Medicare open enrollment for 2022 coverage starts on October 15, 2021, and continues through December 7.
During this annual window, Medicare plan enrollees can reevaluate their coverage – whether it’s Original Medicare with supplemental drug coverage or Medicare Advantage – and make changes or purchase new policies if they so wish.
Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B
Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) are available to the following individuals:
- Age 65 or older
- Disabled
- End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)
You need to be eligible for Medicare Part A and B to enroll in Medicare Advantage.
Most Medicare Advantage plans also include Part D prescription drug coverage.
Medicare Part D
To be eligible for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, you must have either Medicare Part A or Part B, or both. You can sign up for Medicare Part D at the same time that you enroll in Medicare Part A and B.
Medicare drug coverage is only available through private plans. If you have Medicare Part A, Part B, or both and do not have other drug coverage (creditable coverage), you should enroll in a Part D plan.
Medigap
If you’re enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B, and don’t have Medicare Advantage or Medicaid benefits, then you’re eligible to apply for a Medigap policy.
These plans are standardized, and are designed to cover some or all of the out-of-pocket costs that are incurred when you have a Medicare-covered claim (ie, they pay some or all of your deductible and coinsurance).
Verywellhealth.com provides answers to some frequently asked Medicare questions as well as this simplified chart:
(chart source: verywellhealth.com)
Sixty-three (63) days after becoming eligible for Medicare, the penalty assessment could begin if you have not enrolled in a plan.
This penalty could cost you money taken from your Social Security check over a lifetime.
Contact an Experienced Independent Insurance Agent
Contact me today to discuss your Medicare options. I will assist you throughout the entire process until you are completely satisfied with the selections you have made. I will also be your agent as long as you are on Medicare. I am here to serve YOU!
I am licensed in Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Alabama.
Office hours are Monday – Friday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Saturday, Sundays, and Evenings (After Hours) by appointment.