New to Medicare | Turning 65 Medicare

If you are new to Medicare or turning 65 and aging into Medicare, you are probably overwhelmed with phone calls and junk mail.  This massive amount of information tends to confuse people, add to that everyone that you know giving you advice and no wonder you are confused.  This page is designed to guide you through the basics.  Once you have finished this it will be time to have a conversion to determine what is the best route for you and what the best Medicare Supplement Plan for your needs and budget.

Wisconsin Medicare Supplement Plans are set-up different, if you are in WI please click the button to go to our Wisconsin Medicare Guide

WISCONSIN PAGE

Enrolling into Medicare

Before we can sign up for a Medicare Supplement Plan, you have to be enrolled into Medicare parts A and B.  There are two scenario’s for enrolling into Medicare.  See below for which one fits your situation.

Receiving Social Security

If you are receiving Social Security at the time you are aging into Medicare, you will be sent your Medicare card in the mail approximately 90 days prior to your 65th birthday.  There is no further action required by you.

NOT Receiving Social Security

If you are not receiving Social Security at the time of aging into Medicare, you will need to enroll into Medicare with the Social Security Department.

There are several ways to enroll, just pick the one that is the most convenient for you.

To Enroll into Medicare

Online at Social Security’s site: https://secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/rib

Go to your local Social Security office and enroll.

Call Social Security Main Office at 1-800-772-1213

What is Medicare

Medicare is made up of four parts, but only two parts will come directly from Medicare.  Part A and Part B come from Medicare, Parts C and D are provided by private insurance companies.  See below for an explanation of each individual part.

Medicare Part A

  • Medicare Part A is Hospital Coverage

Medicare Part B

Medicare Supplement Chart 2022

Medicare Part C

Medicare Part D

  • Medicare Part D is Prescription Drug Plan (You do need this)

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Supplement Plans do exactly what the name states, they supplement Medicare and pay what it does not, such as deductibles and coinsurance.  Many people will call what ever they have along with Medicare a supplement, this is very wrong.  Medicare Advantage plans are not supplements and they have much different coverage.  The other thing keep in mind is that what works for Bob down at the barber shop might not work for you.

The three most popular Medicare Supplement plans are, Plan G, and Plan N.  The each have their own positives and negatives, which plan is the best Medicare Supplement Plan really depends on your needs.

The chart below shows basic information about the different benefits Medigap policies cover.

Yes = the plan covers 100% of this benefit
No = the policy doesn’t cover that benefit
% = the plan covers that percentage of this benefit
N/A = not applicable

* Plan F also offers a high-deductible plan. If you choose this option, this means you must pay for Medicare-covered costs up to the deductible amount of $2,300 before your Medigap plan pays anything.

** After you meet your out-of-pocket yearly limit and your yearly Part B deductible, the Medigap plan pays 100% of covered services for the rest of the calendar year.

*** Plan N pays 100% of the Part B coinsurance, except for a copayment of up to $20 for some office visits and up to a $50 copayment for emergency room visits that don’t result in inpatient admission.

Starting January 1, 2020, Medigap plans sold to new people with Medicare won’t be allowed to cover the Part B deductible. Because of this, Plans C and F will no longer be available to people new to Medicare starting on January 1, 2020. If you already have either of these 2 plans (or the high deductible version of Plan F) or are covered by one of these plans before January 1, 2020, you’ll be able to keep your plan. If you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, but not yet enrolled, you may be able to buy one of these plans.

You live in Massachusetts, Minnesota, or Wisconsin 

If you live in one of these 3 states, Medigap policies are standardized in a different way.

Medicare Supplement Plan F

Medicare Supplement plan F used to be the most popular plan, but with it being eliminated for new enrollment in 2020 it is slowing down.  The Plan F is the most expensive plan and covers basically everything.  I am not a fan of the plan F, the price does not make sense when compared to the Plan G.  

Medicare Supplement Plan G

The Medicare Supplement Plan G is fast becoming the favorite plan.  With the only out-of-pocket being the low part B deductible to equal the benefits of the plan F, and the low premium it just makes sense.

Medicare Supplement Plan N

The Medicare Supplement Plan N is one of the lowest priced Medigap plans on the market.  While that may seem appealing, it does come with a little more out of pocket and a little more risk. 

Medicare Supplement Quote

Once you have an idea of what plan would fit your lifestyle and needs, it is time to see which one will fits your budget.  The best way would be to call us at 844-528-8688 there is never a fee for our services and we know the ins and outs of each company, but if you want to look on your own, here are a few tips.

  • Some companies offer spousal or household discounts
    • Spousal Discount:  You and your spouse must have the same supplement plan
    • Household Discount:  You only need to be living with someone to qualify. (usually someone over 50)
  • Smaller Companies stand the chance to be bought out and could have some rate volatility 
  • It is important to look at a company’s rate history.  We can’t see into the future but this is a fact we want to look at.
  • Look at a company’s A &M Best rating, a strong company will tend to have more rate stability

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