”Arthroplasty knee” is a fancy way of saying “knee replacement.” No matter the term you use, this procedure repairs worn knee sockets, which can include complete or partial knee replacement. Two out of three seniors will need knee replacement surgery at some point, making this the most common medical procedure for those over 65. How much does a knee replacement cost? It can be difficult to estimate the exact cost in advance because the surgeon may not know exactly what's needed until taking a look inside the joint. The cost can also vary depending on whether the knee replacement is performed in a hospital or at an ambulatory surgical center. In many instances, knee replacement procedures might cost less in a hospital setting. The costs for arthroplasty knee surgery range from $524 to $1,364 (CPT 29879) when performed as a hospital outpatient. But it may be higher if it's performed in a clinical setting. Look into costs associated with the facility where the knee replacement will be done. That's because hospital outpatient departments must cap Original Medicare patient costs at $1,364. Who typically needs knee replacement? Osteoarthritis is the most common reason for knee replacements, but other factors may lead to the deterioration of the knee joints, including: Rheumatoid arthritis Gout Knee injuries Knee deformities Hemophilia Bone disorders Is it covered by Medicare? Yes. 5. Total or partial hip replacement A hip replacement, also known as hip arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which a damaged hip joint is removed and replaced with an artificial joint, often made of titanium and ceramic. During the procedure, the entire hip joint is surgically opened to remove the damaged head of a thigh bone and replace it with man-made materials, which eventually fuses with the bone. At the same time, the eroded lining of the hip socket is also removed and replaced, restoring mobility and resulting in pain-free movement. Hip replacements are typically caused by osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition that erodes the surface of a joint. More than 10 million American seniors suffer from osteoarthritis. How much does a total or partial hip replacement cost? As with any medical procedure, pricing varies by your location and provider. On average, the patient's cost of a total hip replacement ranges from $548 to $1,139 for CPT 29862. But remember: If a surgery like this is performed in a clinic setting, the Original Medicare cap of $1,364 doesn’t apply — which could increase the cost to you. Always look into costs associated with the facility where the hip replacement will be performed. Who typically needs a hip replacement? People over age 60 with osteoarthritis or other degenerative joint conditions of the hip. Is it covered by Medicare? Yes. Both partial and full hip replacement surgery is covered under Medicare. Don't get surprised by medical procedure costs Remember: Though the projected costs of these common medical procedures may help you prepare your wallet for the given procedure, they're just ballpark figures. Procedure costs can vary by your location, so it's always wise to check with your Medicare provider to get additional procedure cost estimates. It's also worth noting that your doctor may order tests or additional procedures that may not be covered by Medicare. And if your procedure requires a hospital stay, there are plenty of ways to avoid costly hospital bills. Also keep in mind that you may need additional services after your procedure, such as physical therapy, so you may need to factor rehabilitative services into the equation. Choosing a Medicare plan Having a general idea how much common medical procedures cost is a good first step to be prepared for them. But choosing the optimal Medicare plan for you is also important because coverage for some procedures may depend on whether you have Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage. Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement are two common ways to replace or supplement Original Medicare, but they serve different purposes: Medicare Advantage plans also known as Part C usually cover Parts A, B, and D with one bundled insurance policy for all Medicare coverage. Medicare supplement insurance is not comprehensive medical coverage. Instead, it provides extra coverage to help pay for some of the healthcare costs and services that Medicare doesn’t cover. These plans, also known as Medigap, can offer protection from large out-of-pocket medical costs that result from numerous doctor or hospital visits. Additionally, a standalone prescription drug plan must be purchased to get prescription drug coverage. If you need help choosing the right Medicare plan for your specific medical needs, you can compare Medicare plans through our online Medicare plan finder or by calling 800-620-4519 to reach one of our licensedd insurance agents. We've also put together Medicare FAQs for more information.

Cancer statistics are telling: The median age for a cancer diagnosis is 66, and the highest age category for diagnosis is between ages 65-74 (27.6%), with men being diagnosed more frequently than women. But the good news is the rate of new cancer diagnoses and death are trending down. Still, a cancer diagnosis can be life-changing. And the last thing you want to think about is how your health insurance will cover your diagnosis - whether it’s for surgery or treatment. In a study by Fidelity Investments, a 65-year old couple retiring in 2019 can expect to spend $285,000 on health care and medical expenses throughout retirement unless a critical illness occurs or the wrong insurance plan is selected. Rest assured, your cancer treatment costs will be covered, but the coverage depends on the type of Medicare plan you have - standalone Medicare coverage (Part A, Part B, and Part D), Medicare coupled with a Medicare supplement plan, or a Medicare Advantage (also known as Part C) plan. What Original Medicare Covers Original Medicare is a combination of Part A (hospitalization) and Part B (medical) and Part D (prescription coverage). It provides cancer benefits if you're diagnosed before you age into Medicare or after you have enrolled. Relating to cancer, here’s what Original Medicare covers: Part A You pay your Part A deductible for common cancer treatments like: Up to 150 days of inpatient hospital care (on day 61 you begin to pay a daily copay) Inpatient surgeries related to cancer Skilled nursing for cancer recovery Home health services Short-term nursing home care Hospice, also known as End of Life care Part B You pay your Part B deductible and 20% of outpatient medical services for treatments like: Visits to your oncologist and other physicians Second opinion consultations Outpatient surgery in a doctor’s office Diagnostic imaging Chemotherapy Radiation Durable medical equipment Physical therapy and rehabilitation Participation in clinical trials for experimental treatments through clinical studies Part D You’re responsible for your prescription drug copays until you reach the catastrophic coverage limit, which will then cover 95% of your prescription costs, including: Medications for chemotherapy Medications to ease side effects, such as prescriptions to treat nausea Original Medicare pays for a broad spectrum of covered cancer services but it can have its limits. Let’s look at an example: In 2020, Medicare Part A pays the full cost for a semiprivate room and board, general nursing and miscellaneous services up to 60 days in the hospital. Up to that point, you are only responsible for a $1,408 deductible. The rest of your hospitalization costs are covered. However, if you are in the hospital for 61-90 days, Medicare payments are reduced, and you have to pay $352 a day for treatment. If you’re in the hospital for more than 91 days, the benefits are further reduced and you’re responsible for paying $704 a day. What Original Medicare Doesn’t Cover While Medicare has extensive coverage for cancer treatment, there are a few benefits that are not covered by Medicare which include: Room and board in assisted living facilities. Adult daycare. Long-term nursing home care. Food or nutritional supplements (except enteral nutrition equipment). Services outside of skilled care that help you with activities of daily living (like cooking or eating). As a reminder, if you have standalone Original Medicare with no supplemental coverage, you're also responsible for your deductibles and coinsurance, which is a set percentage you have to pay for hospital stays, medical treatment and prescription drugs. What Medicare Advantage (Part C) Covers Medicare Advantage is required to cover the same amount as Original Medicare, but can offer extra benefits and services. Medicare Advantage plans are offered through private health insurance companies - most plans have deductibles, copays and out-of-pocket limits. Once you've reached your out-of-pocket pocket limit, your Medicare Advantage plan will cover all additional medical costs during your plan year. Keep in mind, you could be limited to doctors within a specific HMO or PPO network, which can be a problem if you are in the middle of a medical regimen or often travel out-of-state. So if you like your current cancer doctors providing your treatment, this may be a downside. You’re also required to get a referral to see a specialist, which means you are required to pay for two doctor visits instead of just one. Two important things to note about Medicare Advantage: You must enroll in Original Medicare and obtain a Medicare number before you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage plans cannot be paired with a Medicare supplement plan. If you have cancer, it’s wise to shop around for Medicare Advantage plans and compare plan benefits with Original Medicare to determine what your out-of-pocket costs will be under each plan. Consider the pain point of having to see different doctors if you’re required to stay within a specific Medicare Advantage network. In the end, nothing is permanent. If you enroll in one plan and find it’s not working for you, you can switch to a different coverage during the open enrollment period on October 15 - December 7 each year. What Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Covers Medicare supplement plans, also referred to as Medigap plans, fill gaps in coverage that Original Medicare doesn’t pay for, such as a Part A deductible or Part B coinsurance. Medicare supplements also help pay for extended sickness and treatments for diseases like cancer. Medigap plans and cancer coverage: Medigap policies don’t cover long-term care, or in-home health care with a private nurse. Medigap policies only cover one person so you and your spouse cannot share a Medigap plan. You must each purchase separate supplemental plans. Medigap supplement plans do not offer prescription drug coverage like Medicare Advantage plans. You must enroll in Part D to get drugs covered. There are 11 different Medigap Plans to choose from (in most states), but some plans are no longer available for new enrollments as of 2020. Still, it’s important to compare Medicare supplement plans because different insurance companies can charge different amounts for the same plan. For example, some plans might only cover 50% of Medicare Part B coinsurance, resulting in a lower monthly premium, while other plans will pay the entire amount of coinsurance, and have a higher monthly premium. Cost is usually the only difference between Medigap policies with the same letter sold by different insurance companies. So it comes down to what you can afford to pay on a monthly basis and what out-of-pocket costs you can afford for your cancer treatment. Medicare Enrollment Dates and Timelines If you have cancer and are aging into Medicare, it’s important to start the application process early. You have a seven-month period to enroll, which includes: Three months before your 65th birthday The month of your 65th birthday Three months after your 65th birthday Many people will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B - especially if they’re receiving Social Security retirement benefits when becoming eligible for Medicare coverage. If you’re still working and receive health insurance through an employer, it’s a good idea to enroll in Part A to receive extra benefits through Medicare in addition to your employer health insurance. You can enroll in Part B after you’ve retired. If you’re already on Medicare and want to change your coverage, you have some options. Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15 - December 7) You can sign up, switch, or leave Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans.. General Enrollment Period (January 1 - March 31) You can enroll in Parts A, B, or both. Medicare Supplement Enrollment You’re eligible to enroll in a supplemental plan for exactly six-months after your Part B coverage begins with guaranteed coverage. For example, you have until November 30 to enroll in a Medicare supplement plan if your Medicare Part B coverage began on June 1. If you miss this six-month window, the insurance company has the right to ask medical questions on its application and can deny you coverage if your health conditions make you ineligible. If you enroll during the enrollment period and are approved, the insurance company can refuse to cover out-of-pocket costs for any pre-existing health problem for up to six months. It is known as a “pre-existing condition waiting period.” After six months, the Medigap policy will cover the pre-existing condition. You generally don’t need to renew coverage each year, no matter what type of Medicare plan you have. But benefits may change, so it’s still smart to review your plan each year to make sure it’s the best. For example, a pharmacy or provider network may change, causing your costs to increase. Questions? Need more information about Medicare and cancer? Call 800-620-4519 to speak with one of our licensed Medicare agents to learn more about your plan options that may cover your specific cancer treatment and care.