Medicare Resource Material

2019 Dual Eligible Medicare and Medi-Cal Income and Asset Levels

Explanation of Medicare Savings Program levels and Social Security Extra Help for prescription drug plans: https://insuremekevin.com/2019-income-levels-for-financial-assistance-for-medicare-medi-cal-prescription-drugs/

2019 Part A and B Deductibles and Premiums

Part A Premiums: This annual notice announces Medicare’s Hospital Insurance (Part A) premium for uninsured enrollees in calendar year (CY) 2019. This premium is paid by enrollees age 65 and over who are not otherwise eligible for benefits under Medicare Part A (hereafter known as the “uninsured aged”) and by certain disabled individuals who have exhausted other entitlement. The monthly Part A premium for the 12 months beginning January 1, 2019 for these individuals will be $437. The premium for certain other individuals as described in this notice will be $240.

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New Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

This new enrollment period allows Medicare Advantage members to change plans between January 1 and March 31 of the new year. It does not replace the Annual Election Period from October 15th to December 15th. Read more…

2018 Medicare Booklets, Flyers, Information Guides

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Part B Late Enrollment Penalty Waiver

CMS is offering equitable relief to certain Medicare beneficiaries currently enrolled in Medicare Part A and coverage through the individual Marketplace (i.e., a Marketplace plan for individuals or families and not for employers (also referred to as SHOP)). This equitable relief provides eligible individuals with an opportunity to enroll in Medicare Part B without penalty. Further, CMS is offering equitable relief to eligible individuals who were dually enrolled in Medicare Part A and coverage through the Marketplace and subsequently enrolled in Medicare Part B with a late enrollment penalty. This equitable relief provides these individuals an opportunity to request a reduction in their Medicare Part B late enrollment penalty. This tip sheet explains the equitable relief, eligibility criteria and steps for Medicare beneficiaries if they want to enroll in Medicare Part B or request a Medicare Part B late enrollment penalty reduction.

Read more at https://calhealthnews.com/confusion-over-medicare-and-obamacare-enrollment-cms-waives-late-enrollment-part-b-penalty/

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Determining Eligibility for both Medicare and Medi-Cal Extra Help

People who turn 65 and may have been receiving a hefty subsidy through Covered California to reduce their health insurance premium can be shocked at the costs of enrolling in Medicare. However, there are a variety of resources to assist Medicare beneficiaries to lower their health insurance and health care costs. Assistance from both Social Security and Medi-Cal may be an option for some Medicare beneficiaries depending on their household income. Click the title to read the full post.

Covered California clarifies Medicare questions for individuals

If you are enrolled in Medicare, you do not need to do anything with Covered California. If you have Medicare you are covered. No matter how you receive your Medicare benefits, whether through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan, you will have the same benefits and security you have now. You will receive new benefits, such as more preventive services and increased savings on brand-name drugs. [Read More]

Are You Frustrated with Your Medicare Options?

• Should I take Part A?
• Should I take Part B and when?
• What about Part D?
• What’s the Difference between a Medicare Advantage Plan and a Medigap Plan?
• Can I get help with Medicare costs?

Kevin Knauss

7 Steps to help you make the best Medicare choice for you.

1. Read the information Medicare sends you to learn about the basics of Original Medicare: Parts A and B.
2. Become familiar with the Part D Prescription Drug Plan, Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Supplements.
3. Go to Medicare.gov to find out which plans are offered in your area.
4. Review your lifestyle and finances to help guide you between the different options.
5. Do you need help paying for Medicare costs? Contact Social Security and Medi-Cal to see if you qualify for help.
6. Request information on the different plans you might be interested in and talk to family and friends to see what they are happy with. Never rely on one source, person or company for information.
7. If you need additional clarification call me, Kevin Knauss Ph: 916-521-7216, and we will get your questions answered.