Most folks turning 65 and preparing for Medicare are totally confused from the start, because of the “Parts” to Medicare. You open your mail box, and the stuff falls out all over the place. You finally get everything gathered up and take it inside. You open 1 “informational” packet, and the first thing you read is that there are 4 “Parts” to Medicare. Then you open another and it says the same thing, and already – the confusion starts.
Think about this –
Do you have Health Insurance right now, that’s not Medicare? Does your current health insurance provide coverage for you if you were to go into the Hospital? Will it provide coverage for you for a Doctor visit, medical testing, surgical procedures? What about prescription drug coverage at a pharmacy?
You may not realize it but the health insurance you have now is also split into parts—they just don’t sell it to you in parts, they bundle it all up. That’s because prior to turning 65 and getting Medicare, you need ALL Parts. You need Hospital Coverage, Medical Coverage, and Prescription Coverage. (Parts A, B, and D) But, when you get on Medicare, depending on YOUR situation, you may NOT need EVERY part. Here are some examples:
- Actively employed and covered under a group employer based health plan? You only need Part A until you do retire.
- Your spouse is Actively employed and you are covered under their employee health plan? You only need part A until they retire.
- Are you a veteran? You wouldn’t be required to take Part D because VA Prescription Benefits are creditable to Medicare.
- Retired State employee or Retired Teacher (in KY)? You only need Parts A and B.
Those are just some examples.
So, Medicare doesn’t split Health coverage up in parts to confuse you. It is split into parts to help you, because not everyone who needs Medicare needs all Parts.
To find out what parts of Medicare you need, contact me, or someone you can trust about your Medicare. I will help you and make sure you get the Parts you need for YOUR situation.
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