Medicare
Medicare Annual Enrollment in South Texas: dates and rules
Annual Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, and anyone with Medicare can change plans. What to have ready if you live in Hidalgo, Cameron or Starr county.
Medicare
What is Medicare and how does it work?
Medicare is federal health insurance that starts at 65 for most people. It has four parts, and at 65 you choose one of two ways to put them together.
Medicare
How much does Medicare cost per month?
Most people pay nothing for Part A, a monthly premium for Part B, and more for drug coverage and a supplement or Advantage plan. The figures reset every January.
Medicare
Do I have to sign up for Medicare at 65 if I am still working?
Usually no if your employer has 20 or more employees. If it has fewer than 20, you generally need Part B at 65, because Medicare pays first.
Medicare
What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare is based on age and starts at 65. Medicaid is based on income and what you own, and in Texas the rules are stricter than most people expect.
Medicare
What is the Medicare late enrollment penalty?
Two penalties, one for Part B and one for Part D. Both are added to your monthly premium and both last for life. Here is how each one is figured.
Medicare
What are the parts of Medicare (A, B, C and D)?
Medicare has four parts. A and B come from the government, C and D come from private companies. Here is what each one pays for and how they fit together.
Medicare
What does Medicare Part A and Part B cover?
Part A pays for hospital stays. Part B pays for doctor visits and tests. Here is what each one covers, what you still pay, and what neither one touches.
Medicare
Does Medicare have a monthly premium?
Yes, most of it does. Part A usually has no monthly premium, but Part B, Part D and supplements each have one, and there are other costs on top.
Medicare
When can I sign up for Medicare?
Your first chance is the seven months around your 65th birthday. After that, each window has its own dates and its own job. Here they all are.
Medicare
What is the Medicare Initial Enrollment Period?
It is the seven month window around your 65th birthday. Sign up in the three months before your birthday month and your coverage starts with no gap.
Medicare
How do I enroll in Medicare online?
You apply at ssa.gov through Social Security, not at Medicare.gov. It takes about 15 minutes. Here is what to have ready and what happens after.
Medicare
What is IRMAA and how does income affect Medicare?
IRMAA is an extra charge on your Part B and Part D premiums when your income is above a set level. Social Security figures it from your tax return of two years ago.
Medicare
Does Medicare cover dental, vision and hearing?
Original Medicare does not pay for routine dental care, glasses or hearing aids. Here is where the lines fall and what your options are.
Medicare
Does Original Medicare cover prescription drugs?
Very little. Original Medicare covers almost no drugs you pick up at a pharmacy. You add drug coverage separately, and waiting adds a penalty that never goes away.
Medicare
Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage: what is the difference?
Original Medicare with a supplement lets you see any doctor for a set monthly cost. Advantage costs less each month but uses a network, and going back is not guaranteed.
Medicare
Can I keep my own doctor with Medicare?
With Original Medicare, yes, any doctor that accepts Medicare. With Medicare Advantage, only if your doctor is in that plan's network, and networks change every January.
Medicare
What happens if I miss my Medicare enrollment deadline?
Two things happen: a penalty is added to your premium for good, and you wait for coverage to begin. Many people who think they missed it still have a window.
Medicare
How do I apply for Medicare if I delayed past 65?
You file the Part B application together with an employer form that proves you had coverage through a job. That form is what keeps you out of a late penalty.
Medicare
Do I need Medicare if I have insurance through my employer?
It depends on how many people your employer has. With 20 or more you can usually delay Part B. Under 20, Medicare pays first and you need it now.
Medicare
What is the Medicare Part B premium and why did mine change?
The Part B premium is the monthly bill for doctor coverage. It resets every January, and your income, a late penalty or a Social Security rule can make yours differ.