Just turning 65 and time to look at utilizing Medicare and/or adding a Medicare Supplement insurance policy? Viva Care can walk you through the options available and help determine that best plan for you, that fits within your budget.

To be eligible for Medicare you must be a US Citizen or Legal Resident and one of the following.

• Age 65
• Been disabled for 24 months or more
• Have End Stage Renal Disease or ALS

The 4 Parts of Medicare are:

Part A covers hospitalization – inpatient, skilled nursing, home health care and hospice care. If you, or your spouse, have worked 40 quarters in your lifetime, Part A is no cost to you. If you do not meet these requirements, you may purchase Part A.

Part B covers medical – doctor visits, screenings, lab work, x-rays, outpatient services, etc. Unlike Part A, Part B has a monthly premium.

Part C or Medicare Advantage is another way to get your Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are offered through independent insurance companies. These plans combine Part A & Part B coverage, as well as offering additional benefits such as; hearing, vision, dental & fitness memberships, and may also include coverage for Part D Prescription Drugs.

Part D is the Prescription Drug offered through independent insurance companies. Part D Prescription Drugs plans, while different between insurance companies, are required to be the same or better than the Medicare Guidelines.

Medicare Supplements offered by independent insurance companies (MediGap) help cover some of the costs that original Medicare does not cover. You may purchase a Medicare Supplement plan to cover Medicare deductibles and coinsurance amounts. Medicare Supplements do not cover Part D Prescription Drugs, so a Part D Prescription Drug Plan may be necessary. When first eligible for Medicare Part B, you can purchase a Medicare Supplement without any Medical Questions asked. This is called Open Enrollment.

The ABCDs of Medicare