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Preparing For Medicare Open Enrollment: Getting Great Coverage For 2021

Medicare Open Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) is right around the corner, so it’s time to start reviewing your current plan. Is it working for you? If you’re not totally satisfied with your coverage, then you might want to look for a better plan that has everything you need and saves you money. One of the best ways you can get the best coverage for next year is to add a Medicare Supplement Plan to your Original Medicare plan. 

calculator with the word cost on it with a hospital bed in the background and money below the calculator
Healthcare costs are on the rise, and with Medicare only covering 80% of costs, the rest that you pay out-of-pocket can add up quickly.

Why A Medicare Supplement Plan?

Medicare Part B only pays for 80% of your medical costs, leaving you to pay 20% of all of your bills out-of-pocket. 20% might not sound like a lot, but if you are living on a fixed income, living with a chronic medical condition, or need to see the doctor regularly, then those bills can really add up. A Medicare Supplement Plan will cover your 20% share, which can save you hundreds of dollars a year! All you have to do is pay a low monthly premium, and let your plan to take care of the rest.

Healthcare and out-of-pocket costs are on the rise, so it’s better to be fully insured in case of an emergency or accident. Having a Medicare Supplement Plan means you won’t have to worry about setting money aside to pay any unexpected bills that you may accumulate. 

There are 10 different types of Medicare Supplement Plans to choose from, with each plan offering different coverage and different prices, so you’re sure to find one that fits your financial and medical needs. Medicare Supplement Plans cover:

hundred dollar bills in a glass jar
A Medicare Supplement Plan will cover the costs Original Medicare does not cover, which will save you hundreds of dollars.
  • Medicare Part A and Part B deductibles
  • Skilled nursing facility costs after you run out of Medicare-covered days
  • Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs (up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used)
  • Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment
  • Part B excess charges
  • Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
  • Blood transfusions for up to three pints of blood

Some will cover:

  • Foreign travel emergencies (up to plan limits)

Another advantage to these plans is that there is no network, so you can go to any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare assignment.

How To Add A Medicare Supplement Plan

silhouette of a person standing in front of 3 arrows pointing in 3 different directions
You have different options during Medicare Open Enrollment Period to add a Medicare Supplement Plan.

With Medicare Open Enrollment approaching, you’re probably getting a lot of information in the mail about your plan. If all of this has you rethinking your coverage, then now is the time to add a Medicare Supplement Plan. These are your options during this period:

  • If you currently have Original Medicare, you can choose to stay on your Original Medicare plan and add a Medicare Supplement Plan to fill the gaps. You may not be eligible for guaranteed issue, but the sooner you apply for a plan, the better.  
  • If you are on a Medicare Advantage Plan, but are considering switching over to Original Medicare, then Open Enrollment is the best time – you’ll be able to add a Medicare Supplement Plan with guaranteed issue, meaning you won’t have to face the underwriting process. 
  • If you’re enrolled in Original Medicare and your employer-based coverage is ending, you can choose to add a Medicare Supplement Plan for extra coverage.

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period is the time to look at all your options so you can save money in the coming year. You can choose to stay with Original Medicare, or consider switching from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare while adding a Medicare Supplement Plan. A Medicare Supplement Plan will provide you with more coverage, while putting more money back into your wallet. This will ensure that you have great coverage next year, plus you’ll have peace of mind knowing that all you have to pay (aside from your Medicare Part B deductible) is one low monthly premium, and all of your medical costs will be covered.

If you want the best Medicare Supplement Plan from one of the top-rated Medicare Supplement companies, EZ can help. Our agents work with all of the top-rated Medicare Supplement companies, and we’ll compare all available plans in your area within minutes. We’ll find you the best plan with the most savings. To get free Medicare Supplement Plan quotes, enter your zip code in the bar above, or if you prefer to speak to an agent directly, call 888-753-7207. Our agents are ready to help you get the best coverage for next year!

What Medicare Covers After A Stroke

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, over half a million people over the age of 65 suffer from a stroke every year. A stroke can be very serious, and can have long lasting effects on balance, hearing, and vision. It can also cause decreased mobility or even paralysis. Recovery after a stroke can be a long and difficult process, especially if you don’t have the proper insurance coverage. Thankfully, Medicare covers a lot of the aftercare related to recovery from a stroke, including both inpatient and outpatient care, as well as some medical equipment. There are gaps, however, which can be filled by a Medicare Supplement Plan.

illustration of skeletal with the brain colored in red.

Medicare Part A Coverage

If you suffer a stroke, you might need to go to an Inpatient Rehab Facility afterwards to recover and get the therapy that you need. As long as your doctor deems your stay medically necessary, Medicare Part A will cover this inpatient rehabilitation. Medicare will cover the cost of treatment in an inpatient facility for a limited time; if you need to stay longer than 60 days you will have to pay $352 per day for days 61-90. For days 91 and beyond, you will pay $704 in coinsurance per “lifetime reserve day.” You have 60 reserve days over your whole lifetime; after that, you will need to pay the full cost of your stay. 

Medicare Part B Coverage

Medicare Part B will cover any outpatient rehabilitation needed, such as physical therapy, at 80%. You will be responsible for the other 20% coinsurance. As with any service, your doctor must deem your rehab medically necessary in order for it to be covered. If there is any durable medical equipment that is medically necessary, then Part B will also cover the cost of that at 80%. This includes equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, or canes. Any of this equipment will need a prescription from your doctor.

older mans lower half of body sitting down holding a ball in his hand with a person holding his arm in support

Skilled Nursing Facilities

If you are moved into a skilled nursing facility from the hospital or from an inpatient rehab facility, Medicare will only pay for your stay if you have satisfied the “3-day rule.” This means that you need to have been admitted as an inpatient into the hospital for three days, and not classified as an “observation care” patient. With Medicare, staying at one of these facilities is free to you for the first 20 days, and $176 per day for the next 80 days after that.

Long-Term Care Facilities

Medicare does not cover any long-term care facilities, even if your doctor deems it medically necessary. These services are not covered because care at these facilities includes things like bathing, feeding, and assisting with the bathroom, which Medicare does not consider medical care services.

Medicare Supplement Plans

There are obviously gaps in what Parts A and B cover when it comes to recovery from a stroke. A Medicare Supplement Plan can help to fill those gaps. Most plans will cover your Part A coinsurance and allow you to extend hospitalization days up to 365 days over your lifetime. A Medicare Supplement Plan will cover part or all of your Part A deductible, and approximately 8 out of 10 plans will cover the skilled nursing facilities coinsurance. Some also provide coverage for long-term care. There are 10 different types of plans to choose from, with different coverage and different price points. EZ’s highly trained, licensed agents can help you compare these plans,  and can provide quotes to you within minutes.calculator sitting on top of next to it.

We hope you never need to test the limits of Medicare’s coverage for stroke care. Speak to your doctor about your risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and drinking, and see if there are ways you might be able to lower your risk through healthy lifestyle changes. Suffering a stroke can be scary and life-changing, but if it does happen to you, Medicare will cover the majority of your costs for treatment and rehabilitation. And whatever it does not cover, you can always count on a Medicare Supplement Plan to help you pay your medical bills. To be better prepared and to save money, compare Medicare Supplement Plan quotes by entering your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly to an agent call 888-753-7207.

Does Medicare Cover Ambulance Rides?

Ambulance rides are not cheap, they can range anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars. During a medical emergency, the last thing you want to worry about is if Medicare will cover the large ambulance bill. Thankfully, Medicare does cover ambulance rides so you don’t have to worry about anything but receiving the care you need. In fact, Medicare pays over $5 billion for ambulance service claims every year. However, to receive these benefits, there are stipulations you should be aware of first.front of a red ambulance on the road

Eligibility Under Medicare Part B

Medicare Part B covers emergency ambulance services, and in some cases will also cover non-emergency services. An emergency is considered any situation in which your health is in serious danger. If you schedule your ambulance ride, then it is not considered an emergency. To receive coverage from Medicare:

  • The ambulance service must be medically necessary, and the only way to safely transport you to the hospital. 
  • The transportation supplier (meaning nursing care facility or any provider asking for ambulance services) must meet Medicare ambulance requirements. 
  • The reason for the trip must be to receive a Medicare-covered service during transportation or to return from receiving Medicare-covered care.

    illustration of doctors hand writing a prescription
    if it is not an emergency, then your doctor must provide a written order ahead of your scheduled trip.

If the situation is not an emergency, then ambulance services will only be covered if:

  • You are confined to your bed and unable to get up.
  • You need medical services during the trip that are only available in an ambulance. 
  • You live in a skilled nursing facility and your doctor has written an order for an ambulance. You might be required to produce the order within 48 hours of the transport.
  • Your doctor deems that ambulance transport is medically necessary and provides a written order ahead of your scheduled trip. 

Be aware that if you ask first-responders to take you to a hospital or facility other than the one that is closest to you, Medicare will only cover the cost of a ride to the nearest hospital or facility. You will be responsible for paying the rest of the bill out-of-pocket.

Ambulance Flights

Medicare will also cover other modes of emergency transportation, including ambulance flights. In order for Medicare to cover an ambulance flight, a ground ambulance must be unable to make it to your location. Medicare will also approve a flight if a ground ambulance can make it to the location but the situation is unsafe for the crew. 

invoice next to a hand with money in it

Your Costs

As with many services, Medicare Part B covers 80% of ambulance services, leaving you to pay 20% coinsurance out-of-pocket after you meet your Part B deductible ( $198 in 2020). It is illegal for ambulance companies to apply excess charges to your bill. 

Some Medicare Supplement Plans will cover your coinsurance payments, so if you have certain letter plans, then ambulance rides will be covered 100%. 

Ambulance rides are mostly covered by Medicare, but if you are worried about coinsurance payments, then consider a Medicare Supplement Plan. These plans mean that you won’t have to face Medicare bills alone, allowing you peace of mind, while at the same time putting money back in your wallet. There are different types of plans to choose from, with different coverage options at different price points. If you’re unsure where to begin, EZ can give you free quotes and a breakdown of all the plans. One of our agents will compare all of your options and find the perfect plan for your budget and needs. To get your free Medicare Supplement Plan quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to an agent, call 888-753-7207.

Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopies?

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women in the U.S. It is estimated that about 1 in 20 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetimes. This number is high in part because 1 in 3 people are not up-to-date on their colonoscopy screenings. Colonoscopy screenings are the most effective way to detect and prevent colorectal cancer. Getting regularly screened is especially important for older adults, because if you are 65 or older, you are at a greater risk of dying from colon cancer. Fortunately, Medicare covers colonoscopies at specific time intervals, based on a person’s risk for colon cancer.

doctor in blue gown holding a black tube with a light on the end of it.
During a colonoscopy, a thin, tubed camera is inserted inside the body so that doctors can view the lining of the colon.

What Is A Colonoscopy?

Colonoscopies are safe, common procedures. According to the CDC, over 25 million colonoscopies took place in 2012. During this procedure, a thin, tubed camera is inserted inside the body so that doctors can view the lining of the colon. There are two types of colonoscopy:

  • Screening colonoscopy– a routine procedure performed to see how healthy the colon is and to check if there are any polyps that need to be removed.
  • Diagnostic colonoscopy–  performed to check for irregularities because a person is having intestinal issues.

When a colonoscopy is performed, the patient will normally be put under general anesthesia.

How Much Does It Cost?a sign that says "costs" in red over a pile of 10 dollar bills.

Many factors go into determining the price of a colonoscopy. This includes the location where it is done, what kind of anesthesia is used, and whether any tissue samples have to be sent to a lab for testing. The average cost of a colonoscopy is almost $4,000. If you have private insurance, the procedure will be covered after you meet your deductible. Medicare also covers colonoscopies, but how they are covered depends on whether they are considered a screening or a diagnostic procedure.

What Medicare Covers 

Because a screening colonoscopy is considered a preventive service, Medicare Part B will cover it. Medicare will cover all screening costs as long as the doctor accepts Medicare assignment. This means that your doctor agrees to accept the Medicare-approved amount as full payment for the procedure.

Medicare will cover the cost of screening colonoscopies:

  • Once every 24 months (2 years) if you are at high risk of colorectal cancer because of family history or history of colon polyps or inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Once every 120 months (10 years) for patients who are not considered high-risk.

Your screening will be covered in full whether or not you have met your deductible. white paper with a calculator and a hand pointing at both.

Only the screenings themselves are covered, so if your doctor finds a polyp or takes tissue samples during the colonoscopy, then you will have to pay a portion of the bill. You might owe:

  • 20% of the Medicare-approved amount
  • A copay if you’re in a hospital getting the procedure done

Medicare Supplements can help pay for the additional 20% of out-of-pocket costs if a polyp is found or if you require more  than just a screening. Before scheduling your colonoscopy, contact your Medicare Supplement Plan insurer and find out just how much they will cover if a polyp removal is necessary. 

A colonoscopy is an important screening test that can help catch colorectal cancer early and possibly save your life. There’s no reason not to get one done if you are over 65, because Medicare covers the cost, and a Medicare Supplement Plan can help pay for any other costs associated with getting tested. If you are looking for a Medicare Supplement Plan, we will help compare the different plan types in your area. We will help you find one that meets your health and financial needs. To get free quotes, enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to an agent directly call 888-753-7207. No obligation. No hassle. Just free quotes.

Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery?

As you age, your likelihood of developing cataracts increases. About 30% of Americans 65 and older have some kind of vision impairment from cataracts, and for those over 80, that number jumps to 50%. While Medicare does not cover routine vision care such as eye exams for glasses, it does cover diagnosis and treatment for chronic eye conditions, including cataracts. Cataract surgery is considered a medically necessary surgical procedure, but Medicare will only cover the basics.

The Surgerywoman laying down with blue surgical mask over face ad lasers pointing at the eye

Cataracts occur when the lens of your eye becomes clouded. Having this condition makes your vision blurry and less colorful, or like you are looking through a foggy or dusty window. During cataract removal surgery, the surgeon removes the clouded lens and replaces it with an artificial implant. It takes about an hour to perform and can be done in different 2 ways:

  • Phacoemulsification– A tiny probe is inserted into the lens and ultrasound waves are used to break up the cataract. The particles are then “vacuumed” out.
  • Extracapsular– The doctor makes an incision in the cornea and lifts out the lens in one piece before replacing it with the implant. You will most likely need stitches after this procedure.

Surgery is normally very successful for the majority of people who get it done. After surgery, you might need to wear an eye patch and use special eye drops to prevent infection. 

What Medicare Covers

Medicare will cover your cataract surgery as long as it is deemed “medically necessary” by your doctor. Both traditional and laser cataract surgeries are covered, but if you opt for premium products such as intraocular lens (IOL) implants, then you will have significant out-of-pocket expenses that Medicare will not cover. Medicare will also cover one pair of glasses after cataract surgery. 

glasses with words on each lens from a book in the background
Medicare covers one pair of glasses after cataract surgery.

The specific list of what Medicare covers includes:

  • Preoperative exams
  • Removal of cataracts
  • Implantation of lens
  • Postoperative exams
  • One pair of prescription glasses

How Much Medicare Covers

Cataract surgery can cost about $2,700 for one eye and $5,200 for two eyes,  depending on the type of procedure and whether it is done on an outpatient basis or in a hospital. For outpatient procedures, Medicare Part B covers 80% of the costs of the outpatient facility, the doctor’s fees, and other costs related to the surgery, once you meet your deductible. 

Medicare’s Part A will cover the hospital stay if your cataract surgery takes place in the hospital instead of an outpatient facility. You will have to pay a separate Part A deductible if your cataract surgery needs an inpatient stay.

Help with Out-of-Pocket Costsbrown leather wallet with clear screen showing card and money in it

Because Medicare Part B only covers 80% of the cost of the surgery, you will have to pay the remaining 20% out-of-pocket. Having a Medicare Supplement Plan can help you pay this balance. A Medicare Supplement Plan works like any other private insurance plan: you pay monthly premiums and your plan can cover deductibles, copays, and other out-of-pocket expenses. The cost of each plan, as well as the coverage they provide, varies. 

Medicare covers 80% of costs, but if you need surgery or any other type of procedure, you could still end up paying hundred of dollars out-of-pocket. It is wise to have a Medicare Supplement plan to help you pay for those out-of-pocket costs.  In order to find the right Medicare Supplement Plan for you, you’ll have to compare all the different types, which can be time consuming and confusing. EZ.Insure will help compare all the plans and their costs, and will help you sign up for the best plan for your budget. To get free quotes, enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly to a trained agent, call 888-753-7207.

Don’t Let These Medicare Mistakes Ruin Your Retirement!

Retirement. A simple word that has so much meaning to it. You have been working your whole life looking forward to the day you no longer have to work. Now that the time has finally come, you can begin enjoying the next phase of your life by traveling, relaxing, and checking things off your bucket list. However, there is one thing that you have to get done the right way before you can fully enjoy your retirement. Whether you’ve already enrolled in Medicare, or you’re planning on enrolling soon, you need to avoid these simple Medicare mistakes.

Not Signing Up On Time

piles of coins going up in range with a clock in the background
You will need to sign up for Medicare Part B during your initial enrollment period or face a penalty.

The first thing you need to think about when it comes to Medicare is enrolling at the right time. You will need to sign up for Medicare Part B during your initial enrollment period, which is the 3 months before you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and the 3 months after you turn 65. If you opt out of Part B without a valid reason, such as still being on an employer’s insurance, and don’t sign up during your initial enrollment period, then you will end up paying a penalty fee. This means that, when you eventually do sign up for Medicare Part B, you will have to pay an extra 10% in monthly premiums for every 12 month period that you did not enroll. 

For example, if you opt out of signing up for Part B benefits for 2 years, then you will face a 20% penalty fee added on to your monthly Part B premiums. If you opt out for 4 years, then you will pay an extra 40%, and so on. In most cases, you will have to pay this penalty for as long as you have Medicare. 

Getting Taxed 

If you’ve enrolled in Medicare, but still have money left in a health savings account (HSA), then beware of tax penalties. You can continue to use the money that is already in your HSA after enrolling, but if you contribute to your HSA while on Medicare, you will be subject to an income tax penalty on the amount you contribute. In order to avoid this penalty, you need to stop making contributions to your HSA 6 months before enrolling in Medicare. 

Not Considering A Medicare Supplement Plan

Another mistake to avoid is assuming that everything is covered by Medicare, and that you don’t need a Medicare Supplement Plan. For example, Medicare Part B doesn’t usually provide much coverage if you travel overseas. So, if you are planning on taking advantage of your retirement and doing some traveling outside of the U.S., then it would be smart to consider getting a Medicare Supplement Plan. 

A Medicare Supplement Plan will not only help pay for your Part B bills, but standard Medicare Supplement Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N also provide foreign coverage. These plans will cover emergency care during the first 60 days of your trip, and will pay about 80% of your bills. They will cover up to $50,000 in foreign medical bills after you meet your $250 deductible. This $50,000 coverage is available to you every time that you travel outside of the U.S. and its territories.

calendar with the date October 15 on it
Take the time during Medicare Annual Enrollment, which is every year from October 15 to December 7, to go over your coverage.

Missing Your Annual Period To Change Plans

Your plan’s coverage, costs, and benefits change from year to year. If you are enrolled in a plan, you may be tempted to stick with it and avoid the hassle of switching. However, this can cost you in the long run. Take the time during Medicare Annual Enrollment, which is every year from October 15 to December 7, to go over your coverage and make sure it fits your needs and budget. During open enrollment you can:

  • Switch to Original Medicare Parts A and B with or without a Part D plan from a Medicare Advantage Plan, or vice versa.
  • Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
  • Switch from one Medicare Part D plan to another.
  • Enroll in a Medicare Part D plan if you did not do so when you were first eligible, although a late enrollment penalty may apply.

The open enrollment period is a good time to look at all the plans in your area, find out what their premiums are, and calculate the share of costs. Make sure your pharmacy, hospital, and providers are within the new network if you do plan on switching. Review different Medicare Supplement Plans and see if there is a better fit for you.

Losing Your Medicare Supplement Plan

If you do decide to make a change when open enrollment comes around, make sure you know what you are getting – and what you risk losing. If you decide to switch to a Medicare Advantage plan, you cannot also have a Medicare Supplement Plan. risk spelled out on wooden blocks with a hand on the R

If you bought a Medicare Supplement Plan when you enrolled in Medicare, and then you decide to switch to a Medicare Advantage Plan, you will have to drop your Medicare Supplement Plan. Doing so means that you are at risk of facing underwriting, and if you have any pre-existing conditions then you can be denied coverage or charged more for your plan. The only time to avoid underwriting is when you first become eligible to sign up for Medicare, so be sure that you know what you are doing before you give up your Medicare Supplement Plan.

With there being so many Medicare Supplement Plans, comparing all of them can be time-consuming. EZ will provide you an agent to compare all the different Medicare Supplement Plans within minutes. They will go over all the plans with you, and advise you on which is the best plan for your health and financial needs. All of this will be done at no cost to you, that’s right, it’s free! Enjoy your retirement fully by saving more money. To get you free quotes, enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to an agent, call 888-753-7207. No obligation and no hassle!

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