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Rest Easy About Medicare With These 5 Simple, but Important Facts

by Anthem (Paid Content),

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Navigating the Medicare process can cause worry. If you or a loved one are becoming eligible for Medicare this year or looking to switch plans, you probably have many questions about Medicare eligibility, Medicare Advantage, and prescription drug plans. Getting answers to those questions will help you choose the plan that’s right for YOU.

Get the simple facts and don’t put off your Medicare enrollment because missing the deadline could mean added expense from late penalties and increased out-of-pocket expenses.

Rest Easy When You Have the Facts

FACT – 1: You’re Eligible for Medicare When You Turn 65.

When you turn 65, you may be eligible for Medicare Parts A and B, even if you are still working. Your enrollment period (IEP) is a six month window - the three months before you turn 65, and the three months after. 

FACT – 2: There Are Three Ways to Sign-up for Medicare. 

You can enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Part B three ways. You sign up with the social security administration by either completing the online form, over the phone or you can go to your local social security office. Note: If you collect social security, you are automatically enrolled in Medicare.

FACT – 3: Medicare Parts A/B Doesn’t Cover All Medical Expenses

Parts A, B, C, and D, and each covers a variety of health expenses, such as hospital visits, doctor appointments, physical therapy, and prescriptions.  Part A covers hospital care and Part B covers outpatient care and some medical supplies, therapy and treatment. Together, they make up “traditional Medicare.” Part C is Medicare Advantage plans

FACT – 4: Medicare Plans are Not Created Equal – Plan for Your Health Costs

Many different factors may affect which plan is best for you. It’s important to consider your health history and lifestyle before choosing your plan. For example:

  • Medicare and Medigap plans cover ear-related medical conditions, but they don’t cover costs for hearing tests or aids
  • Medicare covers the cost for limited stays in a rehabilitation facility, but if you require a longer stay at a nursing home or assisted living facility Medicare won’t cover custodial care cost.
  • If you travel abroad, know that Medicare offers no coverage outside of the county 
Infographic. What you need to know about medicare. Covers adults 65 plus or those with certain disabilities. Traditional Medicare provides basic medical coverage up to 80%. Medigap Supplement Insurance helps with some expenses no paid by Parts A and B

FACT 5: You are not alone

There’s a lot of pressure to make the right decision, and that’s understandable because the decision you make today will last until the next Medicare enrollment period. Now that you know the basics, gain further confidence and get peace-of-mind when you work with a trusted company that can help you navigate the process. Doing so means you’ll less likely regret the Medicare decisions you’ve made. Shop around.

Anthem is a Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Anthem depends on contract renewal.

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