Georgia Medicare and Medicare Supplements

Article by Susan

Georgia Medicare is a social insurance program managed by the Federal government and is the same Medicare that is in every state. Some aspects such as Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplemental insurance are managed by the state of Georgia and the federal government. Georgia Medicare provides health insurance for people 65, to those under 65 with certain disabilities, and to anyone with permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or kidney transplant.

Four parts to Georgia Medicare

Part A is hospital insurance which helps to cover inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and some home health care. There is no monthly premium if you or your spouse paid enough Medicare taxes while working. As of 20011, when you go to the hospital you pay the $ 1,132 deductible of the bill per incident period. That is not $ 1,132 per year, but per incident period. If you are injured one month and then a few months later suffer a heart attack you will pay the deductible twice. For days 61-90 that you are in the hospital you will pay $ 283 per day and days 91-150 you will be charged $ 566 per day. After 150 days you pay total cost.

Part B is doctor insurance which helps pay for doctor’s services, outpatient care, durable medical equipment, and some home health care. There is a monthly premium of $ 115.40 per month as of 2011 that comes out of your Social Security check. There is also a yearly deductable that you will pay of $ 162. Also whenever you use your Part B benefits you will pay 20% of any bill plus any excess charges that are charged.

Part C is called Medicare Advantage. Medicare Advantage is health insurance from a Medicare-approved private insurance company that offers the same benefits or more than what is covered by Part A and Part B. Medicare Advantage is not guaranteed to renew each year and is available only in certain local areas. These insurance plans vary widely in the services they offer and the monthly premiums you will pay and required you to seek services inside of their network of doctors for the best benefit. They can be a very good option for some who live in an area that has them available. You can only enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or change plans if you are in your initial or open enrollment period.

Part D is prescription drug coverage. Part D is run by Medicare-approved private insurance companies and covers the cost of prescription drugs. You will pay a monthly premium for Part D and any co-pays that your plan has. If you are already taking any prescription drugs you will want to make sure any now plan you get covers your prescriptions

How to enroll into Georgia Medicare

You can apply for your Medicare benefits online. It is quick and easy and there is no need to go to your local Social Security Office. In most cases you can submit your application electronically and there are no forms to sign. Your will be sent by mail.

You must be at least 64 years and 8 months old and not currently receiving any Medicare coverage.

Apply for Medicare

What is Georgia Medicare supplemental insurance

Around 70% of people 65 and older will obtain some form of insurance to fill in the gaps left by Medicare. Georgia Medicare supplemental insurance is offered by private insurance companies but is regulated and standardized by both the state and federal government. Georgia Medicare supplements come in ten different plans with varying levels of coverage. Plan F for instance is one of the most popular plans and covers all the gaps that Georgia Medicare leaves. Georgia Medicare supplements are guaranteed renewable each year and if you buy your plan within six months of your 65th birthday (with few exceptions) the insurance company cannot turn you down for preexisting conditions.

How to enroll in Georgia Medicare supplemental insurance

The most efficient way to find a Medicare supplement plan is to utilize the services of an independent insurance agent licensed the state of Georgia. An independent agent can get you quotes from a variety of insurance companies so you can compare the monthly premiums. Most independent agents will work with you right off of the internet, but be careful where you go. Some websites say they will get you a bunch of quotes, but what they actually do is sell your information to a bunch of different agents. This quickly becomes a hassle as all those agents try to connect with you. So make sure you are dealing with just one independent insurance agent.

You can go here to learn more about Georgia Medicare supplemental insurance and request quotes.

How to enroll Medicare Part D

Part D seems a little intimidating at first but it is really not too bad once you dig into it.

Use this Medicare.gov website to search for a plan that covers any prescriptions you are one.

Use this Medicare.gov website to enroll in a Part D plan. You must be in an initial, annual, or special enrollment period to get a Part D plan.

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