Learn more about each area below.
What is Original Medicare?
Original Medicare is made up of Part A and Part B.
Part A is Hospital Insurance
- No fee to simply carry Part A if you paid into Medicare or married to someone who has paid Medicare taxes while working.
- Inpatient Hospital Deductible for 2023 in the amount of $1,600 for days 1-60. Then $400 copay per day for days 61-90. And $800 for each “lifetime reserve day” after day 90 for each benefit period.
- A benefit period begins the day you are admitted into the hospital; the benefit period ends when you haven’t received any inpatient hospital care or inpatient skilled nursing care for 60 days in a row. If you are admitted back into the hospital after one benefit period has ended, you are now in a a new benefit period and you are responsible for a new Part A deductible. There is no limit to the number of benefit periods.
- There are up to 60 lifetime reserve days in your lifetime.
- Skilled Nursing Facility for 2023 each benefit period of $0 copay for days 1-20 provided had been an inpatient in the hospital at least 3 consecutive days prior, $200 per day for days 21-100. After day 100 you are responsible for all charges.
- Hospice Care for 2023 has $0 copay.
- Home Health Care for 2023 has $0 copay. (Note: Medicare does not cover 24 hour care at home or custodial care, which is help with activities of daily living.)
Part B is Medical Insurance
- Monthly Premium to carry. The base premium to have Part B is $164.90 in 2023. You may pay more due to what is known as the income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA). Your IRMAA surcharge is based on your modified adjusted gross income reported on your federal tax return from two years ago. See chart below.
- Annual Deductible of $226.00 for 2023
- Medical and Other Services you will pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. This includes doctor services, outpatient therapy, and durable medical equipment. There is no limit to how much those expenses can be for you.
To avoid having to pay the Part A and Part B deductibles and co-payments is the reason to carry a Medicare Supplement Plan.
Medicare Part B and Part D Monthly Premiums by Income
Medicare Supplement Plans
A Medicare Supplement Plan is designed to pay expenses a Medicare eligible individual would otherwise be responsible for under Original Medicare. All Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are standardized, which means a letter plan that is offered with one company is the same with any other company. Also, different insurance companies may charge different premiums for the same exact plan. This information can be referenced on page 75 of the 2023 Medicare & You handbook and also on page 14 of the current Guide to Choosing a Medigap Policy publication.
There are ten different types of plans to choose from. With a Medicare Supplement plan you can go to any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare. You can enroll in or change a Medicare Supplement plan any time of year.
Senior Savings Services can explain what each of these plans will provide.
As a consumer you have a right to know which companies in your situation are the most cost effective. Senior Savings Services will let you know what the options are available to you and keep you informed. Senior Savings Services is independent and will work for you year after year to keep you informed of what options are available to you. To get a quote and learn of your options call 515-218-8022 or 1-800-592-0819 or click Get a quote
Part D – Prescription Drug Plan
A Prescription Drug Plan, known as Medicare Part D, is a plan that is designed to help protect against having to pay the full cost of a prescription. It is advised to enroll in a plan.
If you don’t enroll in a Prescription Drug Plan when you are initially eligible you can be charged a late enrollment penalty. This penalty equates to about $0.34 for each month you have not been enrolled in a plan. The amount of this penalty gets added onto the monthly cost of the Prescription Drug Plan you enroll in and never goes away.
If your modified adjusted gross income is above certain amounts you may pay more for a Prescription Drug Plan. See chart above.
Part C – Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage Plans are offered by private companies approved by Medicare. These plans include HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) or PPO (Preferred Provider Organization). These plans must cover all services that Original Medicare covers and often includes a Prescription Drug Plan. Often Medicare Advantage plans have a network of providers you must use except in emergency situations. The list of providers to go to within a plan can change throughout the year.
Senior Savings Services simplifies the comparison of Medicare Advantage plans by showing you plans that work with your providers, checking medication costs, and locating the plan that would have the lowest costs to you in your situation.
When considering a Part C Medicare Advantage plan be sure to review costs for items including but not limited to inpatient hospital costs, outpatient surgical costs, emergency room visit, cancer radiation and chemotherapy treatments. The plan will send you an Evidence of Coverage or Summary of Benefits book which shows what you are responsible for. The plan premium and copays can change from year to year. There are ways to help offset the copays of a Medicare Advantage plan if you have one. To learn more about your options call 515-218-8022 or 1-800-592-0819 or click Get a quote.
Common Questions
What is the difference between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage?
What is Medicare Annual Election Period?
This is a yearly period of time that is October 15th – December 7th you can enroll in or make changes to a Medicare Advantage Plan or Prescription Drug Plan. Any changes you make to these plans during this period of time will start January 1st. It is recommended comparing plans during this period of time as prescription copay amounts can vary widely from plan to plan. It is not uncommon to see substantial differences from one plan to the next if you are taking multiple medications.
During the Annual Election Period, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan you should review the cost in premium, deductible, and copayments for benefits including but not limited to inpatient hospital costs, outpatient surgical costs, physical therapy, cancer radiation, and chemotherapy treatments. Also, while they can change at any time, confirm your doctor and hospital are in network.
Contact Senior Savings Services at 515-218-8022 or 1-800-592-0819 to review the options in your situation.