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Medicare 101
Understanding Medicare Enrollment For 2015
If you’re part of the younger population of the United States, chances are you don’t know much Medicare. This federal system of health insurance is for people who are 65 or older and for younger individuals who have certain disabilities. If you’re approaching the age of 65 or have other disabilities that would let you enroll for Medicare, here are some things to know before enrollment.
When To Enroll and When It’s Effective
If you’re enrolling in 2014 for the year 2015, the start date to enroll is October 15 and ends December 7th. After you enroll, your coverage will become effective on January 1, 2015. However, in most cases, when you enroll before the October date, your coverage becomes effective the first day of the next month.
What Is Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D?
The Original Medicare plan is comprised of Medicare Part A and Part B. Medicare Part A is hospital insurance while Medicare B is medical insurance and both are given to you when you’re 65. Medicare C is a Medicare Advantage plan that bundles Part A and B together with extra benefits in the plan that may include prescription drug coverage. Medicare Part D is for prescription drug coverage only.
Do I Get Medicare Part A and Part B?
If you already receive benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), you will automatically get Medicare Part A and Part B starting the first day of the month you turn 65. You will also be receiving a Medicare card with general information about your plan in the mail. Keep in mind that Medicare B is a voluntary health insurance for which you will be charged a monthly premium. If you don’t want to keep Medicare B, it’s important to follow the instructions you receive with your Medicare card to cancel your coverage.
If you’re approaching the age of 65, it’s important to research all the details about Medicare and what coverage you’ll need. If you already have another insurance plan, you may not want to pay the extra premiums for the different parts of Medicare if you don’t have to.
Medicare Guides
The Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and Social Security have numerous guides and publications to help explain all of the options and benefits of both Medicare Advantage and Medigap. Here at Senior Benefits Expert, we want to make sure that you have access to these publications to help you get questions answered and make informed decisions. Feel free to click on any of the publications below and you will be able to download your own copy and review each specific guide. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact an agent at 443-221-0246.
You can find here our publications, just making a click!
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