Compared to individual or group health insurance plans, Medicare is unique in that it has no out-of-pocket spending limits. That’s why most people purchase a solid Medigap [Medicare Supplement] policy that will fill in all the gaps in Medicare and give you 100% of first dollar coverage for medical expenses.
The alternative is enrolling in a Medicare Advantage HMO plan. In a MAPD (Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug) plan, the rules are a little different. Usually, nothing is completely covered, and no expense is 100 percent paid for. Though the subsidies paid to the insurance companies help keep costs low for seniors, the plans vary and can change from year to year.
Medicare enrollment is handled by the Social Security Administration. The rules state that a person turning age 65 may enroll three months prior to their birth month. There are three ways to enroll.
1. You can go to your local Social Security office. If you decide to go into the local office, call ahead for an appointment or show up at the front door 30 minutes before they open to avoid the long lines.
2. You can enroll by telephone by calling Social Security Administration at: (800)772-1213. There is an easy to follow voice menu which will lead you to a live person who can enroll you over the phone, or set an appointment for a phone interview. Operators are available Monday to Friday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
3. The Social Security Administration is now encouraging Internet website enrollment. Log on to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/medicareonly/ . Now, this is not for everybody but it’s not too bad.
Thank you for your patience during the 2016 AEP.
