Boise Idaho Medicare Broker | Chris Antrim | FAQ

Some people are still confused when it comes to their Medicare; what is Medicare, how it works, and how they sign up especially if they are new. To help you with Medicare Enrollment we at Chris Antrim Insurance are here to list down and provide you the answers to the frequently asked questions by people especially the new enrollee and to give a much better understanding about Medicare.

Boise Health & Life Insurance Agency

9727 W Cory Ln

Boise, ID 83704

208-409-3382

Let's start off...

1. What is Medicare? It is a federal health insurance program specially built for people who are 65 years old or older. Certain younger people are diagnosed with disabilities and people with permanent kidney failure or end-stage renal diseases. It has three different parts for specific coverage: Part A for hospital insurance, Part B for medical insurance, and Part D for prescription drug coverage.

2. I’m a new enrollee. How do I sign up? Most people become eligible for Medicare if you’re 65 or turning 65 in the next 3 months and not already getting benefits from Social Security, you need to sign up to get Medicare Part A and Part B. Medicare doesn’t automatically sign you up, you have to contact the Social Security Administration by phone, online, or go to the nearest SSA office to sign-up in person.

3. Who's eligible for Medicare? You’re at least 65, or you’re under 65 and qualify based on disability or other special conditions. And if you’re a U.S. citizen or a permanent legal resident of at least 5 continuous years. If you satisfy all requirements including the age required even though you are single, married, divorced, widowed, and separated you are still qualified for Medicare.

4. When is the Medicare Open Enrollment Period? During the annual open enrollment period which is October 17 to December 1, the enrollee can add, drop, or even switch to other Medicare coverage which the changes may take effect on January 1. But if you already have the Medicare Advantage Plan which will give you an additional enrollment period from January 1 to March 31 each year where you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan or go back to Original Medicare, and even disenroll to your current plan.

5. Do I have to sign up for Medicare again yearly? No, your coverage will be rolled over year to year unless you decide to change it or switch back to other coverage. But the opportunity to change your coverage is strictly limited, you can change it during the open enrollment period that runs through specific dates.

6. What is the Medicare Advantage Plan? Medicare Advantage Plan or Part C is also known as “all-in-one” coverage, an alternative to Original Medicare. These bundle plans consist of Part A, B, and usually Part D. These plans also offer additional coverage that Original Medicare doesn’t cover such as vision, hearing, and dental.

7. How much does Medicare cost? Medicare isn’t free, it requires monthly premiums, deductibles, and other cost-sharing for certain services. To get a specific amount of cost, visit our website and talk to one of our agents at Go Idaho Insurance.

8. Will there be a delayed enrollment penalty? Delayed enrollment of the Medicare program may charge you a penalty if you don’t enroll in certain programs or plans when you’re first eligible. It is important to understand when you’re first eligible for enrollment to avoid penalties this is called an initial enrollment period.

9. Will my health issues and pre-existing conditions work against me? Your past and current health conditions will not affect your Medicare enrollment or will cost you to pay higher premiums or co-pays. That kind of particulars are so common in private health insurance, but it never existed in Medicare.

Which Is Better Medicare Advantage Or Medicare Supplement

10. What is a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan? Is extra health insurance that is sold by private health insurance that helps fill the gaps in Original Medicare.

11. Is my doctor in-network? In-network doctors get the highest level of coverage. If you already selected a plan, the best way to make sure your providers are in-network is to call the insurance company directly. It’s a good idea to make sure your doctor is a participating Medicare doctor or since you have original Medicare you can usually find and choose any doctor that is enrolled in Medicare to avoid paying higher costs.

12. Will my coverage be cut off when I grow old? No! Your Medicare coverage is based on medical necessity, not age plus it is a federal health insurance program. So even if you’re turned 90 or 100 your Medicare is here to pick up most of the cost in the usual way.

13. Will I be able to enroll even if it’s not an annual enrollment period? A special enrollment period is usually open and qualifies for those people who retire and lose employer coverage, move out of the plan’s service areas, eligible for Extra Help, and an individual who is diagnosed with certain qualifying chronic health conditions.

14. Can I use Medicare coverage, when I’m outside of the state? Original Medicare offers nationwide coverage to all members and beneficiaries, this means that you’re covered for out-of-state medical services. On the other hand, Medicare Advantage Plan offers coverage only for the state that you live in, though they also some offer in-network service out-of-state.

These frequently asked questions will serve as a guide to your enrollment questions especially for a new enrollee like you. It gives you some ideas on how to start your Medicare enrollment or even for a long time member of Medicare. For more inquiries and additional questions, visit our website https://www.goidahoinsurance.com/.