Guide To The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

You might remember when the price tag of the EpiPen made headlines in 2016. The cost of this life-saving medication, used to treat severe allergic reactions, went from $93.88 to $608.61 in a seven-year timeframe - a 500% price increase by drug manufacturer Mylan Pharmaceuticals. While the EpiPen story was an extreme case, it's not uncommon for prescription drugs to increase in price and become unaffordable. That's why you want to make sure you're paying the best price for your prescriptions.  Here are 6 tips to save money on prescription drugs & be a savvy shopper. #1. Buy Generic Brands This may be a no-brainer for some, but it's a cost-saving tip worth remembering. Generic drugs can be significantly cheaper than brand-name versions. While everyone benefits from generic drug prices, people over age 65, especially, saved $75 billion in 2016 by choosing generic drugs. It's important to know that you're not compromising the quality of the drug if you choose a generic brand: The FDA says that generic drugs have the same active ingredients and effectiveness of brand-name drugs - a part of the FDA's approval process. So if your doctor prescribes a brand-name drug, ask if there's a generic equivalent. The savings are worth the effort. #2. Join Rewards ProgramsCertain stores or pharmacies may offer coupons or rewards programs. Every rewards program is different, but in general: You can join a store's program (sometimes for free or for a small monthly payment) and earn points based on purchases. You can then use those points towards in-store purchases.You might also receive other perks like free 1 – 2 day shipping for prescriptions, 24/7 pharmacy consultations, or points for reporting wellness activities like walking or running. There are many reward programs to choose from - CVS ExtraCare Pharmacy & Health Rewards, Meijer mPerks, and Rite Aid wellness+ rewards are just three examples.#3. See If Your Drugs Qualify for Home DeliveryYou might save money if you get your prescription drugs shipped directly to your home. In some cases, you can order a 60- to 90-day supply for a better price than buying the drug in person at your local pharmacy. Prescription home delivery also makes sense if you're unable to drive or want the convenience of not having to travel to the pharmacy to pick up medications. Just be sure to check with both your doctor and your insurance company to make sure the home delivery option is available for your specific prescription drug.#4. Get A Prescription Savings CardPrescription savings cards provide discounts or coupons for medications at thousands of retailers nationwide. Many companies such as GoodRx and WellRx now offer them. Some even allow you to use them for pet prescriptions. Prescription savings cards typically show you where a drug is available and what the prices are at certain pharmacies.Simvastatin is a popular drug used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack. The average retail price of Simvastatin is around $66.39, but it can be as low as $4.00 prescription savings card. Prescription savings cards are suitable for almost everyone. However, it's important to check out the fine print to see what's covered.#5. Apply For Extra HelpYou may qualify to get help paying for your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan monthly premiums, annual deductibles and copayments through the Extra Help program.#6. Know Your Coverage OptionsIf you're enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A & B) and need prescription drug coverage, you have to sign up for a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) or a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, but you can't have both. Call us today to compare plans and see if you qualify: 1-800-620-4519. This article is for general education purposes and does not replace the advice of a medical professional. Always seek the guidance of your physician or a medical professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment. Outside of the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, you can only enroll in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D plan if you meet certain criteria.

As we grow older, we often need help getting around. This might mean getting a cane, a walker, or another walking aid. One of the concerns seniors have is how they can afford these devices. If you use Medicare as your primary insurance coverage, you might have questions like “Does Medicare cover walkers?” or “Does Medicare pay for walking aids?” This guide is designed to answer the most common questions about Medicare and walking aids. Does Medicare Pay for Upright Walkers? Does Medicare pay for walkers for seniors? It’s a common question, and it depends on which Medicare plan you have. Original Medicare will cover walkers that are medically necessary and prescribed by your doctor. This is covered under Medicare Part B as durable medical equipment. In order to receive coverage, your medical equipment provider must accept Medicare as payment. They also need to have a Medicare supplier number. You will be responsible for your Part B deductible if it hasn’t already been paid, and then you’ll pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the walker. Medicare will cover the rest. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you will also receive coverage for a medically-necessary walker. All Advantage plans must cover at least as much as Original Medicare. You will probably need to choose a medical equipment provider within the insurer’s network. Check your plan for details. Does Medicare Pay for a Walking Boot?Crutches and walking boots are also covered by Medicare when they are medically necessary. The good news is that you can often rent these devices instead of buying them, which saves you money. With Original Medicare, you can expect to pay 20% of the Medicare-approved cost after your deductible is covered. Medicare will pay the other 80%. When you rent an item, the provider is responsible for maintaining it, so contact them if you have any problems. Learn more about Medicare costs, deductibles, and premiums in 2022.A Medicare Advantage plan will also cover a medically necessary boot or crutches. You may have a different copayment amount, however, so be sure you contact your plan for details.Does Medicare Pay for Walking Canes?Walking canes that are prescribed by a doctor for a mobility impairment are covered by Medicare. If you buy a cane and then it needs to be repaired, you can generally get the repairs covered by Medicare as well.Keep in mind that the normal durable medical equipment (DME) rules apply: the cane needs to be medically necessary, prescribed by a doctor, and provided by a medical equipment supplier that accepts Medicare and has a Medicare supplier number.One notable exception is that Original Medicare does not cover white canes for the blind. They define these canes as a self-help device rather than one that treats an illness or injury. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you may have additional coverage options for canes. You’ll need to choose an equipment provider that’s in the insurance network. Be sure to contact your insurer to get the details you need. Learn More About Medicare and WalkersStill have questions about Medicare coverage for walkers or other devices? It can be helpful to talk to a licensed agent about your insurance coverage, and we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about your Medicare coverage and compare available options! 

Some Medicare beneficiaries have concerns about their out-of-pocket expenses. In particular, it can be intimidating to face 20% coinsurance after your deductible is met. That can get expensive. Both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplements can address these concerns, in different ways. Understanding the difference between Medicare Advantage vs Medicare Supplements can help you choose the right plan for your needs. This article will help you understand the differences between Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap Did you know Medicare has the highest rate of satisfaction among Medicare beneficiaries? In fact, they ranked both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage highly according to a 2019 survey. Still, it can be a difficult task to pick the best Medicare plan for your needs. Let's simplify the process by looking at Original Medicare, then discussing how Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) plans and Medicare Supplement (Medigap plans) work and take a closer look at the difference between Medigap and Medicare Advantage. What Is Medicare? Medicare is health insurance with different parts for: People who are 65 and over.People under 65 years old who are disabled and have been receiving Social Security Disability benefits for at least 24 months.People suffering from End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease.Medicare Part A CostsOriginal Medicare is broken into two parts: Part A (for hospitalization) and Part B (for medical services). In most cases, there is no cost for Medicare Part A.But you would have to pay a $471 monthly premium for Medicare Part A if you only paid Medicare taxes for 29 quarters or less (about 7.25 years). And if you paid Medicare taxes between 30-39 quarters (7.5 years to 9.75 years), the standard Part A premium is $259.Medicare Part B CostsMedicare Part B premiums are determined by your modified adjusted gross income.If your income for 2021 was less than or equal to $87,000 for a single or $174,000 for a married couple filing jointly, you will pay the standard Medicare Part B rate, which is $148.50 a month in 2021. Part B premiums rise to a maximum of $504.90 a month if your income exceeds $500,000 for an individual or $750,000 for a couple filing jointly.Many people are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B when they turn 65 and begin to receive Social Security retirement benefits.But you might be in a situation where you have other health insurance besides Medicare, like a plan through your employer. In this case, you can delay your enrollment in Part B without being penalized and save paying the monthly premium. However, you would have to pay a $458 monthly premium for Medicare Part A if you only paid Medicare taxes for 29 quarters or less (about 7.25 years). And if you paid Medicare taxes between 30-39 quarters (7.5 years to 9.75 years), the standard Part A premium is $252.How to Enroll in Original MedicareIf you don’t receive Social Security benefits at age 65, you need to sign up on your own. There are three ways to enroll:Go online to www.SocialSecurity.gov.Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).Visit your local Social Security office in person.The seven-month Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) for Medicare begins three months before you turn 65, continues during your birthday month, and runs for three months after you turn 65. If you don’t enroll in Medicare during this timeframe, you could face penalties for not complying with Medicare rules.There’s also a Medicare annual enrollment period each year after your initial enrollment, which allows you to make changes to your coverage for the following year.What are the Different Types of Original Medicare Plans?Medicare Part A is hospital insurance. It helps cover inpatient care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and home healthcare. In most cases, there is no cost for care, but there is a deductible of $1,484 in 2021.Medicare Part B is medical insurance. This plan helps cover doctor visits, outpatient care, home healthcare, durable medical equipment, and many preventive care services. Monthly premiums vary based on your income, and there is a deductible of $203 in 2021.Medicare Part C is Medicare Advantage. Medicare Advantage plans combine Medicare Part A and Part B into a health plan. Many Medicare Advantage plans may include prescription drug coverage and extra benefits. (More on this below).Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage. Medicare Part D helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. The standard maximum deductible is $445 in 2021.Medicare plans A-N is Medicare Supplement coverage. Medicare Supplement, also known as Medigap, have several different plans, which help cover benefits that Original Medicare may not cover. Medigap prices vary by plan benefits, not income. Note that Plans C, E, F, H, I, and J are no longer sold to new enrollees.So, the big question is: Should you consider Medicare Advantage, or enroll in Original Medicare and get a Medicare Supplement instead? And the short answer is: It depends.You have to evaluate your healthcare needs and how much you can afford to pay out-of-pocket for health insurance.What is Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C)?Medicare Advantage provides all of your Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) coverage. A majority of Medicare Advantage plans offer extra coverage, such as vision (78%), hearing, dental care (67%) or wellness programs (72%). Most include Part D prescriptions drug coverage (90%).As a Medicare beneficiary, you have a choice between selecting Original Medicare or choosing a Medicare Advantage plan (also known as Part C), which is provided by private health insurance companies.How Much Does Medicare Advantage Cost?Medicare Part C premiums vary by the plan (many plans have $0 premiums). And each Medicare Advantage plan can charge different out-of-pocket costs and have different rules for how you get medical services.For example, most insurance companies require Medicare Advantage plan participants to get pre-approved before they can have a procedure done, but another insurance company might not have that requirement.Do Medicare Advantage Plans Cover Pre-existing Conditions?Yes, your acceptance is guaranteed and you're not required to complete any medical history forms. This includes coverage for people with End State Renal Disease (ESRD), which is a 2021 change to Medicare.What is a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan?Medicare supplement plans (Medigap) plans provide extra coverage to help pay for some of the healthcare costs and services that Medicare doesn’t pay. These plans can offer protection from large out-of-pocket medical costs that result from numerous doctor or hospital visits.It’s important to note that you can’t have more than one Medicare supplement plan. And though Medicare supplement plans may have higher monthly premiums than Medicare Advantage plans, you may want to consider buying a Medicare supplement insurance plan if:You’re likely to have numerous hospital stays during a year.You have regular doctor visits and/or medical services.You live in different places during the year and cannot be confined to a local network.You frequently travel outside the U.S. and want insurance coverage for emergency medical care overseas, which Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B may not provide. Note: Some Medicare supplement plans provide international travel coverage.A Medicare supplement plan may also be a good fit if you want to visit a specific top-tier medical facility like the Mayo Clinic. You wouldn’t qualify for an in-network check-up with a Medicare Advantage plan, but you’d have the ability to see a Mayo Clinic doctor with a Medicare supplement plan, with coverage for a large chunk of your services.How Much Do Medigap Plans Cost?Pricing for Medicare Supplement plans are based on the plan you select (high/low benefits), your age at time of enrollment, your state of residence, and the health insurance company you select. That’s why it is important to compare when you shop from plan to plan or even between the same company’s plan differences before choosing a Medicare supplement plan.What's the Difference Between Medicare Advantage vs Medicare Supplements?Medicare Advantage offers more choice and covers more medical services than Medicare, while still following all of Medicare’s rules. One of the biggest differences between the two is the difference in cost. Medigap plans generally have a higher premiums than Medicare Advantage plans, but in some cases, Medicare Advantage can cover less expenses than Medigap. This means that despite a lower initial cost, you may end up paying more in out-of-pocket expenses with Medicare Advantage than with a medicare supplement. Remember: Medicare Advantage acts as an alternative to original Medicare, while Medicare Supplement plans are additions to Original Medicare coverage.Do I Need a Original Medicare with a Supplement or Medicare Advantage?Choosing between a Medicare Advantage plan or adding a Medicare Supplement plan on to your Original Medicare coverage depends on your situation.To start, ask yourself these types of questions:Do I travel outside of the United States regularly? Do I live in a different state for a portion of the year? Do I want to see any doctor and not be limited to a network? Is my budget more important than my health benefits? Are extra benefits like dental and vision coverage important to me?Answering these questions will help you determine if Medigap or Medicare Advantage is a better fit for you.Can You Switch From Medicare Advantage to Medigap?Switching from Medicare Advantage to Medigap means you need to go back to Original Medicare. Instead of having coverage under Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage), you’ll have coverage under Medicare Part A and Part B, with Medigap added on.This can only be done during open enrollment periods. The Annual Election Period is between October 15th and December 7th of each year. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is between January 1st and March 31st each year.Keep in mind that usually if you switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare with Medigap, you may pay a higher price for your Medigap plan because you won’t have guaranteed issue rights. Guaranteed issue rights give you the ability to buy any Medigap plan without paying more due to your health status.To switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap with guaranteed issue, you need to:Have purchased your Medicare Advantage plan when you were first eligible, but decided within the first year to switch.Lose your Medicare Advantage plan because you moved out of the service area or the plan stopped operating in your area.These temporary guaranteed issue opportunities may not include all Medigap plans — it will depend on the rules in your state.Compare Medigap and Medicare AdvantageThe chart below offers a side-by-side comparison of costs and coverage to help you understand the difference between Medigap and Medicare Advantage.   Medicare AdvantageMedicare SupplementCoverageIn most cases, copayments (a fixed amount of money you pay) are required.In most cases, it can cover deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance that isn’t covered by Part A and Part B.CostMany times $0 or a low monthly cost.Higher monthly cost based on state, gender, and age.TravelMany plans may cover emergency care when you’re out of the country, but there’s typically a maximum amount the plan will pay.Many plans may cover emergency care when you’re out of the country, but there’s typically a maximum amount the plan will pay.Prescription DrugsTypically included with coverage.Not covered. You must enroll in a Part D plan for drug coverage.Routine dental, vision, hearing coverageMay be covered depending on the plan selected.Not covered.Copayments and coinsuranceUsually have copayments and/or coinsurance.Typically pays for copayments and coinsurance.NetworkMedicare Advantage plans have different networks: HMO, PFFS, and PPO. It’s important to understand the rules about going out of network for your healthcare.No network. See almost any doctor or medical facility that accepts Medicare.Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans may provide benefits for the following services (but check your plan details for specific benefits):Hospitalization: Medicare limits the number of days you can spend in the hospital. If you pass the maximum number of days, supplemental insurance pays the copayment that Medicare does not cover.Skilled Nursing Facility: Depending on the plan you select, Medicare supplement covers skilled nursing services that Medicare does not cover.Blood: If you need blood, Medigap coverage could pick up the tab on a few pints.Hospice care: Medicare pays for everything but copayment and coinsurance. Medicare supplement could pay the copayment and coinsurance.Inpatient or outpatient hospital medical expenses: Medicare generally pays 80% of all expenses, and a Medigap plan generally pays the remaining 20%.Note: Medicare supplement plan benefits are subject to state rules and regulations. Benefits described here encompass common Medigap plans available in the marketplace. Other services may be covered based on the supplemental plan you pick. Please check your insurance policy documents or talk to a customer service representative for more information.Find & Compare Medicare Advantage and Medigap PlansBut you don’t have to go it alone: We can answer your questions about Medicare and help you find the best Medicare quotes for your needs. Just try our Medicare Advantage plan comparison tool to get Medicare quotes online, or call 800-620-4519 to get help from a licensed insurance agent.