Original Medicare consists of Part A and Part B. If you have Original Medicare, the government pays directly for the health care services you receive. Additionally, enrolling in Original Medicare means: You will receive a red, white, and blue Medicare card to show to your providers Most doctors in the
Archive for August, 2018
Part D basics
Medicare Part D, the prescription drug benefit, is the part of Medicare that covers most outpatient prescription drugs. Part D is offered through private companies either as a stand-alone plan, for those enrolled in Original Medicare, or as a set of benefits included with your Medicare Advantage Plan. Unless you
Medicare Part B late enrollment penalties
For each 12-month period you delay enrollment in Medicare Part B, you will have to pay a 10% Part B premium penalty, unless you have insurance based on your or your spouse’s current work (job-based insurance) or are eligible for a Medicare Savings Program (MSP). In most cases, you will
Appealing a higher Part B or Part D premium (IRMAA)
If your income is above a certain level, you may have to pay an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) in addition to your Part B premium and/or Part D premium. The Social Security Administration (SSA) determines if you owe an IRMAA based on the income you reported on your IRS
Part B costs for those with higher incomes
The Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) is an amount you may pay in addition to your Part B or Part D premium if your income is above a certain level. The Social Security Administration (SSA) sets four income brackets that determine your (or you and your spouse’s) IRMAA. SSA
Part B costs
Medicare Part B costs In 2018, you will pay: Monthly premium $134 if your annual income is below $85,000 ($170,000 for couples). If you are covered by hold harmless, on average you will pay $109.People with high incomes have a higher Part B premium. Annual deductible $183 Doctor and other medical services
Part A costs
Medicare Part A costs In 2018, you will pay: Monthly premium Nothing if you or your spouse worked for 40 calendar quarters (10 years) or more in the U.S. $232 if you or your spouse worked between 30 and 39 quarters (7.5 and 10 years) in the U.S. $422 if
Medicare Advantage Plan network comparison chart
Each type of Medicare Advantage Plan has different network rules. A network is a group of doctors, hospitals, and medical facilities that contract with a plan to provide services. There are various ways a plan may manage your access to specialists or out-of-network providers. Remember that your costs are typically
DME supplier basics
If you want Medicare to help cover your durable medical equipment (DME) costs, it is important to use the right supplier. Original Medicare DME suppliers The type of supplier you use depends on where you live and the type of equipment you need. If you live in a competitive bidding
Filling gaps in Medicare coverage and getting help with Medicare costs
There are a number of ways to fill gaps in your Medicare coverage and/or to get assistance with Medicare costs: Job-based insurance: If you or your spouse is still working, and you have insurance through that job, it may work with Medicare to cover your health care costs. You should