Do you know all of your Medicare options?

Depending on your location, age, and current coverage, there are many options that may be available to you! Let’s break it down into 4 main options:

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.

Questions?

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.