Original Medicare:

Original Medicare is a combination of Part A Hospital insurance and Part B Medical insurance which covers doctors and lab tests. To qualify for Original Medicare, you must be 65 years old or under 65 with two years of disability benefits.

• Part A is usually no cost to you
• There is a premium for Part B
• Part B is optional coverage
  • You may have to pay a penalty if you don’t sign up when you’re first eligible

Medicare Part D

Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage offered by private companies approved by Medicare.

• You must have Medicare Part A or Part B Medicare insurance coverage to have Medicare Part D
• The drug plans have a monthly premium that can vary in cost and may or may not have a deductible.

Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans are managed health care plans approved by Medicare and offered by private companies. This option is referred to as Medicare Part C. With a Medicare Advantage Plan you will have all your Medicare Part A and B benefits, plus some plans offer additional coverage for prescription drugs, dental, vision, and hearing.

• There may be extra cost for Medicare Advantage plans since you must still pay the Medicare Part B premium
• You may also have a monthly premium for the plan.
• Some people may qualify for a Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan if they live in a nursing home, or have certain medical conditions
  • All special needs plans provide Medicare prescription drug coverage.

MI Health Link

If you are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid, you may be eligible for a MI Health Link health care plan. MI Health Link plans are managed care plans that have no deductibles or copays.

• With a MI Health Link plan, you get your own Care Coordinator to answer your questions and make sure your health needs are being met.
• You will also have access to a dentist and free transportation for doctor’s appointments.
• You must live in one of the eleven counties where MI Health Link plans are available to be eligible. Learn more HERE.

When does my Medicare enrollment start?

• You can sign up for Medicare during the three months before you turn 65, the month of your 65th birthday, and during the 3 months after you turn 65.
• If you are under 65 and have received 24 months of disability benefits, you will be enrolled in Medicare in month 25.
• Once you are eligible for Medicare, you can decide which option works best for you.
• Each year, from October 15th through December 7th, you’ll have the opportunity to review your choices and make changes.