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Getting Started With Medicare

What is Medicare?

Medicare is a federal insurance program available to people age 65 and older or people younger than 65 with certain disabilities or diseases. In order to qualify for Medicare you must be a U.S. Citizen or a legal resident for at least 5 consecutive years. Medicare is primarily divided into two parts often referred to as Original Medicare: Part A Hospital benefits and Part B Medical Services benefits. Most people do not have to pay for Part A insurance if you or your spouse have worked at least 10 years (40 quarters) throughout their life and paid Medicare taxes through their employment. Part B has a monthly premium that varies based on your household income, but most people pay the standard rate of $164.90/month (in 2023).

What does Medicare cover?

Most of the people I’ve talked to tell me that Medicare is the best insurance they’ve had in their life. It works all over the United States and doesn’t have a network of hospitals and providers that would limit your choices. Any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare will be able to provide care to you. Medicare coverage breaks down like this:

<strong>Part A </strong><br/><strong>Hospital Benefits</strong>

Part A
Hospital Benefits

Part A Covers

  • Inpatient hospital care
  • Inpatient mental health care
  • Skilled nursing care
  • Hospice care
  • Some blood transfusions
<strong>Part B</strong><br/><strong>Medical Services Benefits</strong>

Part B
Medical Services Benefits

Part B Covers

  • Physicians services
  • Outpatient hospital services
  • Ambulance
  • Outpatient mental health
  • Laboratory services
  • Durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, oxygen, etc)
  • Outpatient physical, occupational, and speech therapy
  • Preventive care
<strong>What's Not Covered?</strong>

What's Not Covered?

Medicare doesn't cover all costs
Here are some examples

  • Medicare Part A and B deductibles ($1,600 and $223 in 2023)
  • Co-insurance (generally 20%)
  • Premiums
  • Medicare Part B excess charges
  • Prescription drugs
  • Additional benefits like hearing, vision, and dental
  • Long-Term care or custodial care if that is the only care you need. Most nursing home care is considered custodial care.
<strong>What Are Your Options For Additional Coverage?</strong>

What Are Your Options For Additional Coverage?

Medicare is just the start of the conversation. Now that you know how Medicare works, let's dig a little deeper into what choices you have for coverage to help protect you from unexpected medical costs.

<strong>Prefer a more personal overview?</strong>

Prefer a more personal overview?

If you're enrolling in Medicare in the next year, chances are you've already started to get a bunch of mail and your phone may be ringing off the hook with companies and agents from all over the country trying to get your business. As a local independent agent, I prefer to take a more personalized approach. I will educate you on how Medicare works and go over all of the options available to you. The best way to figure out what is best for you starts with a conversation. I want you to ask me questions and get answers that make sense to you.

I can meet in-person, over the phone, or even via video-conference with my laptop and your internet-connected computer, smartphone or tablet. Simply fill out the form below and I'll be in touch to schedule a time to review your options, answer your questions, and hopefully make this all seem easier to understand. Or if you prefer, you can call me directly at 309-696-7933.

Let's start with a conversation

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