Zack and Caroline are joined by Heather Bellau from the HUB Medicare Team for the last part to our 3-part Medicare series. Together, they dive into essential topics for Medicare beneficiaries to enhance their understanding of coverage and navigate the system effectively:

• Understanding Coverage
  • Key aspects beneficiaries should grasp about their Medicare coverage and benefits.

• Staying Informed
  • Insights on how often Medicare plans and options change, and tips for staying updated.

• Prescription Drug Coverage
  • An overview of how Medicare handles prescription drugs, including the details of Part D plans.

• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
  • Clarifying the use of HSAs for those enrolled in Medicare.

• Common Pitfalls
  • Highlighting frequent mistakes new Medicare beneficiaries should avoid to ensure smooth navigation.

• Addressing Issues
  • Guidance on how beneficiaries can resolve disputes or issues with their Medicare coverage.

• Helpful Resources:
  • A rundown of valuable resources available for individuals to make informed decisions about their Medicare options.

• Future Changes:
  • A look ahead at anticipated changes to Medicare that beneficiaries should be aware of.

Listen to the episode to learn more and understand how to navigate Medicare better.

As you approach your 65th birthday, enrolling in Medicare can feel overwhelming. In this episode, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the enrollment process and your options based on your current health coverage.

• What steps need to be taken to enroll in Medicare as you approach your 65th birthday?
  • If you have health coverage through an employer with 20 or more employees, what your options are and how they affect your Medicare choices.
  • If you do not have coverage, or have individual coverage or coverage through a small employer.

• Is Enrollment Automatic?
  • Clarifying when enrollment in Medicare is automatic and the conditions under which it occurs, specifically when you are drawing Social Security benefits.
• Enrollment Periods:
  • Understanding the critical enrollment periods for Medicare and why they matter:
    • Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
    • Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
    • General Enrollment Period (GEP)

• What If You Miss Your Initial Enrollment Period?
  • Consequences of missing the IEP and what to do next based on your coverage situation.
• Employer Plan Considerations:
  • If covered by an employer plan, why you may want to delay enrollment during the IEP and utilize the SEP instead.
  • If not covered by an employer plan, the need to wait for the GEP.

• How Medicare Works with Other Insurance:
  • Insight into how Medicare coordinates with employer-provided health insurance and what you need to know.
• Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans:
  • What Medicare Advantage Plans are, how they differ from traditional Medicare, and their coverage options.
  • Nate reviews the advantages and disadvantages of these plans, including considerations such as premiums, coverage, networks, and additional benefits.

Join us as we break down the complexities of Medicare enrollment, ensuring you're well-informed and ready to make the best decisions for your health coverage as you transition into this new phase of life.

In this episode, Miranda from the HUB Medicare Team provides a comprehensive overview of Medicare, helping employees understand its complexities and benefits. She covers:

• What is Medicare?
  • An introduction to Medicare, the federal health insurance program primarily for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger people with disabilities.
• Who is Eligible?
  • Eligibility criteria for Medicare, including age, disability status, and specific health conditions.
  • Details on how to qualify and enroll in Medicare.
• Medicare Parts Explained:
  • Part A (Hospital Insurance):
    • Coverage details for inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care services.
  • Part B (Medical Insurance):
    • Information on coverage for outpatient care, doctor services, preventive services, and some home health care.
  • Part C (Medicare Advantage):
    • Explanation of Medicare Advantage Plans, an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private companies that contract with Medicare to provide Part A and Part B benefits, often including additional benefits like vision, dental, and prescription drug coverage.
  • Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage):
    • Overview of Part D, which helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. Explanation of how it works, the different plan options, and what to consider when choosing a Part D plan.

Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical tips to navigate Medicare confidently, whether for yourself or to assist others in understanding this essential health insurance program.