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Getting Ready for Medicare?

Medicare Informational Video
with Sign Language Translation

Welcome to Medicare - Link for the federal guide basic Medicare information. (pdf)

There are several parts of Medicare that cover different things, and who should enroll in which, how to enroll, when to enroll and penalties for enrolling late are different in each part.For a basic overview of Medicare use these links: (PPT) or (PDF).

People 65 and older and people with certain disabilities are eligible for Medicare. People with End Stage Kidney Disease or on Dialysis, people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis(ALS) and other disabling conditions can discuss their eligibility for “disability” with the Social Security Administration. Typically, after 24 months of “disability” a person gets Medicare. For our "Get Ready For Medicare" brochure Use This Link.

As of January 2011, Medicare began covering an Annual Wellness Visit (AWV), a new benefit resulting from the Affordable Care Act. The AWV takes place with one’s primary care provider, is covered once every 12 months after the first year of Medicare coverage, and has no deductibles, coinsurance or copayments. Get the FAQs HERE.

MEDICARE PART A

What it covers
Medicare Part A covers expenses for inpatient hospitalization and other inpatient service facilities, such as skilled nursing facilities and hospice care.

Who is eligible
Most people are eligible for premium-free Part A coverage.  This includes those who are eligible for a Social Security benefit.  It also includes those who paid the Medicare tax while employed.  People who worked less than 40 quarters can still purchase Part A coverage and pay for the premium which is prorated according to how many quarters are in your work history.  For details on your work history contact Social Security in person, by phone (800-772-1213) or review your annual earnings statement.

How to enroll
You enroll in Part A and B through Social Security.  Many people will automatically get a letter from Social Security three months before they turn 65.  If you do not, you should contact the Social Security Administration to discuss your enrollment into Part A and B.  You can contact them by phone 800-772-1213 or go to their office in Anchorage, Fairbanks or Juneau.
*If you are a state of Alaska retiree: A few people are not eligible for premium-free Part A because they don’t have enough Social Security or Medicare–covered employment.  If you are not eligible for Part A, Social Security will send you a letter confirming that.  You must send a copy of that letter to the claims administrator.  AlaskaCare will then continue to pay for Part A services just as it did before you turned age 65.  For more information for AlaskaCare retirees Use This Link.

MEDICARE PART B

What it covers
Medicare Part B covers physician and other outpatient medical services, including ambulatory surgery center services, durable medical equipment and supplies and other items.

Who is eligible
Everyone is eligible and must pay a premium for Part B, whether or not you are eligible for Part A.  There are penalties for enrolling in Part B after you become eligible.  If you are actively working and have an Employee Group Health Plan, you can delay enrolling in Part B until that coverage is terminated.

How to enroll
You enroll in Part A and B through Social Security.  Many people will automatically get a letter from Social Security three months before they turn 65.  If you do not, you should contact the Social Security Administration to discuss your enrollment into Part A and B.  You can contact them by phone 800-772-1213 or go to their office in Anchorage, Fairbanks or Juneau.  Medicare Part B premiums can be deducted from your Social Security retirement check or bank account. You have a 7 month window to contact Social Security about Part B to avoid a penalty: 3 months before your birthday month, your birthday month and three months after. 
*If you are working, and receive health insurance from an employee group health plan, it is not necessary to enroll until your active employee health insurance terminates.

 

MEDICARE PART C – aka MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS

There are no Medicare Advantage Plans offered in Alaska in 2011.  If you moved to Alaska with an Advantage Plan from another state, you have 63 days from the termination of your Advantage Plan in which to line up a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) and a Part D Prescription Drug Plan.

consultation.

MEDICARE Part D

What it covers
Medicare Part D covers prescription medications.

Who is eligible
Everyone who is on Medicare is eligible and must pay a premium for Part D.  Not everyone needs to have a plan, however, as some people may have creditable prescription drug coverage through a spouse that is actively working, through a retiree health plan, through the Veterans Administration, Tri-Care, a Union or the Indian Health Service or other entity. 

 

Everyone’s situation is different!

If you already have health insurance it may affect your options with Medicare and any other decisions you might need to make.  Consider what you might have now and CLICK HERE to check the facts.