How much does Medicare Part B cost? Like other types of health insurance, Medicare Part B has a monthly premium. The amount you pay for Medicare Part B is based on your income. Most beneficiaries pay the standard amount of $134 per month (2017 rate) Medicare Part B is free for people in poverty. People […]
Replacing a Lost or Stolen Medicare Card
How-to replace a Medicare Card. Make sure your address is correct at Social Security. Login to your MyMedicare.gov account. Select the “Order Card” button located on the Replacement Medicare Card tab. Wait… your replacement card will arrive within 4 weeks. You can also visit www.ssa.gov or call the national number at (800) 772-1213. Be aware […]
Medicare Benefits for People with Disabilities
How do I qualify for Medicare if I’m disabled? Anyone approved for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits will also qualify for Medicare. People approved to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) receive Medicaid benefits. Medicare will automatically start for SSDI recipients 24 months after their date of entitlement. Individuals with qualifying disabilities are eligible to […]
What is the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program (QMB)?
How-to Qualify for Dual Eligibility (Medicare + Medicaid) You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A. You must prove your income is at or below the national poverty level. You must prove that you do not have cash value resources above a certain value. You must apply at your local Medicaid office. Qualified Medicare Beneficiary […]
How Much Does Medicare Hospital Insurance Cost (Medicare Part A)?
How much does Medicare Part A cost? Most people don’t pay a monthly premium for Part A (“premium free”). If you must buy Part A, you’ll pay up to $413 per month (2017 rate). When admitted as an inpatient, you’ll pay a $1,316 deductible for each benefit period. There are also co-insurance costs from $0 […]
What are My Medicare Cost Sharing Obligations?
What is Medicare Cost Sharing? Medicare beneficiaries share costs with the federal government and health plans for coverage: Medicare Part A: government pays 80%, beneficiary pays 20% co-insurance + deductibles. Medicare Part B: government pays 80%, beneficiary pays 20% co-insurance + deductibles + premiums. Medicare Part C: government pays flat rate to private plan, beneficiary […]
Is Medicare Free for Seniors and the Disabled?
How-to Get Medicare for Free Qualify by checking your household income. Visit the Social Security Administration to get “Extra Help”. Visit Medicaid to get your QMB, SLMB, or QI benefits. It doesn’t matter if you are retired or disabled. It works the same way. Follow these simple steps… Yes, Medicare is FREE for 8-Million+ […]
Telehealth Innovation and Improvement Act Expands Telehealth Services to Medicare Patients
Senate lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan bill, the Telehealth Innovation and Improvement Act, designed to extend telehealth services to Medicare patients. Under the new law, eligible hospitals would test telehealth services through the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI). The center would then evaluate the services for cost, effectiveness and quality-of-care. Those that meet […]
How Much are Medicare Premiums?
Do you have to pay for Medicare? Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) is free for most people. Medicare Part B (medical insurance) is based on your annual income. Medicare Part C (private health plan) is the same as Part B + the insurance carrier’s additional premium amount (often $0). Medicare Part D (prescription drug plan) […]
How Can Beneficiaries Appeal Medicare Income Decisions?
How-to Appeal a Medicare Income Decision You have the right to appeal determination of premium amounts. File a Request for Reconsideration (Form SSA-561-U2). Alternatively, go to your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office to file the appeal. An appeal is not necessary if you have experienced an event that has caused a decrease in income. If […]