If you are approaching the age for Medicare Enrollment (65) please call and we’ll help educate you on the enrollment process and what options may be best for you.

Medicare Parts A and B are also called Original Medicare. This part is pretty simple: Medicare is a health insurance program for people age 65 and over, people under the age of 65 with certain disabilities, and people of any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Are you wondering if you’re eligible?

If you’re turning 65 you can enroll in Medicare. Enrollment begins three months before the month you turn 65, the month of your birthday, and three months after your birth month. Whether that birthday is approaching or if you’re already 65, you’re eligible if:

• You (or your spouse) have worked for 10 years in Medicare-covered employment, and…
• You’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident for at least five years.
• Even if you’re not collecting Social Security yet, you’re eligible to join at age 65 or later.

If you’re under 65 and have a disability you’re eligible if:

• You’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident for at least five years, and…
• You have a disability or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), and you get disability benefits from Social Security or certain disability benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) for 24 months.

Now that we’ve reviewed what Original Medicare is and who is eligible, let’s take a quick look at exactly what is covered.

Medicare Part A is hospital coverage. It covers:

• Inpatient hospital stays and skilled nursing facility stays
• Hospice care and respite care
• Inpatient care in a religious nonmedical health care institution

Medicare Part B is medical coverage. It covers:

• Doctor visits
• Outpatient care, such as lab tests
• Services not covered by Part A, such as physical therapy
• Some home health care services, in some cases
• Some preventive services
• Durable medical equipment

While Medicare Parts A and B help to cover some of your health care costs, they won’t cover everything (like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles). You may want to complement your Medicare coverage. That’s where Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans may be able to help.