Medicare Supplements
Medicare is a Federal health insurance program administered by Social Security for Americans age 65 or older and those with certain disabilities Upon turning 65 most Americans are eligible for Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C (now called Medicare Advantage) and Part D.
Medicare Supplements (also called Medigap) can be purchased to cover the gaps in Medicare Parts A & B. These are standardized benefits that are offered by private insurance companies. Currently there are twelve plans available that companies can offer. They are plans: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, & L. Supplements work in conjunction with Medicare. Medicare provides primary coverage and the supplement acts as secondary.
A very popular supplement is Plan F because together with Medicare, it will cover 100% of Medicare approved services when seeing any physician/facility that takes Medicare in the country.
At OnlyHealthInsurance we believe Medicare Supplements offer the best solution in covering one’s medical expenses. Please call us for more information about Medicare Supplements. We offer plans from many excellent carriers. Be sure to ask for your free Medicare Guide to Choosing a Medigap Policy.
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Important Medicare Phone #s
- For Medicare enrollment: contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213
- For Medicare coverage questions: call 1-800-MEDICARE
- For government sponsored assistance with Medicare and Social Security contact HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program) at (800) 434-0222.
- For information about Medicare Supplemental coverage, contact Phil or John at OnlyHealthInsurance at 1-800-924-1411.
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Medicare Overview - Parts A & B
Original Medicare is composed of two parts; Part A and Part B (know as Original Medicare). Part A is paid for in full from Medicare taxes while working (or a spouses work history), and Part B is partially paid from taxes, but is supplemented with a Part B premium. The 2009 Standard monthly premium for Part B is $96.40. In 2009, Medicare Part B enrollees with higher incomes could pay a higher Part B premium depending upon the extent it exceeds $85,000 ($170,00 for married couples).
Upon turning 65, one must enroll in Medicare Part A, but Part B is optional; some people may have other insurance coverage that is primary (certain company group plans or retiree plan). In these cases it is not always necessary or prudent to enroll in Part B. Review your options carefully as there are penalties for not enrolling in Part B when eligible and without other primary coverage.
Part A Services |
Hospital
Inpatient |
- Pays up to 60 days of medically necessary services except Part A deductible ($1,068 in 2009).
- Provides an additional 30 days except daily coinsurance
- If longer than a 90 day hospital stay, Medicare lifetime reserve days are available, subject to daily coinsurance.
- No payment after a 90 day hospital stay if no lifetime reserve days remain or if you choose not to use them.
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| Skilled Nursing |
- Pays 100% for 20 days at a Medicare – certified skilled nursing facility
- Pays up to an additional 80 days at a skilled nursing facility, except daily coinsurance ($133.50 in 2009).
- Medicare does not pay for more than 100 days at a skilled nursing facility in a benefit period.
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Part B Services |
| Physician And Other Services |
- Generally pays 80% of Medicare approved services such as: doctor’s care, outpatient physical and occupational therapy (within limits) and designated screenings
- A $135 annual deductible may apply
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Learn more about Medicare Part C Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program.
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