Medicare Options in Kentucky
Most citizens of the US rely on government-backed healthcare programs to have their back when they feel like they’re drowning in medical bills and cannot afford to pay out-of-pocket hospital expenses.
People work hard their entire lives to make a comfortable living and save for retirement just so they finally have the chance in their old age to kick back and enjoy life while being looked after. But a single unforeseen exorbitant medical fee can set their plans back, leading to bankruptcy and financial troubles.
Several reports reveal that numerous Americans aged 65 or older face bankruptcy and have medical debt after facing a serious health issue situation in their household. Apart from that, every 1 in 4 households with young people with a disability has to stay indebted due to excessive hospital visits and prescription drugs.
This is where Medicare health insurance comes in. Medicare is a federal health insurance program for senior citizens that provides ample coverage for medical expenses. People automatically become eligible for the Medicare program once they reach the age of 65. People with certain medical conditions like ALS or renal failure and disabilities are also eligible.
When it comes to choosing a healthcare plan, it’s essential to make sure your plan perfectly aligns with your needs, requirements, and financial situation. This is why our Medicare insurance agents are here to help.
At Integrity Now Insurance Brokers, our insurance agents are annually accredited by America’s Health Insurance Plan (AHIP), and with us, you’re in safe hands. Our team of Medicare insurance agents promises to go above and beyond to help you find the best health coverage plan that covers all the bases.
Original Medicare
Original Medicare or traditional Medicare includes Medicare Part A and Part B.
Part A offers coverage for hospital services, lab tests, in-patient treatments, hospice care, specialized nursing facilities, and other home healthcare options. Where are Part B helps to pay for tests and treatments, exams, outpatient doctor appointments, mental health, partial hospitalization, and certain medical equipment?
The Original Medicare plan Part A and Part B pay for 80% of the total medical expenses. For the 20% coinsurance, you can opt for a supplemental Medigap policy that is offered by private insurers. You will also be charged a monthly deductible for Medicare Part B unless your income is not sufficient enough to pay for it.
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Medicare Advantage
The Medicare Advantage plan is another health plan that includes Part C covered by private insurers who have been approved by Medicare.
A Medicare Advantage is a popular health plan among the people of Kentucky since it is an all-in-one solution for Medicare benefits. This healthcare plan is a conglomeration of Part A, Part B, and Part D (prescription drug coverage).
If you opt for this coverage plan, Medicare pays private companies a monthly fixed amount that will cover your treatment bills. These private insurance companies are in agreement with the terms and conditions of Medicare, and they administer the Medicare Advantage benefits for their clients.
Some of the additional benefits offered in the Medicare Advantage plan are coverage for vision, dental, hearing, transportation to and from doctor appointments, fitness programs which includes gym memberships and discounts, over-the-counter drugs, and other health and wellness support.
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
The Health Maintenance Organization or the HMO is another popular type of health insurance plan that provides coverage through a network of physicians for a monthly or annual fee.
This collective of medical insurance providers offers comprehensive healthcare plans and pays for medical treatments provided by healthcare workers who agree to their terms and conditions.
Because the patients are directed to these healthcare providers, any treatment costs and premiums are significantly reduced due to the contracts. The eligibility criteria for the HMO include having a PCP (primary care provider), a specialist’s referral, and approval for certain treatments and prescribed drugs.
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
The Medicare PPO plans enable beneficiaries the freedom to choose their healthcare service providers that are under a contract with them. Out-of-network health care facilities and doctors can also be opted for at a higher price.
This healthcare plan:
- Has no PCP or a specialist referral requirement
- Provides coverage for drug prescriptions
- Has higher out-of-network premiums and charges
Private Fee-For-Service (PFFS)
This Medicare Advantage health plan is offered by a State-licensed organization that agrees to the terms and conditions of the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
The PFFS plan:
- Does not have the requirement for specialist referrals or PCPs
- Provides drug coverage, but other drug plans can also be purchased separately
- Has a higher premium and cost if you choose an out-of-network provider
Special Needs Plan (SNP)
This Medicare Advantage plan is only limited to people who have been diagnosed with specific chronic diseases and conditions. This healthcare plan features special care and treatments that are planned to match the specific needs of people with special needs.
- Requires a PCP and specialty referral
- Includes drug coverage
- People who meet the eligibility criteria can join this plan at any time
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Medicare Supplemental Health Insurance (Medigap) Plans in Kentucky
Since Medicare Part A and Part B only cover 80% of the overall cost of your medical bills, considering choosing a private secondary coverage policy is important.
Medigap, also known as Medicare Supplement, is a private insurance healthcare plan that you can purchase to get insured for that 20% which isn’t covered in the Original Medicare Part A and Part B. This coverage policy can only be applied to enrollees who are opting for the Original Medicare.
However, Medigap does not cover prescription drugs; this is why we recommend enrolling in the Medicare Part D plan that offers proper coverage for any type of prescription drugs.
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There are ten basic Medigap plans to choose from, but Plan F, G, and N are the most popular.
Medicare Plan F
Historically one of the most beneficial supplemental Medicare plans, Plan F addresses most of the coverage gaps in the Original Medicare Part A and Part B. This is why numerous people apply for this secondary premium, especially since it pays for the Medicare Part B annual deductible (which is $233 in 2022).
The Plan F also pays for Medicare Part A coinsurance, as well as any hospital expenses for up to a year after using Medicare benefits. This plan also eradicates the financial burden of international trips, skilled nursing care, and hospice.
Medicare Plan N
Plan N is a reliable alternative to Plan F since it is less expensive. This plan includes all of Plan G’s coverage but does not cover the Plan B deductible.
If you’re enrolled in Plan N, you will be expected to front the copayments for doctor appointments and hospital stays. You will also be responsible for up to $20 for in-office visits and $50 for emergency room visits.
Medicare Plan G
Plan G offers the same benefits as Plan F as well as the coverage for Part B premiums. With Plan G, you can also cross out paying for Part A deductibles, hospital costs, coinsurance, hospice copay, and skilled nursing facilities. This plan also provides 80% coverage for foreign travel emergencies.
Where 29 percent of Medicare beneficiaries in Kentucky opt for Medicare Advantage, it’s important to choose a health plan that covers all your needs and meets your budget. This is where our Medicare Insurance agents come in. With our in-depth knowledge of healthcare plans, we will ensure that you’re getting maximum coverage while also saving money on the side.
Call our insurance specialists today to get quotes from various top insurers in Kentucky.
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Comparing Medicare Advantage Plans in Kentucky
Here are some factors to consider when you’re considering your Medicare options:
Provider Network
Several Medicare plans require you to consult providers that are under a contract with them. Medical costs will rise if you decide to opt for out-of-network providers. Search for physicians and hospitals that are a part of the Medicare network, so you don’t have to spend a hefty amount on medical bills.
Amount of Coverage Required
When choosing a Medicare plan, think about any specific needs and requirements that you have. Medicare Advantage and Medigap typically provide coverage for additional dental, vision, hearing, and other health-related services that aren’t a part of the original Part A and Part B Medicare plan. Make a list of all the things you want to be included in your Medicare plan, and then choose a plan that fulfills all of them.
Check Plan Ratings
You can check the Part C and Part D performance data that the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services releases every year. Go through the plan ratings before enrolment so you have a better idea of what to choose.
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Out-of-Pocket Expenses
You will be expected to pay out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance yourself. To compare the pricing of different plans in Kentucky, you can use our plan finder tool by clicking here.
Monthly Premium
Medicare Advantage and Supplement plan premiums can add to your medical bills since paying for the Part B deductible is a necessity even if you don’t exercise your benefits.
Opt for at least one no-premium plan that offers ample prescription coverage to prevent any excessive expenses.
Drug Coverage
Make sure your plan also covers any prescription drugs since medication costs can fuel medical debt and exorbitant expenditures. Find out how much your prescription drugs cost by consulting the policy’s formulary. You can also talk to your physician if there are any substitutes and generic options for the medication not mentioned in the list.
Deductibles, Coinsurance, & Copay
Any Medicare beneficiary is responsible for paying deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. Before you enroll yourself in a plan, do proper research to learn about the specifics of the hospital and medical coverage. Anything from doctor visits to prescription medication falls under this category.
Freedom to Travel
When choosing a plan, also consider how much coverage you’ll need when traveling. Travel coverage is important when you’re spending a lot of time making national and international trips. Medigap plans do not restrict you to a provider network, so even if you leave your coverage area for any reason, you will still receive Medicare benefits.
Medicare Eligibility in Kentucky
To become eligible for Medicare benefits, you must be 65 years of age or older. People under 65 can also apply if they have been receiving disability benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board or security insurance for at least 24 months. People who have been on regular dialysis, had a kidney transplant, or have incurable chronic conditions like ALS and end-stage renal disease also qualify for Medicare at any age.
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Medicare Enrolment in Kentucky
You can apply for enrolment in Medicare in the following time frames.
Initial Enrolment
The initial enrollment period begins three months before and three months after your 65th birthday. You can initiate your application process during this time, and if you qualified for the Medicare plan at a younger age, you could use this time to change or update your plan policies.
General Enrolment
The General enrolment period starts on January 1st and ends on March 31st. In any case, if you missed the initial enrolment period, you can apply for Part A, Part B, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D during this time frame.
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Medicare Advantage Open Enrolment
Open enrolment for Medicare Advantage begins on October 15th and ends on December 7th. This period is for people who want to switch or cancel their current health coverage plans. You can also change your Part D coverage plans during this time frame.
Special Enrolment
The Special Enrolment period is when you will be given a chance to enroll and switch plans if you have lost eligibility for your insurance plans due to any unforeseen circumstances.
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Get in Touch with Medicare Hope Insurance Agents Today!
Medicare Hope Insurance agents at Integrity Now Insurance Brokers are a certified team of insurance agents who are well-versed with the industry’s complexities and the jargon. We make sure that we go the extra mile for our clients to help them find a healthcare plan that is best suited to their needs and budget.
With our assistance, countless of our clients in Kentucky have landed comprehensive health insurance plans provided by top-tier Medicare Insurance providers across the US. We assure you that your health is our priority, and with our AHIP certified agents, you don’t have to worry about any lacking in your retirement plans anymore.
Get in touch with us today to get free-of-charge assistance with our reliable insurance agents at any time of the day. We will connect you with A-rated Medicare insurance providers who we meticulously select based on their excellent records.
Book a one-on-one consultation with our insurance agents by giving us a call, and our representative will help you compare quotes and give you all the details you require.
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