Medicare and Medicaid agents are scheduled to begin recording calls and providing a new disclaimer at the beginning of phone calls this fall during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period. These changes directly result from new compliance rules from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Many veterans don’t understand that the Veteran’s Administration (VA) offers a healthcare plan for veterans, reservists and members of the National Guard only. This healthcare plan is not available to all veterans, as eligibility and qualifications are required to receive these healthcare services. All medical treatment provided by the VA will be at VA facilities only; therefore, the veteran may have to travel long distances to access care.
Although new rules and social distancing regulations have been put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still resources available to you just a phone call away. Social Security services can be provided at no cost from the safety of your home.
Assistance is available for some people with limited income and assets who may be eligible for a program called “Extra Help.” It’s a Medicare health plan that assists in paying costs related to a Medicare prescription drug plan. This can include monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. Extra Help is estimated to be worth about $4,900 per year. Many people qualify and don’t even know it.
One question that is frequently asked by people about to turn 65 who have health insurance through an employer is: “Do I need to enroll in Medicare?” Good question! If you or your spouse are still working when you turn age 65 and have insurance through your employer you may consider delaying Medicare Part A and Part B until you retire if you have Creditable Coverage, which means coverage as good as Medicare. Or you can choose to elect your Part A, which is premium-free, and delay Part B until retirement. Depending on the size of the group, one plan would be primary while the other would be secondary.
