The Guide to Medicare Enrollment When You Become Eligible

You’re aware that you will be eligible for Medicare once you turn 65. But what does this mean? Each day, more than 10,000 people become eligible for Medicare. Many are confused about how to sign up and what plan best suits their budget and health needs.

Medicare offers important benefits to those who are eligible, including hospital care and prescription drug coverage. There are many options available for Medicare plans, so choosing the right one may not be as difficult as you might think.

It is important to remember that Medicare can be enrolled for people who are not yet 65 but have been recently disabled. The number of people who are disabled is on the rise. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the disabled now total some 5 million Medicare beneficiaries.

Visit this page to determine if you, or a member of your family, may be eligible for Medicare. www.medicare.govCall 1-800-MEDICARE toll-free (TTY: 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a days, 7 days a săptămână

It is important to enroll in a timely fashion in order not to be subject to financial penalties. People who are eligible for Medicare will have the information they need to choose the plan that suits their needs and lifestyle.

Here are some things you should know:

* Anyone who has legally lived in the United States for the past five years qualifies for Medicare at the age of 65. Three options are available to those who are eligible for Medicare: Original Medicare (or Medicare Supplement), Medicare Advantage (or Medicare Advantage).

* Original Medicare is broken into two parts — A and B. Medicare Part A helps cover hospital expenses, and Part B helps cover everyday health care costs like doctor visits, outpatient care and some Part B prescription medications. After the deductible has been met, both Parts A & B will have a deductible and coinsurance.

* Medicare Supplement insurance plans, sold by private insurers, can help pay some of the health care costs that Original Medicare doesn’t pay, like copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. Original Medicare, if you purchase a Medicare Supplement plan and Medicare approves the amount of covered health care costs, Medicare will pay its portion. Your Medicare Supplement plan will then pay its share. Prescription drug costs are not covered by Medicare Supplement plans.

* Medicare Advantage plans are run by private insurance companies, and all plans cover everything Original Medicare plans pay, as well as extra benefits and services. Medicare Advantage plans often cover prescription drugs, vision, dental, and fitness benefits. Medicare Advantage plans are now available to more than 16,000,000 Americans.

* Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage for people with Medicare. These plans can be purchased as either a standalone plan or part of an all in one Medicare Advantage plan. Some Medicare Advantage plans do not include Part D.

You need to make an informed decision about enrolling in the right Medicare program. By understanding the facts you can easily navigate the process. You can find more information about Medicare plans, including their coverage at www.medicare.gov. www.Medicare.govOder www.Humana.com/medicareYou can also call a Humana agent licensed to sell between 8 and 8 p.m., Monday through Friday.