If you are searching for Medicare options in Statesboro, Georgia, you’ve found it! Whether you are just beginning your Medicare journey or you’ve been in the program for years, we can help. Let’s start with a quick review of what Medicare is and then talk about the Medicare options in Statesboro, GA.
What is Medicare?
The Medicare program was established in 1965 as a way for retirees to receive healthcare insurance. It provides healthcare coverage for individuals who are age 65 or older, as well as younger individuals who have been receiving disability benefits for more than two years. Individuals who have been diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) can also receive healthcare benefits through the Medicare program.
What is Original Medicare?
Medicare Parts A and B make up Original Medicare. Each part covers different services and has its own costs associated with it.
Part A
Medicare Part A is your hospital insurance. It will help pay for room and board expenses if you are ever an inpatient at a hospital or skilled nursing facility. The majority of Medicare beneficiaries enjoy premium-free Part A. The only requirement is that you or your spouse must have paid Medicare taxes for at least ten years. If you haven’t met that requirement, you can still enroll in Part A, but you will pay a monthly premium.
The deductible for Part A is $1556 in 2022. That deductible must be met every benefit period, which begins on the first day of your inpatient stay. The benefit period ends when you have been out of the hospital for 60 consecutive days. Coinsurance expenses for Part A are calculated based on how many days you have spent as an inpatient.
Part B
Medicare Part B is your outpatient insurance. Part B pays for approximately 80% of your outpatient costs, including doctor’s visits, surgeries, diagnostic tests, durable medical equipment, and preventive services. In 2022, the standard premium for Part B is $170.10 per month, and the annual deductible is $233.
- The Medicare program was established in 1965 as a way for retirees to receive healthcare insurance.
What is Medicare Part C?
Part C is Medicare Advantage. The Medicare program grants approval to insurance companies who wish to provide Medicare Advantage plans to individuals. They are required to cover at least the same services as those covered by Original Medicare, but most offer even more benefits.
Medicare Advantage premiums and deductibles will depend on the plan but are typically very low. One reason for this is that there are more requirements and more out-of-pocket expenses than there are in Medicare supplements, which we’ll talk about later.
What Part C plans are offered in Statesboro, Georgia?
The Medicare Advantage plans available to you will depend on which county you live in. Some counties have very few (if any) options, while others have many Part C plans to choose from.
A few of the more popular plans and carriers of Medicare Advantage in Statesboro, GA include:
- AARP Medicare Advantage Plan (HMO-POS)
- UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete (HMO D-SNP)
- Anthem MediBlue Access (PPO)
- HumanaChoice (PPO)
What is Medicare Part D?
Part D plans offer prescription drug coverage. Every Part D plan has a drug formulary, the list of drugs covered by the plan. The drug formulary places each covered drug into a tier. Drugs in the first tier cost less than drugs in higher tiers.
Part D premiums will depend on the plan. Individuals who take more medications will find that they pay a higher premium since they need a plan that covers several prescriptions. Most prescription drug plans use the standard deductible of $480. This is the maximum deductible as of 2022.
What Part D plans are offered in Statesboro, Georgia?
Like the Medicare Advantage plan options, your Part D plan options will depend on where you live and also what prescriptions you take. There are many prescription drug plans available to you in Statesboro, GA.
A few of the Part D carriers in Statesboro, GA include:
- AARP
- Anthem
- Humana
- Cigna
- Mutual of Omaha
- SilverScript
- Wellcare
- Elixer
- Clear Spring
What other Medicare products are available in Statesboro, Georgia?
Since Original Medicare does not cover 100% of your healthcare costs, there are other Medicare-related products you may want to consider purchasing.
First, a Medigap plan. (Also called a Medicare supplement.) You can only enroll in a Medigap plan if you are not enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan – you’ll need to choose one or the other. A Medigap plan is designed to fill in the “gaps” in Original Medicare. They only cover services that are also covered by Parts A and B. While they do not offer extra benefits as Part C plans do, a Medicare supplement will provide more comprehensive coverage.
Unless you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that has additional benefits, you may want to purchase a Dental, Vision, Hearing policy. Your coverage in one of these policies will depend on which plan you choose. Some Medicare beneficiaries also choose to enroll in cancer policies and life insurance policies.
Medicare Advisors in Statesboro, Georgia
It’s obvious why so many individuals find Medicare to be confusing and frustrating. That’s also why nearly all beneficiaries choose to enlist the help of a licensed Medicare advisor. A Medicare advisor can answer all the questions you have about Medicare and help you narrow down which plans may work best for you. Plus, our services are completely complimentary.
What are you waiting for? Give us a call today and schedule your appointment.
