Do You Have Questions About Medicare?

Most individuals qualify for Medicare at age 65.  However, for many people it is not easy to understand. 

The mission of Medicare is to “provide access to high quality care and improved health at lower costs”.  Understanding your options and getting started on Medicare can sometimes be confusing, but you don’t have to do it on your own. Call me for a FREE consultation – 530-781-3592.

We’re Here to Help You Make Sense of Medicare

Bruce Jenkins Insurance & Financial Services, Inc., can help you take the confusion and stress out of understanding Medicare Health Insurance Plans.  

We can assist by:

  • Educating you about Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage Plans
  • Helping you evaluate your choices and select the plan that best suits your needs.
  • Completing the paperwork or online enrollment.

Overview of Medicare

Do not confuse Medicare with Medicaid.

Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older (plus younger people disabled for 2 years, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease). It is partially funded by Medicare taxes which are part of employment taxes.

Medi-Cal or Medicaid is a program for people with limited income or specified chronic ailments.

Medicare Part A – In Patient Hospital Care

Part A, also known as Original Medicare, is the heart of the Medicare Program. Most people pay nothing for this. Most people qualify by working and paying taxes for 10 years (40 quarters). 

Part A covers:

  • In hospital care
  • Skilled nursing,
  • Home health service (following a hospital stay)
  • Hospice.

It does NOT cover 100% of hospital bills. There is a deductible you pay for each hospital visit.  Our firm will help you select a Medicare Supplement Plan/Medigap to help you with deductibles, co-pays, and coinsurance.

Medicare Part B – Doctors and Outpatient Services

Like Part A, Part B is a run by the federal government, but it is NOT automatic. There is a cost for this coverage.  We can assist you in determining your monthly Part B premium based on your annual income.  If you are receiving Social Security, the premium can be deducted monthly.

Part B covers:

  • Physicians services
  • Outpatient care
  • Lab work and diagnostic testing
  • Speech therapy
  • Durable medical equipment
  • Preventative benefits for Medicare covered services.

Medicare Part C – also known as Medicare Advantage

This is NOT run by the government, but it is approved by the government and must cover the same medical services that Part A & B cover.  In addition, it may offer you extra benefits (dental, vision, etc.). Medicare Advantage Plans are offered by private insurance companies.

Medicare Advantage Insurance Plan premiums are determined by private insurance companies. The premiums and out of pocket costs must be approved by Medicare annually.

Medicare Part D– Prescription Drugs

While every Part D Plan is approved by the federal government, the plans vary from company to company, with differences in what drugs they cover and what your out-of-pocket costs will be. It is important for you to check the formulary for any company whose Plan D you are considering. We will help you select a plan that fits your needs and budget.

Medigap Insurance, also known as Medicare Supplemental Insurance

Private insurance companies offer Medigap (Supplemental) Insurance that works in conjunction with Medicare Part A and B, to cover the portions of approved services not paid by Medicare. There is no network so you can choose any doctor that is contracted by Medicare. Each insurance company has a variety of plans which have been approved by the federal government. Costs for monthly premiums and the services you would get vary depending on which plan you choose.

Initial Enrollment Period

Generally, you can first sign up for Part A and/or Part B during the 7-month period that begins 3 months before the month you turn 65 and end ends 3 months after the month you turn 65.  The Initial start date for Medicare, in most cases, is the month you turn age 65.  There are exceptions to the age 65 requirement, e.g. people on disability for 2 years can qualify earlier.

We recommend you contact us 3 to 6 months prior to your 65th birthday so you have plenty of time to make decisions, and you are enrolled in time to start using Medicare as soon as you are eligible.

Set-up an Appointment to Take Charge of Your Health

Bruce Jenkins is a licensed Medicare broker and is licensed with major health insurance companies in California. We are here to help you make the best choices for YOU. It costs you nothing to have us help you.  Our compensation is provided by the insurance company you select. 

Please call for a FREE appointment – 530-781-3592.  You can also text us at the same phone number or email brucejenkinsinsurance@gmail.com.