Medicare is simple as A, B, & D.

I learned to sing the alphabet before I learned to say it, and from that humble beginning, language opened up to me.

You can’t understand language without first understanding its alphabet.  Medicare has a language, and Medicare has an alphabet.  It begins with A, B, & D.  They are the three essential components of Medicare.

A is for Medicare Part A.  A covers the hospital 100% for 60 days but only after you pay a $1,260 deductible out of your pocket.  Ouch!  Part A is free because you paid for it during your working years.  Eligibility for A is 3 months before your 65^th birthday, the month of your birthday, & three months after.  If you don’t enroll then, there will be a penalty.

B is for Medicare Part B.  B covers doctor visits and outpatient procedures, such as, blood work, x-rays, emergency room, ambulatory surgeries, walkers, wheel chairs, oxygen tanks, etc.  Part B does cost something.  Currently $104.90 per month.    Medicare Part B pays 80% of the costs.  Your portion is 20%.  Important fact about your 20% co-insurance is that there is no cap.  As long as the bills roll in, your money rolls out.  Bigger Ouch!  The penalty for late enrollment for Part B is 10% for every 12 month period.

The final letter is not C.  It’s D—D as in drugs.  Medicare Part D was started in 2006 after people complained about the crushing cost of medications.  Prescription drug plans are administered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.  Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) can range in cost from $20–$50 per month with deductibles and co-pays.  There is a penalty for not enrolling in a Part D plan when you are eligible.  It accrues each month you are not enrolled and is permanently added to your Medicare premium when you do enroll.

Medical expense can be astronomical.  If the correct insurance is not in place with sufficient coverage, costs may surprise and overwhelm you.  Not following the eligibility requirements could result in surprise penalties and permanent costs from Medicare.  Call 402-614-3389 or email us at [email protected] for a free consultation to make sure all your letters are in place.