Chat with us, powered by LiveChat

Left Before the Deadline*

Don't Wait

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period

(855) 740-2227

Medicare Part A and B Coverage and Cost

Medicare is divided into parts, which are differentiated by letters of the alphabet. If you will be turning 65 shortly, take some time to understand Medicare Part A and B what it covers, and the costs involved.

Part A

Part A provides hospitalization coverage, including hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, home health care (skilled nursing, physical therapy), and hospice care. For most individuals, Part A is free, there is no charge for coverage as long as you meet a few requirements. As long as you are a permanent resident of the United States and you or your spouse paid Social Security taxes while employed, enrollment is automatic. There are deductibles and co-insurance that you are responsible for.

Not Covered

Private room

Personal care items (shampoos, toothpaste, etc.)

Television, phone charges

First three pints of blood

24-hour home care

Meals and homemaker services not related to treatment

In-home personal care (bathing, dressing, etc.) 

Part B

Part B covers expenses that are necessary to treat or prevent a disease or condition. Fees that occur outside of room and board while in the hospital are those related to diagnostic testing, preventative care, and supplies needed to diagnose or treat. Fees for visiting the doctor are also included. Part B also provides coverage for many tests and screenings. The standard monthly premium for 2024 is $174.70 (or higher depending on your income). Most people who get Social Security benefits pay this amount.

Not Covered

Elective and cosmetic surgery

Alternative medicine – acupuncture, homeopathy

Vaccinations and immunizations

Prescription and Non-Prescription drugs

General dental work, dentures

Long term care

Hearing aids and exams for fitting

Eye examinations for prescribing glasses

Out-of-Pocket

There are out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare, deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. Many seniors choose to supplement coverage to cover costs. You do not have to accept Part B, and you may opt-out by signing the back of your card and returning it by mail. If you are still working and receiving coverage from your spouse or through an employer, accepting Part A, but delaying Part B may make sense.

Enrollment

Typically, the best time to enroll in Part A and B Is when you are first eligible, during your Initial Enrollment Period. Unfortunately,  If you do not qualify for Part A and need to enroll for Part B and miss your enrollment, you may have to wait until the General Enrollment Period, Jan 1-Mar 31, with coverage starting on July 1. 

Penalty

if you don’t enroll in Part B at this time, you will be responsible for a penalty for each 12-month period you were eligible for but didn’t enroll. A 10 percent penalty will be reflected in your premium and will continue for as long as you receive benefits. If you have coverage through your spouse, you may delay enrollment without a penalty. You may be eligible for a Special Enrollment where you won’t be charged a penalty. If you are subject to the penalty, in addition to a premium increase, you may have to wait until January (General Enrollment Period) to enroll for coverage that begins in July. The monthly rate for Part B is based on your income.

Effective Dates

In the event you have not enrolled automatically and choose to enroll in Medicare yourself, effective coverage dates vary based on the month you sign up. If you sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period (the 7 months beginning 3 months before your 65th birthday and ending 3 months after your 65th birthday) effective start dates are shown below.

The same month you turn 65, coverage begins 1 month after you enroll.

1 month after you turn 65, coverage begins 2 months after you enroll.

2 months after you turn 65, coverage begins 3 months after you enroll.

3 months after you turn 65, coverage begins 3 months after you enroll.

 

 

Get a Quote

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References:

https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/decide-how-to-get-medicare/whats-medicare/what-is-medicare.html

https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/get-parts-a-and-b/when-how-to-sign-up-for-part-a-and-part-b.html

MUC55-2017-BCBS

Testimonial Suzon was very pleased with Lilly being professional, knowledgeable and great at what she does. S. Lanz, Woodridge
Testimonial Debbie was so polite. She didn’t make me feel incompetent when I didn’t understand something. S. Scheibly, Decatur
Testimonial Kathleen was helpful and provided me with information quickly! M. Greaney, Oak Lawn
Testimonial Brittany was extremely knowledgeable and friendly, couldn’t have been happier! I have already recommended her to a friend Catherine B.
Testimonial Jenna made Medicare seem worthwhile. I had an issue with my plan and Jenna was informative and delightfully helpful. My wife will be ready to convert to Medicare in July and Jenna will guide her to her plan. Thank you. Kevin I.
Testimonial Best service, follow through and options offered. High recommend! Angela B.

Latest News

Read all the news

Avoid Medicare Part D Penalty

Whether or not you take prescription drugs, you may want to consider your options carefully when it comes to joining…
Read more

Medicare Part D Creditable Coverage

As a Medicare-eligible policyholder, you have the right to know whether or not your current drug coverage meets the standard…
Read more

Medicare Advantage Coverage and Enrollment Periods

Medicare Advantage is a cost-saving option for many seniors to cover out-of-pocket expenses associated with Medicare. These plans include many…
Read more

Medicare Supplement Plan G Coverage Details

Most seniors in Illinois choose Medicare Supplement Plan G, due to the low out-of-pocket costs, and coverage for foreign travel….
Read more

Medicare Part D Prescripton Plans

Medicare does not provide coverage for medications. There are two ways to receive prescription coverage, enroll in a Part D…
Read more