What is Medicare, and am I eligible for it?

Medicare is federal health insurance for those 65+ or with certain disabilities. Eligibility depends on age, disability, and U.S. residency.

What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medigap?

Medicare Advantage combines Part A, B, and sometimes D into one plan, while Medigap covers costs not included in Original Medicare (A and B).

When should I enroll in Medicare?

You should enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period, which starts 3 months before you turn 65 and ends 3 months after.

What does Medicare Part D cover, and how does it work?

Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage through private plans, either standalone or as part of Medicare Advantage.

How can I find the best Medicare plan for my needs?

We offer free consultations to compare Medicare plans and help you choose the best one based on your health needs and budget.

Does Medicare cover dental and vision care?

Original Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental and vision care, but many Medicare Advantage plans include these benefits.

What is the difference between term and whole life insurance?

Term life covers you for a set period, while whole life offers lifetime coverage and builds cash value.

Can I switch my Medicare plan after I enroll?

Yes, you can switch plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) or if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

What is the Medicare Savings Program?

The Medicare Savings Program helps low-income individuals pay for Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance.

Are there any hidden costs in Medicare?

Medicare has out-of-pocket costs such as premiums, deductibles, and co-pays, which can be minimized with additional coverage like Medigap or Medicare Advantage.

Medicare Annual Enrollment

December 1, 2020

Why do I have to pay attention to Open Enrollment? I am happy with my current Medicare plan.

You are happy with the plan you have today…. But the Part D drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan you have today is NOT the same plan you\’ll have in the next calendar year.
Each January 1st marks the start of a new plan year.
A new plan year means insurance companies can – and often do – make changes to their plans that can cost you. If you\’re not paying attention and simply let your plan renew, these are changes you’ll have to live with for better or worse in new year.
Here are some important things that insurance companies can change in your coverage. For Part D plans:

the monthly premium.
the annual deductible.
your out-of-pocket co-pays.
the drug formulary (listing of medications the plan covers). Just one medication leaving your plan\’s formulary can cost thousands over the course the year.
the network of pharmacies.
the pharmacy cost-sharing.
coverage rules for medications (quantity limit, step therapy, prior authorization)
coverage of medications in the Coverage Gap, commonly known as the Medicare donut hole. Increasingly, plans are dropping this type of coverage.

For Medicare Advantage health plans:

the monthly premium. Medicare Advantage plans may or may not have a premium.
your out-of-pocket co-pays and coinsurances.
the annual out-of-pocket spending limit. Each year these limits continue to creep up. Is your plan\’s limit going up?
the network of providers.
coverage rules (plan limits, referral, and prior authorization requirements).
extra benefits, such as. routine dental and vision care, transportation, in-home support services.

Prior to the Open Enrollment Period, your Medicare Advantage or drug plan must send information about changes in benefits and costs for the upcoming calendar year. Take time to study that information. You can make changes anytime between October 15 and December 7.
If you have concerns about your coverage, you can use the Medicare Plan Finder to compare plans. Or, if you prefer to have an unbiased Medicare expert review your coverage and ensure you\’re making the most cost-effective choices, Paul Barrett Insurance offers free Medicare plan reviews.

Do All Seniors Qualify for Medicare — Eligibility Rules and Exceptions

You typically must receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for 24 months to qualify automatically for Medicare Parts A and B.

Dramatic illustration showing a hospital with “Closed” signs, storm clouds, and torn Medicare Advantage plan papers labeled “Plan Discontinued,” symbolizing Medicare Advantage plan disruptions for Huntington, NY residents.

Why Your Medicare Advantage Plan Might Disappear: What Huntington Residents Need to Know About Plan Discontinuations and Suppressed Enrollment

Medicare Advantage plans on Long Island are changing fast. Some are being discontinued, others are quietly suppressing enrollment, and major hospital networks have been dropped with little warning. Huntington residents need to understand why this is happening, what it means for their coverage, and how to protect themselves during key enrollment periods.

Does Your Medicare Plan Cover Huntington Hospital?

A Local Guide for Huntington, NY Residents Key Takeaways A Local Guide for Huntington, NY Residents If you live in

Medicare Annual Enrollment

Related Post

Do All Seniors Qualify for Medicare — Eligibility Rules and Exceptions

Why Your Medicare Advantage Plan Might Disappear: What Huntington Residents Need to Know About Plan Discontinuations and Suppressed Enrollment

Does Your Medicare Plan Cover Huntington Hospital?

medicare@paulbinsurance.com

(631) 358 5793

445 Broadhollow Rd Suite 25 Melville, NY 11747

Request a Callback with
Paul Barrett

Medicare Annual Enrollment

Related Post

Do All Seniors Qualify for Medicare — Eligibility Rules and Exceptions

Why Your Medicare Advantage Plan Might Disappear: What Huntington Residents Need to Know About Plan Discontinuations and Suppressed Enrollment

Does Your Medicare Plan Cover Huntington Hospital?

Request a Callback with Paul Barrett

No thanks, I prefer to stay confused about Medicare.

Request a Callback with
Paul Barrett