Medicare is an important healthcare program in the United States. It provides medical coverage to individuals who are 65 years or older, as well as those with certain disabilities or chronic illnesses. While Medicare is an important resource for many individuals, it can be challenging to understand. To know more, read on for a range of tips to get started.
Find out About the Enrollment Period Dates
Individuals have a specific time frame for enrolling in Medicare unless they qualify for a delay. This timeframe is called the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) and spans seven months. The IEP is a seven-month period. It begins three months before a person turns 65 and ends three months after the person turns 65.
Read up On Delayed Enrollment in Medicare
It’s possible to postpone enrolling in Parts A & B and delay the associated costs if certain conditions are met. For instance, working individuals past 65 with credible employer coverage or those with coverage via their spouse’s employer, may qualify for a delay. Consult with the employer’s benefits administrator to know more.
Learn About the Different Ways to Get Benefits
Individuals have two options to obtain benefits for Part A and Part B. They can either select Original Medicare or enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. Original Medicare consists of Parts A & B. It’s managed by the federal government, while Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are provided by private insurance companies.
Medicare Advantage offers all the same benefits as Original Medicare. It also offers additional benefits like coverage for prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, and hearing care in a single plan. Once an individual determines the preferred way to receive Parts A & B, they should explore the various ways to combine the different Medicare parts.
Read up On Dental, Vision, Fitness, and Drug Coverage
Original Medicare doesn’t offer coverage for prescription drugs, dental care, eye care, fitness, or other benefits. Individuals need to explore Medicare Advantage plans to obtain coverage for these services. If a person only requires prescription drug coverage, they can enroll in Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage.
