108. REPLAY: 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: Medicare details about enrollment for 2023: *Note: Part B premiums may increase Open enrollment period is 10/15/22 - 12/7/22 New Plan is effective on 1/1/23 12. Medicare 101 https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/794eb1c8/012-medicare-101 For more information about plans and the brochure mentioned in this episode, please visit: www.Thinkbluetx.com https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2c62c2_5fdf7b18b96d45639040f7972bf54fc8~mv2.jpeg https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2c62c2_ea7e019a7a9a4becae1d3bbbe025e9a2~mv2.jpeg To contact June Kim: [email protected] 214-783- 7901 For more detailed and up to date information please go to: www.medicare.gov Or call at 1-800-633-4227; available 24/7 And for social security: www.ssa.gov Enroll for Medicare with Social Security: 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. To 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/ __ Topics discussed: -Navigating Medicare -Medicare Advantage -Medicare supplement insurance -Choosing the right Medicare plan -Medicare FAQs -Medicare enrollment