The new year is here and with that, some big changes may be coming to Medicare in 2023. We will do our best to keep you in the loop. For now, we are here to guide you with the Medicare you have and the questions you should be asking to kick off the new year by getting the most out of your Medicare plan.

Did you remember to review your Medicare in 2022?

For many, this can be a confusing time of year. So, let’s talk about what exactly is the Medicare Fall Annual enrollment period?

This is an eight-week period every fall in which Medicare beneficiaries can enroll, change/update or disenroll from their Medicare Advantage/ Part D drug plans. Advantage and Part D plans get to refile benefits with Medicare each year. Existing premiums and benefits on your plan may change or increase. This election period exists to grant the opportunity to make a change in your existing coverage if you are needing to do so.

Have you suffered an illness or injury before becoming eligible for Medicare?

You may be wondering if this affects your eligibility or potential coverage options. This can be a scary topic if you do not understand your rights. Let’s chat about how Medicare works with pre-existing conditions.

Medicare considers pre-existing conditions as any health issue prior to the coverage start date.

Having a pre-existing condition simply means having a sickness before coverage begins.

Here’s what you need to know…

Within the US
The extent to which Medicare covers medical treatment while traveling is determined by where you are visiting and how your medical benefits are received.

Your first chance to sign up:

Generally, once you reach the age of 65. This period is referred to as your Initial Enrollment Period. It lasts seven months, beginning three months before your 65th birthday and ending three months after your 65th birthday. The start of your Medicare coverage is determined by when you join up and whatever sign-up period you are in. The month you sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period determines when your coverage begins. The first of the month will always be the start of coverage. If you are eligible for premium-free Part A, your coverage will begin the month you turn 65. (If you turn 65 on the first of the month, coverage begins the month before your birthday.)

Medicare and Medicaid are two health-insurance programs that help to pay the costs of healthcare for US citizens. These two separate programs are frequently misunderstood in terms of the coverage they provide and how they operate.

First and foremost, Medicare and Medicaid effectively serve two distinct groups.

They are TWO separate government initiatives that are controlled and funded by separate departments of the government. They differ in services & cost-sharing.

Medicaid is a state-federal program that offers health insurance to low-income health-care program that is often a final choice for those people who have exhausted all other options.

Making moves?

Is moving in your future? You may be surprised to find that changing your zip code can affect your Medicare coverage. Did you know that the availability of certain Medicare programs changes based on where you live? Medicare networks are dependent upon the supplier of each individual plan, this varies according to the region and is why zip code matters in terms of your Medicare eligibility.

It’s just about three months before your 65th birthday, a day of celebration with friends and family. Instead, you want to pull your hair out with the amount of mail and phone calls you receive.

Decisions, Decisions!!

When it comes Medicare it is not a one size fits all scenario. There are many things to consider when aging into Medicare at 65.

Original Medicare, which is your red, white and blue card, is made up of two parts: Part A and Part B.