Medicare Blog

im 49 why do i keep getting medicare info

by Elwin Kutch MD Published 1 year ago Updated 1 year ago
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Why did I get a notice about my Medicare drug plan?

This notice reminds you that you need to join a new Medicare drug plan if all of these apply: 1) Your Medicare plan left the Medicare program this year, 2) You don't get Extra Help, or 3) You want Medicare prescription drug coverage. You'll get this notice if your plan is leaving the Medicare program (and you don't get Extra Help).

Is it hard to find out what to do about Medicare?

But, it may be hard to find, and that piece of mail might look like something you have to either call back or fill out and mail somewhere. These folks that offer their services, either by phone or mail, are can be very helpful in showing you what to do about Medicare at 65.

Do you get a lot of Medicare-related mail when you turn 65?

When you turn 65 (and likely many months or even years before), you will get a ton of Medicare-related mail. Trust me – we understand. It gets to the point where you don’t know what to read, what to trust, and how to stay sane!

Are you getting a new Medicare card?

All people with Medicare are getting new Medicare cards. These new cards have a new Medicare Number that's unique to each person with Medicare, instead of their Social Security Number. This is what the letter announcing your new Medicare card will look like.

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Why am I getting letters about Medicare?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) mails letters each spring to people who might be able to save money on Medicare costs. Get help from a local Medicare or benefits counselor to see whether you're eligible for these cost savings.

Is Medicare eligibility age changing?

Lowering the eligibility age and 2022 changes In summary, the changes have not yet come into effect but it is looking promising that the age may drop down to 60, assuming everyone can get on the same page.

Does Medicare need to be updated every year?

In general, once you're enrolled in Medicare, you don't need to take action to renew your coverage every year. This is true whether you are in Original Medicare, a Medicare Advantage plan, or a Medicare prescription drug plan.

Do you automatically get Medicare with Social Security?

You automatically get Medicare because you're getting benefits from Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board). Part B covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

What is Medicare eligibility age?

age 65 or olderGenerally, Medicare is available for people age 65 or older, younger people with disabilities and people with End Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant). Medicare has two parts, Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medicare Insurance).

Are Medicare premiums based on income?

Medicare premiums are based on your modified adjusted gross income, or MAGI. That's your total adjusted gross income plus tax-exempt interest, as gleaned from the most recent tax data Social Security has from the IRS.

Does my Medicare automatically renew?

Although there are a few exceptions, Medicare plans generally renew each year automatically. This is true for original Medicare as well as Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Medicare Part D plans.

What happens if you decline Medicare?

Declining Medicare completely is possible, but you will have to withdraw from your Social Security benefits and pay back any Social Security payments you have already received.

How often do you have to reapply for Medicare?

every yearThis is true whether you are in Original Medicare, a Medicare Advantage plan, or a Medicare prescription drug plan. As long as you continue to pay any necessary premiums, your Medicare coverage should automatically renew every year with a few exceptions as described below.

Do I have to pay for Medicare?

Most people don't have to pay a monthly premium for their Medicare Part A coverage. If you've worked for a total of 40 quarters or more during your lifetime, you've already paid for your Medicare Part A coverage through those income taxes.

Does Medicare come out of your Social Security check?

Medicare Part B (medical insurance) premiums are normally deducted from any Social Security or RRB benefits you receive. Your Part B premiums will be automatically deducted from your total benefit check in this case. You'll typically pay the standard Part B premium, which is $170.10 in 2022.

How much does Social Security take out for Medicare each month?

In 2021, based on the average social security benefit of $1,514, a beneficiary paid around 9.8 percent of their income for the Part B premium. Next year, that figure will increase to 10.6 percent.

What does Medicare mail?

1. Medicare mail you get from insurance companies. There are many insurance companies out there that sell Medicare-related insurance policies. You can read more about them on our blog, but as a quick primer, here’s what you need to know. Original Medicare only pays for about 80% of your medical bills.

When will Medicare cards be mailed?

New Medicare card (cards are being mailed April 2018-April 2019) All people with Medicare are getting new Medicare cards. These new cards have a new Medicare Number that's unique to each person with Medicare, instead of their Social Security Number.

What is the Medicare handbook?

The "Medicare & You" handbook is mailed to all Medicare households each fall. It includes a summary of Medicare benefits, rights, and protections; lists of available health and drug plans; and answers to frequently asked questions about Medicare.

What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare?

Insurance companies – regulated by the government – sell these supplements, and they might send you mail about them. Medicare Advantage is the alternative to Original Medicare.

How often do you get your MSN?

Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) (You’ll get your MSN every 3 months if you get any services or medical supplies during that 3-month period) This is not a bill. It’s a notice that people with Original Medicare get in the mail every 3 months for their Medicare Part A and Part B-covered services.

What does it mean when you get a yellow notice?

If you get this yellow notice, it means you automatically qualify for Extra Help with a retroactive (in the past) effective date because of one of the following: 1) You qualify for Medicare and Medicaid, or 2) You get Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

When do you get a 1095-B from Medicare?

If you have Part A, you may get IRS Form 1095-B from Medicare in the early part of the year. If you don't get Form 1095-B, don't worry. Not everyone will get this form from Medicare, and you don't need to have it to file your taxes. LIS Choosers Notice (Mailed in November)

What to do if you think Medicare is calling you?

If you think the call is from Medicare, hang up and call them back at the national number. Then, if it was one of them, they can help you. However, if Medicare isn’t attempting to reach you, then you avoid a spammer trying to steal your information. Telemarketing calls attempt to commit fraud and theft.

How to report a fraudulent call to Medicare?

How to Report a Medicare Call. You can report a fraudulent call from someone claiming they worked for Medicare by going to the FTC Complaint Assistant. You can help protect yourself from fraudulent activities by never offering credit card or personal information to anyone.

Can you get information from Medicare if you have Social Security?

When enrolling in Medicare, you should be aware that neither Social Security nor Medicare calls you to get information. Should any issue arise in which Medicare or Social Security needs any information from you, they’ll ALWAYS send you a letter to notify you. If you’re getting too many spam phone calls, you might want to get on ...

Will Medicare call you?

Medicare will never call you! Medicare may need information from you or may need to reach you; but, they’ll NEVER call. You’ll get a letter that will notify you of the necessary information that Medicare needs. Long story short, if the calls you’re receiving claim to be from Medicare, it’s a spam call.

Can Medicare call you asking for bank information?

In either of these scenarios or similar situations, do not give out your personal information. Medicare will never call you asking for bank information or credit card numbers.

Can you share your Medicare number with a stranger?

You should never share your Medicare Identifier or Social Security number with a stranger. If you get calls from someone claiming to be Medicare, get a name and phone number, and call Medicare to make a report.

Do not call Medicare?

If you’re getting too many spam phone calls, you might want to get on the Federal Trade Commission’s Do Not Call list. Medicare beneficiaries are likely to receive phone calls once they become eligible for Medicare.

Why are Medicare and insurance companies contacting me?

Medicare, insurance companies, insurance agents, etc. are all contacting you because you’re turning 65. Whichever of these situations you may be in, you have different needs for both Medicare and for supplemental insurance. But, the people calling you and sending you mail don’t know your situation. All they know is you’re turning 65 ...

When do you get your Medicare card?

You’ll get your Medicare card in the mail about 3 to 3 ½ months before your Medicare effective date. For most of you, that will be the first day of the month you turn 65.

What is an initial enrollment questionnaire?

Initial Enrollment Questionnaire Notice. Medicare wants to know what other types of insurance you may have once you become Medicare eligible so they know who to coordinate paying claims with. You don’t have to fill this questionnaire out, but it’s a good idea so claims will get paid timely and by the right parties.

Can you get full benefits as a veteran?

You might have full benefits as a veteran, through VA benefits or Tricare. Whichever of these situations you may be in, you have different needs for both Medicare and for supplemental insurance. But, the people calling you and sending you mail don’t know your situation.

Do I need to sign up for Medicare when I turn 65?

It depends on how you get your health insurance now and the number of employees that are in the company where you (or your spouse) work.

How does Medicare work with my job-based health insurance?

Most people qualify to get Part A without paying a monthly premium. If you qualify, you can sign up for Part A coverage starting 3 months before you turn 65 and any time after you turn 65 — Part A coverage starts up to 6 months back from when you sign up or apply to get benefits from Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board).

Do I need to get Medicare drug coverage (Part D)?

You can get Medicare drug coverage once you sign up for either Part A or Part B. You can join a Medicare drug plan or Medicare Advantage Plan with drug coverage anytime while you have job-based health insurance, and up to 2 months after you lose that insurance.

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