This is the official government guide explaining the medicare program in detail. Medicare overview information on this website was developed by the blue cross and blue shield association to help consumers understand certain aspects about medicare. If youre among the many seniors who head for warmer places during the winter, check to see if your medicare coverage will go with you. Just the facts, no gimmicks, no sales pitches, just what you need to know by ian schaeffer and david schaeffer feb 21, 2019 4. Please mail your completed application, cms40b, application for enrollment in medicare part b medical insurance to your local social security field office. These choices will be explained in more detail on the next page and throughout this book. For example, humana has several plans listed in my book, in the description, it shows which counties each plan covers. As always, if you have specific questions about medicare, visit. Weve been mailing new medicare cards since april 2018. Medicare and you 1999 medicare and you your medicare handbook. Department of health and human services summary of medicare benefits. This information is essential if you are already enrolled in medicare or will be soon.
Original medicare works in all 50 states, but medicare usually doesnt cover health care when youre traveling outside the u. Medicare for dummiesstepbystep instructions when turning 65. One way to explore your options is through this years 2020 medicare. This is normally free of cost if you have worked enough and paid into the medicare system. Citizen and qualify for medicareor soon will and plan to live or travel overseas, you need to understand your rights and obligations. We use a variety of tools to count, track, and analyze visits to medicare. This summary of changes highlighted in the book will help you prepare for the upcoming year. Regardless of the coverage they ultimately select, all people with medicare deserve the opportunity to make an informed choice.
In most cases, you can choose any of these methods regardless of whether youre applying during your initial. The first explains how to sign up and understanding your eligibility. Medicare part d beneficiaries are charged a variety of outofpocket expenses. Original medicare works in all 50 states, but medicare. If you are going on medicare, as your primary coverage when you turn 65, it is a good idea to understand what types of things fall under medicare part b coverage.
If you have questions regarding medicare supplement insurance, please contact our consumer assistance hotline at 18004322484. If for some reason you dont get your medicare and you handbook in the mail, or if you would like to receive an additional copy, you can order a printed copy by calling 18006334227 1800medicare. You can apply online on social securitys website provided youre at least 64 years and nine months old, you dont want to apply for retirement benefits at this time, you dont yet have any medicare coverage, and you dont live outside of the united states. Your new card has a medicare number thats unique to you, instead of your social security number. You are eligible for medicare part a hospital careand part b doctor visits when you turn 65.
Go to, read the instructions carefully, and follow the. The medicare advantage plan you choose will let medicare know that you have enrolled in one of their plans. You are eligible for medicare part a hospital care and part b doctor visits when you turn 65. Unauthorized or improper use of this system or its data may result in disciplinary action. What expats, frequent travelers, and you need to know, and its written by ron elledge, a u. You will need to sign up for it during your initial enrollment period or you will pay. If selecting a medicare advantage plan, you must live in the plans service area to enroll. Providing the 2020 medicare and you handbook a guide to medicare and detailed information on the medicare part d program for every state, including selected medicare part d plan features and costs organized by state. There are 2 main choices for how you get your medicare coverage. More medicare information social security administration.
Providing the 2020 medicare and you handbook a guide to medicare and detailed information on the medicare part d program for every state, including selected medicare part d plan. To get the most from medicare, you need accurate information that steers you clear of bad advice and. Medicare for dummies is what you need to navigate medicare successfully and get the best out of the complex system. If you live in puerto rico you will not receive medicare part b medical insurance automatically. You also may contact your local social security office. Youll get a new medicare number thats unique to you, and it will only be. With the 2020 year about to begin, you might want to compare your medicare options for the next year. Generally speaking, medicare part b covers medicallynecessary services at a doctors office and suppliesequipment that are needed to diagnose or. You could call one of the providers, they would know. January 1, 2017 new coverage begins if you made a change. There is an apparent bias toward private medicare advantage plans over traditional medicare using inaccurate and misleading information. Government medicare handbook kindle edition by centers for medicare and medicaid services author visit amazons centers for medicare and. Your new card has a medicare number thats unique to you, instead of your social security.
Medicare and health insurance specialist who has devoted his entire career to understanding the intricacies of u. How to spot them, how to avoid them, and how to optimize your healthcare at the lowest possible cost avoid the traps series, book 2 rick mortimer 4. New costs and benefit changes also begin if you keep your existing medicare health or prescription drug coverage and your plan makes changes. To sign up, please call our tollfree number at 180077212 tty 18003250778. To qualify for medicare, you or your spouse need to have paid medicare and social security payroll taxes for at least 10 years while working, or meet other specifi c requirements. Other information can also be found within the medicare and you handbook, such as a comparison that can help you in deciding whether going with original medicare or a medicare.
Prescription drug costs retirees should expect to pay. Small changes can make a big difference in your budget and your coverage. Other information can also be found within the medicare and you handbook, such as a comparison that can help you in deciding whether going with original medicare or a medicare advantage plan is right for you. Medicare doesnt automatically enroll you in a medicare advantage plan. The information accessed through this system is provided for use only by authorized mymedicare. Medicare and you 2020 get your handbook and learn whats. It is, along with medicare part a, part of original medicare. If you have not received your copy, please call 18006334227 to request one. You can get the handbook in an electronic, pdf form or paper form and in english, spanish, large print. Medicare part b is the part of medicare that covers doctors visitsoutpatient. You will need to sign up for it during your initial enrollment period, or you will pay a penalty.
Government medicare handbook, and it includes a long list of topics that are related to medicares coverage, benefit options, medicare enrollment periods and deadline dates, and contact details for obtaining additional assistance. Plans are insured and offered through separate blue cross and blue shield companies. You will need to sign up for it during your initial enrollment period or you will pay a penalty. Order medicare and you handbook outline of medicare. How to spot them, how to avoid them, and how to optimize your healthcare at the lowest possible cost avoid the traps series, book 2. Every medicare beneficiary can get one free copy of this guide d. The medicare and you booklet that medicare publishes each year and disseminates to medicare beneficiaries is under some serious scrutiny from three of the. Department of health and human services summary of medicare benefits, coverage options, rights and protections, and answers to the most frequently asked questions about medicare. Medicare and you guide book 2019 medicare overview youtube. Jun 28, 2019 medicare for dummiesstepbystep instructions when turning 65. This will help keep your information more secure and help protect your identity. If you are already receiving social security benefits, you will automatically be enrolled in medicare. Viewing this medicare overview does not require you to enroll in any blue cross blue shield plans. Apr 30, 2020 the centers for medicare and medicaid services cms issues a handbook every year titled medicare and you.
Government information system, which is owned and operated by the centers for medicare and medicaid services cms. Government medicare handbook, and it includes a long list of topics that are related to medicares coverage, benefit options, medicare. Keep the medicare and you 2017 handbook as a reference guide. If you share our content on facebook, twitter, or other social media accounts, we may track what medicare.
Dec 16, 2019 the book is split up into ten sections each one offering you wisdom on different aspects of medicare. You can choose to receive an electronic copy of the book instead of the printed copy. If you live in puerto rico you will not receive medicare medical insurance medicare part b automatically. And, if you go with medicare part a and b, the medicare and you book can also assist you in determining whether you should purchase a. Section two topics discuss coverage such as tests, services, and items that might be needed to keep you in good health. We did this to protect your information and help prevent medicare fraud. If for some reason you dont get your medicare and you handbook in the mail, or if you would like to receive an additional copy, you can order a printed copy by calling 18006334227 1800. Your medicare coverage is a vital part of staying healthy.
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