Mitch Lyman - Independent Medicare Agent

Starting in March of 2022, Medicare recipients enrolled in Supplement plans in Idaho can change their plan to an equal or lesser plan, starting on their birthday and the 62 days following.

Supplement plans, or MediGap plans, help to fill the gaps left by Original Medicare. They work in addition to Original Medicare Parts A and B, and require a separate Part D drug plan.

Most commonly during the fall open enrollment period, formally call the Annual Election Period (AEP). This takes place from Oct 15 to Dec 7. Otherwise, you will need a Special Election Period (SEP). For example, moving out of your plan’s coverage area, or retiring and losing employee health coverage.

The seven months starting three months before your 65th birth month, your birth month, and ending three months after your birth month. It is preferable to enroll in the first three months of this timeframe. (*Note that if your birthday in on the first of the month, your coverage starts on the first of the month before your birth month. Thus, your enrollment period starts one month earlier)

Prescription drug coverage.

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private companies to help pay for cost not covered by Original Medicare Parts A and B. Some plans include Part D drug coverage, referred to as MAPD. Others do not include Part D drug coverage, referred to as MA only. They are also known as Part C because they combine Parts A, B, and (sometimes) D.

Medical insurance for doctors’ services, labs, x-rays, etc., and other medical services and supplies that hospital insurance does not cover.

Hospital insurance for inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility (following a hospital stay), and some home health care and hospice care.

Medicare Parts A and B

Most Medicare enrollees are age 65 or older. People under 65 with long-term disabilities, permanent kidney failure, and Lou Gehrig’s Disease may also be eligible.

Yes. You can choose to drop your employee coverage and join Original Medicare Parts A and B, along with a Supplement or Advantage plan to accompany.

Yes. However, you may have to pay late enrollment penalties and/or provide proof of credible coverage for the period of time that you delay your Part B coverage.

The standard premium for Medicare Part B starts at $170.10 per month. This rate can be lower and higher depending on income.

You are automatically enrolled if you are already collecting Social Security benefits. If not, you can sign up for Medicare at the Social Security website, beginning three months before your 65th birth month.