Medicare Blog

where to get advice about medicare plans in michigan

by Ola Sporer Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Contact the Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program to get free health benefit counseling and help navigating Medicare. Complete an online benefits application on the Social Security website, or apply in-person at a Social Security office. Compare Medicare Advantage plans at Medicare.gov, and enroll in a plan.

Call MMAP at 1-800-803-7174 to make an appointment with a MMAP counselor. MMAP provides free, unbiased information and counseling to help individuals navigate the array of available heath benefits and make informed health benefit decisions.

Full Answer

How can I get help Paying my Medicare Part B premiums?

Your income determines what is covered. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) may help pay the following, depending on the person's income: In some cases, MDHHS may refund the person a portion of the Medicare Part B premium on an annual basis.

What does the Medicare savings program pay for?

The Medicare Savings Program pays for certain Medicare costs. There is an asset limit. Your income determines what is covered. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) may help pay the following, depending on the person's income:

How do I enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B?

For information about enrolling in Part A and/or Part B for the first time visit www.medicare.gov or call 800-633-4227. Note: Each year, insurance companies can make changes to Medicare plans, including changes to the prescription drugs they cover.

How do I contact my employer about Medicare plan changes?

Questions regarding plan changes may be directed to your employer’s human resources department or use the contact number provided on any written communication received. Medicare’s annual open enrollment period is October 15 through December 7.

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How do I pick a Medicare plan in Michigan?

To find out which supplement plans are available to you, visit Medicare.gov and enter your ZIP code. You'll be able to choose the supplement plan you're interested in, then see which companies offer these plans in your area.

What is the best Medicare helpline?

1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) can help. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.

What is the best way to find out about Medicare?

Visit Medicare.gov/about-us/nondiscrimination/accessibility-nondiscrimination.html, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for more information. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. Paid for by the Department of Health & Human Services.

Who can help me choose the right Medicare plan?

Get personalized help with choosing a Part D or Medicare Advantage plan from your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Go to shiptacenter.org or call 800-633-4227 for local contacts.

Why do doctors not like Medicare Advantage plans?

If they don't say under budget, they end up losing money. Meaning, you may not receive the full extent of care. Thus, many doctors will likely tell you they do not like Medicare Advantage plans because private insurance companies make it difficult for them to get paid for their services.

Are Medicare helplines legitimate?

But here's some of what it says: The Medicare Coverage Helpline is not affiliated with or acting on behalf of any government agency or program. The Medicare Coverage Hotline is a private for-profit lead generation campaign and does not offer insurance and is not an insurance agency or broker.

What will Medicare not pay for?

In general, Original Medicare does not cover: Long-term care (such as extended nursing home stays or custodial care) Hearing aids. Most vision care, notably eyeglasses and contacts. Most dental care, notably dentures.

Is Medicare free at age 65?

You are eligible for premium-free Part A if you are age 65 or older and you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. You can get Part A at age 65 without having to pay premiums if: You are receiving retirement benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.

When should you start looking at Medicare?

Generally, you're first eligible starting 3 months before you turn 65 and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65. If you don't sign up for Part B when you're first eligible, you might have to wait to sign up and go months without coverage.

Who is the largest Medicare Advantage provider?

UnitedHealthcareUnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans and offers plans in nearly three-quarters of U.S. counties.

Why do I need Medicare Part C?

Medicare Part C provides more coverage for everyday healthcare including prescription drug coverage with some plans when combined with Part D. A Medicare Advantage prescription drug (MAPD) plan is when a Part C and Part D plan are combined. Medicare Part D only covers prescription drugs.

What is the difference between AARP Medicare Complete and AARP Medicare Advantage?

Original Medicare covers inpatient hospital and skilled nursing services – Part A - and doctor visits, outpatient services and some preventative care – Part B. Medicare Advantage plans cover all the above (Part A and Part B), and most plans also cover prescription drugs (Part D).

What is the Medicare Advantage plan in Michigan?

In Michigan, there are two main options for Medicare coverage: original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Original Medicare is managed by the federal government, while Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private companies.

How many people in Michigan have Medicare?

Across the country, nearly 62.1 million people get their health coverage from Medicare, including approximately 2.1 million people in Michigan.

How many Medicare plans are there in Michigan in 2021?

There are 29 stand-alone Medicare Part D plans available in Michigan for 2021, compared to 30 plans in 2020. All Michigan residents with a stand-alone Part D plan have access to a plan with a lower monthly premium than they paid in 2020. There are 12 different Medigap plans offered in Michigan for 2021.

How many people will be covered by Medicare in Michigan in 2021?

Michigan Medicare Plans in 2021. Medicare is a federal program that helps older adults and younger people with disabilities pay for healthcare. Across the country, nearly 62.1 million people get their health coverage from Medicare, including approximately 2.1 million people in Michigan.

What is Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage plans are the other way to get your Medicare coverage. They’re sometimes called Part C. These bundled plans must cover all Medicare parts A and B services. Often, they include Part D, too. Medicare Advantage plans may also offer many extra benefits, such as vision, dental, and hearing care.

How long does Medicare enrollment last?

If you’re eligible for Medicare at 65, you can sign up during the 7-month initial enrollment period. This period starts 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after your birthday month.

Will Medicare premiums decrease in Michigan in 2021?

Overall, monthly premium costs have decreased for 2021 Medicare Advantage plans in Michigan. The information on this website may assist you in making personal decisions about insurance, but it is not intended to provide advice regarding the purchase or use of any insurance or insurance products.

When does Medicare Part C and Part D change to Medicare Advantage?

You may also switch Medicare drug plans. AEP happens each year from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.

What is a pace in nursing home?

PACE is designed to provide nursing home-level care to those that aren’t ready to move into a facility. If you qualify, you may be able to receive that care at home and in your community. In Michigan, eligibility starts at 55 and you must live within a PACE service area.

What is extra help?

Also known as the Low Income Subsidy (LIS), Extra Help is financial assistance designed to help low-income Medicare enrollees afford their Part D coverage. If your income qualifies, you can get help paying for your premium, deductible, and prescription drug costs.

Does Michigan have Medicare Part B?

With a Medicare Savings Program (MSP), you may be able to lower the out-of-pocket costs associated with your Part B coverage. The Michigan MSP is based on your income and resources. If you qualify, a MSP may pay part or all of your premium, deductible, and coinsurance.

Medigap Enrollment in Michigan

If you are interested in enrolling in Medigap insurance in Michigan, the best time to do so is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP).

Medigap in Michigan for Disability Enrollees

Federal law does not require Medicare Supplement Insurance companies to provide coverage to beneficiaries under the age of 65 who qualify for Medicare because of a disability. However, many states offer protections that allow these individuals to enroll in a Medigap plan, and Michigan has been doing so for over two decades.

Medigap Premiums in Michigan

There were 48 Medigap insurance companies in Michigan in 2021. State law allows insurers to decide how they set monthly premiums, and many of them offer attained-age rated policies.

How to contact Medicare in Michigan?

Free volunteer Medicare counseling is available by contacting the Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) at 1-800-803-7174. The MMAP can help beneficiaries enroll in Medicare, compare and change Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, and answer questions about state Medigap protections.

What is the Medicare Savings Program in Michigan?

A Medicare Savings Program (MSP) can help eligible Michigan Medicare beneficiaries pay for premiums and cost-sharing. Applicants in Michigan can qualify for Medicaid ABD if their income is less than $1,063 a month if single or $1,437 a month if married in Michigan. In Michigan, applicants with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid ABD can enroll ...

How much does HCBS cover in Michigan?

Michigan limits income for HCBS coverage to $2,349 a month if single and $4,698 a month if married (and both spouses are applying). Spousal impoverishment rules allow spouses who don’t have Medicaid themselves to keep an allowance that is between $2,155 and $3,216 per month.

How much home equity do you need for Medicaid in Michigan?

Michigan requires applicants seeking Medicaid LTSS to have no more than $595,000 in home equity. Applicants for nursing home care or HCBS cannot transfer or give away assets for less than their value without incurring a penalty period in Michigan.

How much do you have to pay for nursing home insurance?

Enrollees must pay nearly all their income each month to their nursing home, other than a small personal needs allowance ( of $60 a month) and money to pay for health insurance premiums (such as Medicare Part B and Medigap).

How much can a spouse keep on Medicaid?

If only one spouse needs Medicaid, the other spouse can keep up to $128,640. Certain assets are never counted, including many household effects, family heirlooms, certain prepaid burial arrangements, and one car. In Michigan, applicants for Medicaid nursing home benefits can’t have more than $595,000 in home equity.

What is the maximum home equity for Medicaid?

In 2020, states set this home equity level based on a federal minimum of $595,000 and maximum of $893,000.

What to know about Medicare in Michigan

With more than 1 in 5 people in Michigan age 65 and older, the state offers a variety of Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans.

Top-rated Medicare Advantage plans in Michigan

Each year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, awards every Medicare Advantage plan a star rating on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being a top-rated plan. Below are plans that received top marks in Michigan for the 2022 plan year. (Check out more information about Medicare star ratings.)

How to choose a Medicare Advantage plan

It’s crucial to ask a few questions while shopping for the right plan for you. Here’s a quick checklist to help you consider your options:

Medicare Advantage providers

Get more information below about some of the major Medicare Advantage providers. These insurers offer plans in most states. The plans you can choose from will depend on your ZIP code and county.

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