The Federal Medicare Extra Help program also referred as the Medicare Low Income Subsidy (LIS) program, is for people with full Medicaid coverage as well as for people who are not on Medicaid but who have limited income. (See Medicare Extra Help / Low Income Subsidy (LIS)).
Medicare Part D Plan is used either as a stand-alone plan (Original Medicare with or without Medicare Supplement also known as Medigap) or as a part of Medicare Advantage with Prescription Drugs (MAPD). There are multiple Medicare Part D Plans based on the Standard Benefit Plan. The Standard Benefit Plan is the prescription drug plan offering minimum allowable benefits. Read more…
If you are within three months of age 65 or older and not ready to start your monthly Social Security benefits yet, you can apply for Medicare online and wait to apply for your retirement later.
To apply for Medicare, use the following link:
Who do I contact – Social Security or Medicare? Social Security offers retirement, disability, and survivors benefits. Medicare provides health insurance. Because these services are often related, you may not know which agency to contact for help. The Social Security link below points you to the chart that can help you quickly figure out where to go.
The post below describes 2021 Medicare Part D premium and Part B premium based on income.
The standard Part B premium amount in 2021 is $148.50. Most people will pay the standard Part B premium amount. If your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) as reported on your IRS tax return from 2 years ago (i.e., 2019) is above a certain amount, you’ll pay the standard premium amount and an Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). IRMAA is an extra charge added to your premium. Read more…
The post below describes 2021 Medicare changes for Premiums and Costs for Medicare Part A, Part B as well as for Part D.
Medicare Part A Cost 2021
Medicare Part B Premium and Cost 2021
Medicare Part D Cost 2021
Medicare Part D Premium 2021
US Government Sources
Changes for Medicare Part A Cost in 2021 include:
A pre-existing condition is a health problem you have before the new insurance policy plan starts. What are Medicare Supplement plans pre-existing conditions? It depends on the time of enrollment in the Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan. Consider three different scenarios: Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period, Guaranteed Issue Right, and Medical Underwriting. Read more…
SilverSneakers® is a comprehensive program for seniors to participate in physical activities. It is probably the best-known fitness program. SilverSneakers® membership includes access to every participating gym and fitness center in the network at more than 16,000 locations. Does Medicare cover Silver Sneakers? Read more…
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) (also known as Medicare Open Enrollment Period) ended on Dec.7, but there are still plenty of opportunities for some individuals to make changes in their Medicare health plans. Two immediate options are Non-Renewal SEP (Special Enrollment Period) and Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP). Read more…
From 2019, there is a new enrollment period – Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP). It will replace the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP) that began January 1st and continued through February 14th. There are actually Annual MA OEP and Individual MA OEP.
Annual Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period will allow people enrolled in an MA or MAPD plan to make a one-time election to go to another Medicare Advantage plan, or to leave their Medicare Advantage plan, return to Original Medicare Part A and Part B and join a stand-alone Medicare Part D plan. It runs from January 1st through March 31st. Read more…
