Medicare Blog

how do i find out what part of medicare i'm covered by?

by Kaleb Wehner III Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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  • Check your Medicare enrollment online. You can quickly find out what Medicare coverage you have (Part A hospital insurance and/or Part B medical insurance) by checking your enrollment status online.
  • Review your Medicare plan coverage options. It’s a good idea to review your Medicare coverage every year to make sure the benefits of your Medicare plan remain aligned with your ...
  • Make changes to your Medicare plan coverage during the right time of year. ...
  • Find out what Medicare plan may fit your needs. Did you know that you could potentially find a Medicare Advantage plan with $0 premiums, $0 deductibles and an annual out-of-pocket ...

Visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to get the most current information. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

What does Medicare really cover?

Medicare covers up to 100 days of part-time daily care or intermittent care if medically necessary. You must have spent at least three consecutive days as a hospital inpatient within 14 days of receiving home health care. If you don’t qualify for home health care coverage under Part A, you might have Medicare coverage under Part B.

What items are covered by Medicare?

  • Durable medical equipment (DME)
  • Prosthetic devices
  • Leg, arm, back and neck braces (orthoses) and artificial leg, arm and eyes, including replacement (prostheses)
  • Home dialysis supplies and equipment
  • Surgical dressings
  • Immunosuppressive drugs
  • Erythropoietin (EPO) for home dialysis patients
  • Therapeutic shoes for diabetics
  • Oral anticancer drugs

More items...

What is not covered by Medicare?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include: Services that include medical and non-medical care provided to people who are unable to perform basic activities of daily living, like dressing or bathing. Long-term supports and services can be provided at home, in the community, in assisted living, or in nursing homes.

How do you check out your Medicare coverage?

  • You can use the enrollment check at Medicare.gov
  • You can check the status online at http://www.mymedicare.gov
  • You can call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227
  • Members can visit a local office to review the coverage in person

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How can I tell which Medicare plan I have?

You will know if you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan by checking your enrollment status. Your enrollment status shows the name of your plan, what type of coverage you have, and how long you've had it. You can check your status online at www.mymedicare.gov or call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.

Are you automatically enrolled in Medicare Part B?

Yes. If you are receiving benefits, the Social Security Administration will automatically sign you up at age 65 for parts A and B of Medicare. (Medicare is operated by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, but Social Security handles enrollment.)

How do I know if I have Part D of Medicare?

To learn more about the Medicare Advantage plans and the Medicare Part D plans in your area, you can use the Medicare Plan Finder, a searchable tool on the Medicare.gov website. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or speak to someone at your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

How can I find my Medicare Part Number?

You can sign in to see your Medicare Number or print an official copy of your card. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

Is Medicare Part A free?

Most people don't pay a monthly premium for Part A (sometimes called "premium-free Part A"). If you buy Part A, you'll pay up to $499 each month in 2022. If you paid Medicare taxes for less than 30 quarters, the standard Part A premium is $499.

Can I get Medicare Part B for free?

While Medicare Part A – which covers hospital care – is free for most enrollees, Part B – which covers doctor visits, diagnostics, and preventive care – charges participants a premium. Those premiums are a burden for many seniors, but here's how you can pay less for them.

Does Part D show on Medicare card?

Primarily, the prescription plan uses the Medicare ID number in record keeping; by checking the Medicare ID number the Part D plan will show on system records. Often, beneficiaries can use the Part D benefits before they receive a member card by simply using their Medicare ID.

Does everyone have Medicare Part D?

Medicare offers prescription drug coverage for everyone with Medicare. This coverage is called “Part D.” There are 2 ways to get Medicare prescription drug coverage: 1.

What is the difference between Part C and Part D Medicare?

Medicare Part C is an alternative to original Medicare. It must offer the same basic benefits as original Medicare, but some plans also offer additional benefits, such as vision and dental care. Medicare Part D, on the other hand, is a plan that people can enroll in to receive prescription drug coverage.

How do I get my Medicare details online?

If you already have a Medicare online account, sign in through myGov. If you don't have a myGov account or a Medicare online account, you'll need to set them up. You can use your Medicare online account to manage details and claims, view statements and get letters online.

Is your Medicare number the same as your Social Security number?

Your card has a Medicare Number that's unique to you — it's not your Social Security Number. This helps protect your identity. The card shows: You have Medicare Part A (listed as HOSPITAL), Part B (listed as MEDICAL), or both.

How long does it take to get Medicare Part B after?

This provides your Part A and Part B benefits. If you are automatically enrolled in Medicare, your card will arrive in the mail two to three months before your 65th birthday. Otherwise, you'll usually receive your card about three weeks to one month after applying for Medicare.

What does Medicare Part B cover?

Part B also covers durable medical equipment, home health care, and some preventive services.

Does Medicare cover tests?

Medicare coverage for many tests, items, and services depends on where you live . This list includes tests, items, and services (covered and non-covered) if coverage is the same no matter where you live.

What is Medicare ID?

The Medicare ID card indicates whether one has Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare. Medicare tracks every participant by the name of the plan used, enrollment status, type of coverage, and the coverage start date. The date of birth and start date of coverage are key facts in identification in the Medicare system.

What is original Medicare?

Original Medicare is government-run medical care and insurance coverage. It uses a fixed price for services a type of managed care. Members have freedom to choose any doctor or hospital in the network. They do not need referrals or special permissions for the majority of available services.

What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare?

Original Medicare is an open arrangement.Users can go to any doctor or medical care provider that accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans also provide comprehensive coverage but achieves it in different ways. They have management styles that can help patients, for example, some provide a primary care doctor.

How much is Medicare deductible for 2020?

Original Medicare has an annual deductible that in the calendar year 2020 was set at $1,408 for Part A and $198 for Part B. Each Medicare Advantage plan has its list of consumer paid expenses. They include deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and cost-sharing.

Can Medicare Advantage be used for all in one?

Advantage plans can cost less than Medicare Part B and add prescription drug benefits for an all-in-one combination. Users can go to any doctor or medical care provider that accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans also provide comprehensive coverage but achieves it in different ways.

Can you get medicaid with dual eligibility?

Dual Eligibility with Medicaid. Some persons qualify for Medicaid in addition to Medicare coverage. These dual eligible members have a source of subsidy and extra help with costs , cost shares, and coinsurance. Medicaid can pay premiums and out-of-pocket costs for qualified Medicare members.

When is open enrollment for Medicare?

Medicare holds its open enrollment period from October 15 through December 7 of each calendar year. This period is the ideal time to review current enrollment coverage and consider ways to improve coverage and reduce costs. Beneficiaries can perform many tasks during open enrollment including the below-listed changes.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

You pay for services as you get them. When you get a covered service, Medicare pays part of the cost and you pay your share.

You can add

You join a Medicare-approved plan from a private company that offers an alternative to Original Medicare for your health and drug coverage.

Most plans include

Some extra benefits (that Original Medicare doesn’t cover – like vision, hearing, and dental services)

Medicare drug coverage (Part D)

If you chose Original Medicare and want to add drug coverage, you can join a separate Medicare drug plan. Medicare drug coverage is optional. It’s available to everyone with Medicare.

Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)

Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) is extra insurance you can buy from a private company that helps pay your share of costs in Original Medicare.

Summary of Benefits

This document highlights the plan’s most-used benefits. It’s helpful for shoppers who want a basic understanding of what’s covered. Find your Summary of Benefits.

Log in to your account at bcbsm.com to learn more

If you're already a member of one of our Medicare Advantage plans, you can find all of this information in the My Coverage section of your online account. Log in to get started.

Need help?

If you have questions about what's covered, call the number on the back of your Blue Cross ID card and we'll help.

How to order a publication from Medicare?

Answer: You can view, print, or order publications online or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). The fastest way to get a publication is to use our search tool and then view and print it. If you order online or through 1-800-MEDICARE, you will receive your order within 3 weeks. The link to search publications is at: http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/home.asp

How long is a person eligible for Medicare?

Everyone eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits is also eligible for Medicare after a 24-month qualifying period. The first 24 months of disability benefit entitlement is the waiting period for Medicare coverage. During this qualifying period for Medicare, the beneficiary may be eligible for health insurance ...

How long can you keep Medicare after you return to work?

Answer: As long as your disabling condition still meets our rules, you can keep your Medicare coverage for at least 8 ½ years after you return to work. (The 8 ½ years includes your nine month trial work period.) Question: I have Medicare hospital Insurance (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B) coverage.

Why does Bill have Medicare?

Example: Bill has Medicare coverage because of permanent kidney failure. He also has group health plan coverage through the company he works for. His group health coverage will be his primary payer for the first 30 months after Bill becomes eligible for Medicare. After 30 months, Medicare becomes the primary payer.

Is Medicare a secondary payer?

Answer: Medicare may be the "secondary payer" when you have health care coverage through your work. See the information under "Coordination of Medicare and Other Coverage for Working Beneficiaries with Disabilities" about when Medicare is a "secondary payer or primary payer".

Does Medicare pay for non-VA hospital?

If the VA authorizes services in a non-VA hospital, but doesn't pay for all of the services you get during your hospital stay, then Medicare may pay for the Medicare-covered part of the services that the VA does not pay for. Example: John, a veteran, goes to a non-VA hospital for a service that is authorized by the VA.

Does Medicare pay for the same service?

Medicare cannot pay for the same service that was covered by Veterans benefits, and your Veterans benefits cannot pay for the same service that was covered by Medicare. You do not have to go to a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital or to a doctor who works with the VA for Medicare to pay for the service.

Protect your Medicare Number like a credit card

Only give personal information, like your Medicare Number, to health care providers, your insurance companies or health plans (and their licensed agents or brokers), or people you trust that work with Medicare, like your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) A state program that gets money from the federal government to give free local health insurance counseling to people with Medicare. ..

Carrying your card

You’ll need the information on your Medicare card to join a Medicare health or drug plan or buy Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap), Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) An insurance policy you can buy to help lower your share of certain costs for Part A and Part B services (Original Medicare). so keep your Medicare card in a safe place.

How do you get another Medicare card?

My card is lost or damaged — Log into (or create) your Medicare account to print an official copy of your Medicare card. You can also call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to order a replacement card. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

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