Medicare is health insurance sponsored by the federal government for people 65 and older, or those under 65 who qualify, because of certain disabilities or conditions.

You are eligible for Medicare if you are 65 or older, and a United States citizen or a permanent U.S. resident who has lived in the U.S. for five full years before applying. You are also eligible if you are under 65 but have a qualifying disability, or diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). If you plan to retire at age 65 or are already retired and don’t receive Social Security yet you can enroll in Medicare benefits If you already receive Social Security retirement, disability or Railroad Retirement Board benefits you'll be enrolled automatically in Medicare Parts A and B (Original Medicare) If you are currently covered by an employer-provided group health plan and plan to continue working past age 65 then you can still enroll in Medicare If you have coverage through your spouse’s employer and are over 65 then you can enroll in Medicare benefits and maintain the coverage through your spouse’s employer.

People buy extra Medicare coverage to help pay costs or get additional benefits. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does NOT cover: Prescription drugs Dental exams, most dental care or dentures Routine eye exams, eyeglasses or contacts Hearing aids or hearing-related exams or services Most care while traveling outside the United States Chiropractic* care, acupuncture** or other alternative treatments Part A and Part B deductibles and copays *Medicare Part B only covers chiropractic services if medically necessary to correct a subluxation. **Medicare Part B only covers acupuncture for chronic low back pain.

A lot of people work past age 65. Many have health insurance through their employers. Depending on your situation as you turn 65, you may or may not have to enroll in Medicare. However, you may want to consider enrolling in Medicare Part A even if you are still working. Check with your employer’s human resources department to see if signing up for Original Medicare (Part A and/or Part B would be a good idea for you. They should also be able to tell you if your employer requires you to enroll in Original Medicare. If you don't enroll in a Medicare plan, your employer's plan may not cover services that Medicare covers. Also, you may risk having to pay a Late Enrollment Penalty for Medicare if you don’t enroll when you are first eligible. Medicare can be complicated. Call us today and let us help. We are a local Lee County health insurance agency. 239-333-9138

Part A - Hospital Insurance Original Medicare Part A covers inpatient care you get at a hospital or skilled nursing facility. Sometimes, Part A covers care you get at home, too. Most people do not pay a monthly premium for Part A.* You may pay a deductible, copays and coinsurance for your health care, unless you have a separate Medicare Supplement plan to help cover those costs. *For most people receiving Social Security benefits Part B - Medical Insurance Original Medicare Part B covers your doctor’s visits plus preventive care, ambulance services and durable medical equipment. Part B is optional. You don’t have to sign up for Part B if you don’t want it. You usually pay a monthly premium. For most services, you pay a yearly deductible and coinsurance, unless you have a separate Medicare Supplement plan. Medicare can be confusing but getting to know how government-sponsored Original Medicare works is a great place is to start.

Medicare Advantage plans combine all of the benefits of Original Medicare Parts A and B. Medicare Advantage plans usually include prescription drug coverage (Part D). Many Medicare Advantage plans include extra benefits like dental, hearing and vision care. Premiums and deductibles vary by plan.

Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage may be included with Medicare Advantage plans (Part C). You can also purchase a Part D prescription drug plan by itself, or in addition to a Medicare Supplement plan. Premiums and deductibles vary by plan.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans help pay for costs Original Medicare does not cover, like copays and coinsurance for the health care you receive. Most Medicare Supplement plans allow you to choose any doctor, specialist or hospital that accepts Medicare. Your benefits and costs will depend on the plan you choose. Medicare Supplement plans also may factor in your age, tobacco use and county of primary residence when you apply.