While open enrollment for Medicare doesn’t occur until October 15th, it is never too early to start planning. After all, this is your health coverage we’re considering. However, enrolling in Medicare in New Hampshire can be a confusing process if new to the game. Understanding what you may qualify for and what you may want to consider adding is crucial in providing adequate coverage should the need arise.
From attending Medicare seminars to online research, the information you need is readily available. However, our team of experienced experts are here to help simplify the process and streamline the facts. Before you consider enrolling, here are the top eight facts you need to know about Medicare.
Medicare is not age-qualified
Medicare is a federally-funded program to provide insurance to older citizens over the age of 65. However, other individuals that may qualify for New Hampshire Medicare include those under 65 with disabilities that affect their ability to work. Patients with end-stage renal disease, or ESRD, also qualify.
More than 58 million Americans receive Medicare
As of 2019, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services announced that over 58 million people are covered by Medicare.
There are 4 Parts
The four parts of Medicare consist of A, B, C, and D, each providing different benefits.
- Part A provides hospital insurance.
- Part B covers preventative health services as well as medically necessary health care services.
- Part C is also known as Medicare Advantage and provides the same coverage as Part A and B. However, Part C is through private insurance companies and may cover additional benefits.
- Part D is optional and includes prescription drugs.
Some seniors are automatically enrolled in Part A
As a part of Medicare, some people are automatically enrolled following their 65th birthday. You can check your enrollment status on Medicare’s website here.
New Hampshire Medicare Part A can sometimes come free
Although there is a premium for Part A, working with a professional advisor may provide loopholes. For instance, some individuals who have paid taxes on Medicare for at least ten years, while working, may be exempt from paying the premium.
Medicare Advantage Plan
Otherwise referred to as Part C, Medicare Advantage offers the most benefit. At minimum, Part C covers the same benefits as Part A and Part B combined. Often, these plans may also include prescription drug coverage under Part D. Talk to Brownell Financial to see which is the best investment for your needs.
Part D is prescription drug coverage
As we mentioned, Part D of Medicare covers prescription drugs. However, this option is not included in the original Part A or Part B. Part D can be added when you enroll and can be included with Part C through a private insurance provider.
Open enrollment is the time for change
If you’re already enrolled in Medicare, but want to update your coverage to fit your current needs, you can. Open enrollment is the time of year to make adjustments.
Remember, open enrollment for Medicare begins on October 15th, 2020. However, you don’t need to wait until then to decide which Medicare coverage best fits your needs. When considering Medicare in New Hampshire, talk to the professionals at Brownell Financial for advice you can trust.
Contact Brownell at 603.437.1992 or visit them online for more information.