Medicare Frequently Asked Questions In Archbold, Maumee, Toledo, Waterville, Wauseon, Whitehouse, and Throughout Ohio

Part C of Medicare is also known as an Advantage Plan. These plans are provided by private companies and are an alternative to Original Medicare. Advantage Plans are comprehensive, addressing Parts A, B, and often D as well in a single package.

Part D of Medicare is focused on prescription drug coverage and operates separately from Parts A and B. This is an important part of Medicare where exploring available plans is very important. It is also important to remember to review your plan during the Open Enrollment Period between October 15 and December 7. This Open Enrollment period is the time to make any changes for the upcoming year.

The cost of Medicare fluctuates from year to year and this is based on a few different factors. While the benefits provided remain stable year to year, the expenses that you may incur related to copays, deductibles, and other items may change. It is important to remember that Medicare Part C are Advantage Plans run by private organizations and the out-of-pocket costs can vary from plan to plan and may change annually as well.

Various penalties will be incurred if you do not enroll in Part D during the initial enrollment period. However, if you are still employed and your employer offers creditable drug coverage, you do not have to get Part D initially nor will you be penalized when you get Part D upon retirement or if your employer coverage becomes non-creditable. You can also avoid the penalty by enrolling in an Advantage Plan that also offers drug coverage.

The answer to this happens in a couple of parts, first determined by the number of employees. If there are more than 20 employees, you have a few options; if there are fewer than 20 employees, your employer can require you to sign up for Parts A and B and Medicare will become your primary insurance.

If you receive Social Security, Railroad Retirement, or disability benefits, you will be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Three months before your 65th birthday you will receive an Initial Enrollment Package with details. You are encouraged to meet with a licensed insurance agent when you receive this Initial Enrollment Package to explore all of your Medicare options based on your individual needs.

In general, Medicare will not cover regular dental care or several dental procedures. Rarely, Medicare Part A or B may cover a specific dental issue or service.

Medicare Part B assists with durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs, oxygen equipment, and other medically necessary items. They also can cover things like ostomy supplies, surgical dressings, splints, braces for the arms, neck, and back, as well as other items.

No, spouses are not required to be on the same Medicare plan type. Each spouse can be on a different plan type that best suits their needs, and many times this means that each spouse will be receiving the best care options for them. Speaking with a licensed insurance agent will help to provide all of the options available for each spouse based on their individual needs.