MEDICARE MINUTE

WHAT IS MEDICARE?

BY BRIAN MAUST & ROBIN LEONE

Medicare is a federal program that offers health insurance to American citizens and other eligible individuals based on age, disability, or a qualifying medical condition. Medicare is individual insurance and doesn’t cover spouses or dependents. Original Medicare (Parts A & B) is provided by the federal government. It helps pay for hospital stays and doctor visits, but it doesn’t cover everything. You may add coverage by enrolling in one or more private Medicare or Medicare-related plans.

OPTION 1

Medicare Part D Plan Helps pay for prescription drugs

And, you can also add: Medicare supplement insurance(Medigap) Helps pay some out-of-pocket costs that come with Original Medicare

Who can get Medicare?

U.S. citizens and legal residents Legal residents must live in the U.S. for at least 5 years in a row, including the 5 years just before applying for Medicare.

You must also meet one of the following requirements: • Age 65 or older • Younger than 65 with a qualifying disability • Any age with a diagnosis of end-stage renal disease or ALS

Eligible with a disability? Your Medicare eligibility begins after 24 months of receiving Social Security disability benefits.

How do you enroll?

If you are receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits when you become eligible you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. You’ll receive your Medicare card in the mail. If you’re not receiving benefits, you need to sign up for Medicare when you become eligible.

Go to socialsecurity.gov to enroll online or call or visit your local Social Security office.

STEP ONE

First, you need to enroll in Original Medicare provided by the federal government.

PART A

Helps pay for hospital stays and inpatient care

PART B

Helps pay for doctor visits and outpatient care

STEP TWO

Now, you can look at additional coverage options offered by private insurance companies

OPTION 2

Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) Combines Original Medicare Part A & Part B coverage in one plan

Usually includes prescription drug coverage (Part D)

May offer additional benefits like vision and dental coverage

Maust & Leone is a full-service Medicare insurance agency. We help clients become more knowledgeable about all things Medicare related including Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans as well as prescription drug plans. We assist clients in selecting and enrolling in a plan that best fits their needs. Maust & Leone offers every plan available in Monroe County, western NY and additional states. Our agents are fully licensed, extremely knowledgeable, and always mindful of our focus which is complete client satisfaction on every occasion. We look forward to assisting with your Medicare related needs!