As the baby boomers get older now, many people are reaching the age of 65, which is when they qualify for Medicare. There are four categories of Medicare coverage that are called “Parts,” and with a letter, as in Part A, B, C, and D. The decisions about Medicare are complicated. It is best to work with your agent at Family Insurance Associates, serving Ruidoso, NM, and the surrounding area to understand your choices better.

Here are the usage areas of the categories:

• Part A — Hospital Costs
• Part B — Medical Costs
• Part C — Medicare Advantage
• Part D — Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage

Americans, who paid enough payroll taxes (for more than 30 quarters) during their lifetime, qualify for the free Medicare — Part A. This is also called “premium-free Part A.” All you need do is apply for Medicare when you turn 65 to get these benefits.

If you are admitted to a hospital, you will pay a $1,408 deductible (as of February 2020) for each insured period of a year. There are no co-insurance payments (co-pays) for the first 60 days of your hospital stay.

From day 61, you will pay a co-pay of $352 per day up to 90 days. From day 91, you will pay a co-pay of $704 per day for up to the maximum lifetime reserve days of a total of 60 days. Lifetime reserve days are those days that exceed the period limits reserved for your entire lifetime. After you use up your 60 lifetime reserve days, you have to pay for all hospital costs.

Medicare Supplemental Insurance

The other Medicare coverage offered under Medicare Part B, C, and D requires that you pay a monthly premium to get the benefits. The premium for Part B, which allows you to see a doctor, who will accept the Medicare-approved amount for certain services, starts at $144.60 (as of February 2020) and goes up according to your income. The deductible is $198. The co-pays are usually 20% of the cost of medical services.

The monthly premiums and coverage for Part C and D vary by the plan. There are many programs to choose from for Part C and Part D. These are all called Medicare supplemental insurance. Contact your agent at Family Insurance Associates in Ruidoso, NM to discuss Medicare and Medicare supplemental insurance and to get a quote.

You may wonder if you’re eligible for Medicare, especially when an insurance policy is so expensive. According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), it’s expected that 79 million people will have Medicare by 2030. This rise may be attributed to the high number of individuals who are turning the age to collect these benefit. Family Insurance Associates, serving Ruidoso, NM and the surrounding area, helps individuals understand when they’re eligible as well as other specifics regarding Medicare. 

Age Plays a Role

Generally, you can’t receive Medicare unless you’re 65 or older. At this age, you’re eligible for part A, which is hospital insurance. Additionally, you qualify for part B, which is your standard medical insurance. Moreover, if you’re eligible for these two plans, you also can receive a prescription plan, more commonly known as a Part D plan. A spouse who isn’t working may collect at age 62. 

How Long You Worked

You have to work at least 10 years to qualify for Medicare benefits. You have to earn at least 40 credits. You earn each credit by working for a quarter. You can still qualify for Medicare if you don’t have enough credits; however, it’ll affect how much you have to pay for your premium. 

Certain Disabilities

If you have certain disabilities, you may qualify for Medicare, even if you’re not 65 or don’t have a spouse who’s 65 or over. You must qualify for Social Security Disability to also qualify for Medicare. Before you can apply for Medicare, you have to collect either certain Railroad Retirement Board benefits or Social Security Disability benefits for at least two years. 

Certain Diseases

You may qualify for Medicare based on your medical conditions, such as end-stage renal disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). You may even utilize your Medicare benefits at the same time as your disability benefits. 

Discuss Medicare benefits with an insurance professional from Family Insurance Associates, serving Ruidoso, NM and the surrounding region, by contacting us at 575-257-6146. 

Selecting the right Medicare insurance plan or supplemental plan is not always easy. Many people get confused about the differences between policies, what is covered, and what coverage they need. Here at Family Insurance Associates, serving the Ruidoso, NM area, we want to help make the process as easy as possible. Here are a few of the factors you should consider when you are looking to purchase a Medicare insurance plan or supplemental plan. 

Coverage

One of the first things you need to do when considering a Medicare insurance plan is to understand the coverage. Different parts and supplemental plans have different types of coverage. One part may cover prescriptions, while another may cover hospital stays. Think about what coverage you already have or do not have with a private medical plan and then look for a policy that fills in the gaps that you need. 

Out-Of-Pocket Expenses

Next, look at any out-of-pocket expenses you may have with a plan, including co-pays and deductibles. You need to ensure you can afford the out-of-pocket costs that go along with the plan you are selecting. 

The Star Rating

Lastly, look at the star rating of the plan. The star rating is a rating from both providers and customers related to the plan. The rating is based on customer service, coverage, the plan’s quality, and how well people feel the plan performs for them. This is sort of like a review, allowing you to see how other people rate this specific plan. 

At Family Insurance Associates, serving the greater Ruidoso, NM area, we can sit down with you and discuss your medical insurance needs and help you select the right Medicare insurance plan for you. Give us a call now to schedule your appointment.