ASK THE Medicare EXPERT
WE CARE MEDICARE ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS By Debbie Stovall We Care Medicare
Q. WHAT IS MEDICARE? A. Medicare is a federal individual health insurance for eligible U.S. citizens and legal residents that are 65 or older, people under 65 with certain disabilities and people of any age with EndStage Renal Disease (ESRD). It is funded in part by the taxes you paid while working. Q. WHAT DOES MEDICARE COVER? A. Original Medicare is divided into two parts. Part A, hospital insurance, helps cover services such as inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, Hospice care and home health
care. Part B, medical insurance, helps pay for doctor visits, outpatient care, durable medical equipment and many preventative medical services.
Q. IS MEDICARE FREE? A. No! Original Medicare pays for much, but not all, of the cost for your health care services and supplies. It typically pays for about 80 percent of your health care services and you are responsible for about 20 percent. Part A is premium free (if you or your spouse worked and paid taxes for 10+ years) but there is a deductible. Part B has a monthly premium, adjusted for income and a lifetime premium penalty for late enrollment.
Q. WHEN CAN I SIGN UP FOR MEDICARE? A. Your initial enrollment period is three months before you turn 65, the month you turn 65 and three months after your 65th birthday. You may delay enrollment if you are working fulltime with credible insurance coverage. However, it is wise to check out your options prior to turning 65. Q. WHAT ARE MY MEDICARE INSURANCE OPTIONS? A. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover the cost for all of your prescription drugs, health care supplies and services. You may add a prescription drug plan (Part D) and/ or add a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan to help cover the extra costs. Medigap and Part D policies are sold by private insurance companies.
Another option is to sign up for a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C)
that includes services covered by Part A and Part B and usually includes Medicare prescription drug coverage as part of the plan’s options. Medicare Advantage plans are run by Medicare approved insurance companies that follow the guidelines set by Medicare. Q. WHERE CAN I GET MORE HELP AND INFORMATION? A. Contact an independent licensed insurance broker that specializes in Medicare and represents many of the private insurance carriers that offer Medicare plans. An independent Medicare broker can help guide you through the complex and confusing Medicare process. They can provide you with a complimentary analysis of your costs and options which will allow YOU to make the best decision based on your unique needs and finances. All of their services are no cost to you.
are you awesome?
MEDICARE 101
We’re
Wednesday, September 19 | 6:30-8:00 p.m.
HIRING
Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus Library 12701 N. Scottsdale Rd. • Scottsdale, AZ 85254 Wondering about Medicare options? This COMPLIMENTARY INFORMATION SESSION is for you! Get your questions answered by licensed Medicare brokers, Ellyn Klein and Debbie Stovall.
Eculeus Group Publishing is growing and we want YOU to join our sales team!
Find out which plan is best for you, how to enroll, and more! • What is Original Medicare? • What is Part A, B, C or D? Which do you need? • How do you know which plans your doctors are in and if your prescription drugs are covered? • Are you currently paying too much for your benefits or not protected enough?
Call
888-313-7916
for more information.
Debbie Stovall
Licensed Insurance Broker MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT PLANS | ADVANTAGE PLANS PRESCRIPTION PLANS
Call for a free consultation: (602) 954-9143
www.WeCareMedicareAZ.com
12 • August/September 2019 • SCOTTSDALE NORTH NEWS
♫
Deer Valley Times North Tatum Times North 32nd News Scottsdale North News The Scottsdale Standard
scottsdalenorthnews.com
