On July 30, 1965 President Lyndon B. Johnson made Medicare law in Independence Missouri. Former President Harry S.
Truman was issued the very first Medicare card. In 1965 the budget for Medicare was 10 Billion Dollars, 19 million
individuals signed up that year. In 2018 the outlay for Medicare was 582 Billion Dollars or 14 percent of the Federal
Budget (49,435,610 enrollees).
Medicare was created because people over 65 found it virtually impossible to get private health insurance coverage.
Medicare has made access to health care a universal right for Americans once they reach age 65. This has helped
improvethe health and longevity of older Americans for over 55 years. Over the years Medicare has changed to include
Home Health Services, Hospice, Prescription Drugs, ALS, and the ability of Private Insurance carriers to offer
Medigap - Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans.
In every state, a US Citizen has a guaranteed right to purchase a Medicare Supplement-Medigap policy for seven
months. During this "Guarantee Issue" period" an insurance company is not allowed to turn you down or charge you
more because of apre-existing condition (Diabetes, Heart, Cancer, etc.).
Medicare is a federal government program that those 65 years of age and those with certain disabilities get their medical
bills and prescription drug costs covered. The program is divided into four parts: Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D.
Part A - also known as hospital insurance and covers some expenses incurred at the hospital as well as help with skilled
nursing. (more Info)
Part B - medical insurance, pays some doctor and outpatient medical care costs including some home healthcare costs.
(more info)
Part C - also called Medicare Advantage (more info). It is run by private insurers and Medicare Managed Care plans
(such as an HMO that provides Medicare-covered services as well as other coverages).
Part D - covers some prescription drug costs. There are many plans to choose from based on your state (more info).
Be aware of Medicare Deductibles (more info)
Medicare and additional coverages can be very confusing. Please review the different options available that are listed
in this website and the Government Medicare Website. If you would like to speak wirth a human,
Call (866) 374-0002 or email us.
Medicare Advantage Plans Part C (click here)
Medigap -Medicare Supplement Insurance (click here).
Dual Eligible Medicare Plans (click here)
When can you sign up?
There are 3 times yearly that you can sign up for Medicare:
Initial Enrollment Period - You can sign up when you’re first eligible for Part A and/or Part B. People turning 65
(or older) if you’re eligible for Medicare when you turn 65. You have a seven month window to enroll starting
three months before your 65th birthday the month of your birthday and three months after your 65th birthday.
Open Annual Enrollment Period - Anyone can make changes to their coverage and enroll in
a Medicare plan each year, from October 15 to December 7.
1. If you’re in Original Medicare, you can switch to a Medicare Advantage plan - or a Medigap - Medicare Supplement
Insurance plan.
2. You can switch from a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage to one without - or vice versa.
3. You can join or drop a Medicare prescription drug plan.
4. You can also update your coverage by switching to a new plan from your current insurer or switching to a new
insurer.
5. If you choose to make a change during the Annual Enrollment Period, your new coverage won’t begin until
January 1.
General Enrollment Period - Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
1.This period takes place from January 1 through March 31 annually. It allows individuals enrolled in a Medicare
Advantage plan to make a one-time election to go to either another Medicare Advantage plan or Original Medicare.
How do plans differ?
Medigap - Medicare Supplement and Advantage Insurance plans are sold by private insurance companies.
Each insurer has the option to price its plans differently. When determining which plan to buy, you need to consider
several factors.
• Your age and how an insurance company sets its prices.
• The way that an insurance company prices its Medicare Supplement Plans
• History of price increases even if the cost is initially low the premiums you pay later on may increase substantially.
• Pricing
Community-Rated: No age rated plan, all enrollees pay the same premiums regardless of age. Age is not a factor,
samerates for all ages. Premiums may go up due to factors other than age.
Issue -Age - Rated: Based on issue age when you enroll. Premiums are lower for individuals who purchase at a
younger age. Premiums may go up due to factors other than age.
Attained - Age- Rated: Rates are based on your current age. Your premium goes up as you get older.
Do you have questions? Fell free to call and speak with a Human who has over 35 years experience.
Call (866) 374-0002 or Contact us to schedule an online or in-person consultation.
Due to Governmental regulations and different Medigap - Medicare Supplement & Advantage plans
we are unable to advise until we are aware of your needs and have your permission.