HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED TO CHANGE MY MEDICARE COVERAGE?
Your personal situation may change from year to year, so it's important to review your coverage to make sure you still have the best fit for your needs. Some things you should consider:
- Are you unhappy with your current coverage?
- Have your health care needs changed?
- Have your premium and/or out-of-pocket costs increased?
- Can another plan offer you additional benefits and member extras?
VISION
Medicare doesn’t cover routine eye exams for eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, it will pay for some eye care services if you have a chronic eye condition, such as cataracts or glaucoma. Medicare Part A may cover vision care when the vision condition is considered a medical problem.
DENTAL
Medicare also doesn't cover most dental care, dental procedures, supplies, or other dental devices. Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) will pay for certain dental services that you get when you're in a hospital.
You do have options for dental and vision benefits. Call 833.600.6727 to learn more.
DO I REALLY NEED A PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN?
It’s no secret that prescription drug costs continue to rise. A Medicare prescription drug plan can be an important way for you to control your expenses. Remember too that your health care needs may change in the future. You may also risk a late enrollment period if you delay your enrollment (see below).
WHAT’S THE PART D LATE ENROLLMENT PENALTY?
The late enrollment penalty is an amount that's added to your Part D (Medicare prescription drug) premium. You may owe a late enrollment penalty if, at any time after your Initial Enrollment Period is over, there's a period of 63 or more days in a row when you don't have Medicare prescription drug benefits or other creditable prescription drug coverage.
“Creditable prescription drug coverage” is coverage that is considered equal to or better than Medicare prescription drug coverage.
Please note: If you qualify for extra help paying for your Part D plan, you won’t be charged a late enrollment penalty. However, if you disenroll from your plan, and then reenroll 63 days or more later and no longer qualify for help, you may be charged a penalty.
DO I HAVE TO BE ON THE SAME PLAN AS MY SPOUSE?
No. You enroll in a Medicare health plan on an individual basis.
DOES MEDICARE COVER LONG-TERM CARE?
Medicare doesn’t cover long-term care (also called custodial care). Medicare does cover:
- Care in a long-term care hospital
- Skilled nursing care in a skilled nursing facility
- Eligible home health services
- Hospice and respite care