Medicare
Medicare FAQs
Do you have questions about supplemental Medicare plans? We have answers.
Are you 65 or older?
Medicare is a great program for seniors, but it doesn’t cover everything. We can help you find a Medicare supplemental plan that will ensure you have the health coverage you need, while also fitting within your budget.
What is Medicare?
Established in 1965, Medicare is the federal government’s health insurance program for people age 65 or older. Sometimes people with certain disabilities or conditions may also qualify for Medicare even if they are younger than age 65. Medicare has four parts:
What Is Medicare Part A?
Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) helps pay for inpatient care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility (following a hospital stay), some home health care and hospice care.
What Is Medicare Part B?
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) helps pay for services from doctors and other health care providers, outpatient care, home health care, durable medical equipment, and some preventive services.
What Is Medicare Part C?
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans) allows people with Medicare Parts A and B to receive all of their health care services through a single provider under Part C. Private companies offer Medicare Advantage plans that provide extra coverage and sometimes lower out-of-pocket expenses. With a Medicare Advantage plan, there is no need for a Medigap plan.
What Is Medicare Part D?
Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) helps pay for the costs of prescription drugs.
Who is Eligible For Medicare?
Most people become eligible to sign up for Medicare three months before, the month of, and up to three months after their 65th birthday. The earliest your coverage can begin is the first day of the month in which you turn 65. In order to be eligible for Medicare, you, your spouse, or your qualifying ex-spouse must have worked at least 10 years during which time Medicare taxes were paid. And you must be a U.S. citizen or have been a permanent legal resident for five continuous years. Sometimes people with certain disabilities or conditions may also qualify for Medicare even if they are younger than age 65.
Why do I need a Medicare Supplemental Plan?
Medicare helps with the cost of health care for people age 65 or older, but it does not cover all medical expenses. Many people choose to buy a Medicare supplement policy from private insurance companies to fill in the coverage gaps.
KeenanDirect can help you decide which Medicare Supplemental plan is right for you. Here are some of the options:
Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C)
- Medicare-approved private health insurance plans for those enrolled in Original Medicare
- Potential out-of-pocket savings
Medicare Supplement
- Helps fill the gaps in Original Medicare
- Receive medical coverage from a private insurance company
Medicare Part D
- Provides additional prescription drug coverage
- Available to anyone enrolled in Original Medicare
When Did Medicare Start?
Medicare was created to provide access to health care to every American when they reached the age of 65. Prior to the establishment of Medicare in 1965, older Americans found it very difficult to get access to private health insurance. Medicare has greatly improved the health and longevity of seniors in America since the program’s inception over 50 years ago.
What Is The Difference Between Medi-cal vs Medicare?
Medicare is the federal government’s health insurance program for people age 65 or older. Medicaid is a government program run by the states to provide health care for people with low incomes. Every state has different program eligibility requirements and benefits for its Medicaid program, which in the state of California is called Medi-Cal.
Are Obamacare and Medicare The Same?
No. Medicare is the federal government’s health insurance program for people age 65 or older. Obamacare is health care reform legislation signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2010. (While commonly referred to as Obamacare or the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the official name of the legislation is the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.)
Obamacare was enacted to make sure that all Americans have access to affordable health insurance. If you don’t get insurance through your employer, and you don’t qualify for Medicare or Medicaid, you can now get access to government-sponsored health care plans through Obamacare, and you may even qualify for a government subsidy to help you pay for it. Obamacare also changed some of the rules that insurance companies have to follow so that more people could be covered. For example, insurance companies can no longer exclude someone from coverage just for having a pre-existing medical condition.
How Does Medicare Work?
Most people become eligible to sign up for Medicare three months before, the month of, and up to three months after their 65th birthday. The earliest your coverage can begin is the first day of the month in which you turn 65. In order to be eligible for Medicare, you, your spouse, or your qualifying ex-spouse must have worked at least 10 years during which time Medicare taxes were paid. And you must be a U.S. citizens or have been a permanent legal resident for five continuous years. Sometimes people with certain disabilities or conditions may also qualify for Medicare even if they are younger than age 65.
Medicare has four parts: Part A (Hospital Insurance); Part B (Medical Insurance); Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans); and Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage).
How Does Medicare Work With Other Insurance?
Medicare is the federal government’s health insurance program for seniors, but it doesn’t cover everything. Supplemental Medicare insurance plans, provided by private insurance companies, are designed to work with Medicare to help fill in the coverage gaps.
Whether you are new to Medicare, looking to add a plan or make changes to your existing plan, there are several options available to ensure you have the comprehensive health care coverage you need at a price that fits your budget.
What Is a Medigap Plan?
Medigap refers to a supplemental health care plan that covers some of the medical expenses that Medicare does not. These supplemental policies are provided by private insurance companies. KeenanDirect can help you compare these plans to determine which one is best for your individual needs.
Explain How Medicare Supplements Work.
Medicare, the federal government’s health insurance program for seniors, doesn’t cover everything. Medicare supplements refer to insurance plans that are designed to work with Medicare to help fill in the gaps. These supplemental Medicare plans are provided by private insurance companies.
Is Medicare Mandatory?
Medicare is mandatory for certain state and local government employees. Medicare is also mandatory once you are 65 years old if you receive Social Security benefits. If you are still working at age 65 and receive health insurance through your employer, then you are not required to enroll in Medicare at that time.
It is important to note that the rules for enrolling in Medicare are complex. KeenanDirect offers enrollment assistance and expert guidance, free of charge.
Is Medicare Health Insurance?
Yes. Medicare is the federal government’s health insurance program for people age 65 or older, but it doesn’t cover everything. KeenanDirect can help you find an insurance plan that works with Medicare to help fill in the coverage gaps.
Is Medicare Covered California?
No. Medicare is a federal government health insurance program for people age 65 and older. Covered California is the health insurance marketplace (or exchange) in the state of California established through the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare) for individuals and small businesses to purchase health insurance.
Why Do I Need a Supplemental Medicare plan?
Medicare helps with the cost of health care for people age 65 or older, but it does not cover all medical expenses. Many people choose to buy a Medicare supplement policy from private insurance companies to fill in the coverage gaps.
How Much is Medicare?
The amount you pay for Medicare depends on how much you earn each year and how much care you require. You also pay a separate amount for each part of Medicare (Part A for hospital coverage; Part B for doctor visits; Part D for prescription drugs). Remember, Medicare does not cover all of your medical expenses. That’s why many people choose to buy a Medicare supplement policy from private insurance companies to fill in the coverage gaps.
