Every American citizen will eventually get their Medicare Plans virtually. However, this large healthcare program that helps seniors isn’t easy to understand by millions of people. There are people who have no idea when they will become eligible for Medicare, what coverage they will get, and how much it will cost them.
After having so much research, we have gathered some frequently asked questions about Medicare and given answers to them.
1. When will I get Medicare benefits?
If you are not disabled, then you should get the benefits when you become 65. There is a common misunderstanding between Americans and that is whenever you will claim your Social Security Benefits, you are allowed to have your Medicare.
It is not the case in reality. Even if you retire early and claim your social security benefit, until you turn 65, you will not become eligible for Medicare.
2. How to apply for Medicare?
If you are receiving social security retirement benefits already, you won’t have to apply for Medicare. After turning to 65, you will be enrolled in Medicare (Part A and Part B) automatically. In this case, you can expect to get your Medicare benefits to card about three months before your 65th birthday.
However, if you are not receiving your social security retirement benefit after turning 65, you have to apply for your Medicare. You can do the process very easy on the social security administration website.
Know that the initial enrollment period of yours will start three months before you turn 65 and will extend for three months after.
3. What Medicare Parts are out there?
Medicare has four parts.
Part A- This will provide your hospital insurance. You will get the primary cover on your hospital stays and skilled nursing facilities (depends on the situation).
Part B- This will provide your medical insurance. You will get coverage in your doctor’s visit, lab tests, outpatient procedures, etc.
Part C- This is known as Medicare Advantage. These plans are usually offered by private healthcare insurance companies to provide Medicare benefits.
Part D- This will cover your prescription drug coverage. This is not mandatory for beneficiaries.
4. What will I not get from my current Plan?
Every senior should know about what he or she will not get from their Medicare benefits. This is the most important thing for seniors with Medicare Plans. However, this list is not too big for you.
Medicare won’t cover-
Long-term care
Dental care
Eye exams or glasses
Dentures
Hearing aids
Acupuncture
Routine foot care
This is what original Medicare Part A and Part B will not cover. If you consider taking Medicare Plan G, you might get certain coverage from that. Talk to your broker about it if you are interested.
5. What is Medigap?
There are 10 different Medigap plans. The most comprehensive Medigap Plan is Plan F which is commonly chosen by a lot of people.
For more information about Medicare Part G please visit https://www.medicarepartg.org/.
Part A- This will provide your hospital insurance. You will get the primary cover on your hospital stays and skilled nursing facilities (depends on the situation).