059. Everything you always wanted to know about Medicare

“Does Medicare cover assisted living?” is a common question Lori Williams gets as a senior living professional. Since Medicare functions as health insurance and doesn’t cover senior living, she welcomes an expert back to the show to share what it does cover.You’ll get a simple overview of the Medicare puzzle from June Kim, a community relations specialist with BlueCross BlueShield of Texas. With Medicare enrollment October 15 through December 7, it’s a great time to learn - though it’s always helpful to understand what you’re getting into! She’ll answer common questions like:·What is Medicare Part A, B, C and D?· What’s a Medicare supplement? What about Medicare Advantage?· I’m still employed - should I enroll in Medicare?· How much does it cost?· Where do I enroll?If you need to learn the basics of Medicare or just need a refresher, this is a great place to start. Plus, you’ll also be aware of what changes are coming.Takeaways from this episode:-Enroll for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) once you turn 65 - even if you’re still employed. You’ve already paid into it, so it’s free.-Only enroll in Part B when you’re fully retired because your employer may already offer health insurance coverage.-You can’t be on Medicare Part A and B (traditional Medicare) without a drug plan - Part D.-Medicare covers 80% of the costs, and you’ll have to pay the last 20% out of pocket unless you have Medicare Supplement insurance.-Medicare Part C is an “all in one” plan run by private insurance companies. You wouldn’t get Part A, B or D if you already have Medicare Advantage, nor could you get a supplement.-You must be reasonably healthy to qualify for a Medicare supplement, and costs vary according to lifestyle. The older you get, the more expensive it is.-Medicare Part C is like an HMO health insurance plan; whereas Medicare A and B are like a PPO.- If you have Medicare Part A, B and D, and supplement insurance, you can use your Medicare in all 50 states - any doctor and any hospital that takes Medicare, with little to no out-of-pocket expenses.-Choosing the plan for you comes down to many factors including network and resources. What’s most important is that you understand the plan you choose.Resources mentioned in this episode:12. Medicare 101https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/794eb1c8/012-medicare-101For more information about plans and the brochure mentioned in this episode, please visit: www.Thinkbluetx.comhttps://static.wixstatic.com/media/2c62c2_5fdf7b18b96d45639040f7972bf54fc8~mv2.jpeghttps://static.wixstatic.com/media/2c62c2_ea7e019a7a9a4becae1d3bbbe025e9a2~mv2.jpegTo contact June Kim:[email protected] 7901For more detailed and up-to-date information, please go to:www.medicare.gov  Or call at 1-800-633-4227; available 24/7And for social security:www.ssa.govTo suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast please email [email protected] For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter please visit:https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/