Medicare Insurance

Benefits that go beyond your regular Medicare.

If you are 65 or older, you have probably heard of benefits you may be eligible for that go beyond the your regular Medicare.

Medicare Supplements (also known as Medigap) pays benefits in addition to your original Medicare and help to pay for your out-of-pocket healthcare costs such as co-pays, hospital visits, doctor’s office visits and more. Medicare recipients can literally save thousands of dollars if they have the right Medigap plan in place.

Medicare Advantage Plans (also known as Medicare Part C) are health plans but like traditional major medical coverage. These plans are sold through private carriers contracted by Medicare, and actually replaces your original Medicare Parts A and B, as they are rolled into one plan. You can select between an HMO or PPO, and most plans may cover more of your healthcare costs and have additional benefits, such as prescription drug coverage. Some may have dental or vision benefits. Premiums vary based on coverage, carrier and geographical location.

Choosing the right Medicare coverage for you can be difficult. We can help you understand and sort through the maze of options to secure the plan that best fits your healthcare needs and budget.

Note you must be enrolled in Medicare to purchase a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan. While you can buy a Medicare Supplement plan any time of the year, it’s advantageous to do so during your initial enrollment period to skip medical underwriting.

What is Medicare?

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD).

The different parts of Medicare help cover specific services.

Learn more about Medicare by clicking on the toggles below.

Medicare Parts A & B

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)

Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

Part B covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

Medicare Part C (Advantage Plans)

A Medicare Advantage Plan is a type of Medicare health plan offered by a private company that contracts with Medicare to provide you with all your Part A and Part B benefits. Medicare Advantage Plans include Health Maintenance Organizations, Preferred Provider Organizations, Private Fee-for-Service Plans, Special Needs Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, Medicare services are covered through the plan and aren’t paid for under Original Medicare. Most Medicare Advantage Plans offer prescription drug coverage.

Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)

Part D adds prescription drug coverage to Original Medicare, some Medicare Cost Plans, some Medicare Private-Fee-for-Service Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans. These plans are offered by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans may also offer prescription drug coverage that follows the same rules as Medicare Prescription Drug Plans.

Once your Initial Enrollment Period is over, if you wish to change or purchase Advantage or Part D Plans, you must act during the open enrollment period. Open enrollment is from October 15th through December 7th annually.

NOTICE: Once you are eligible for Medicare, do not wait to enroll in a Medicare Part D Plan or you could end up paying a penalty every month.

When Can You Sign Up For Medicare?

To sign up for Medicare Parts A & B, most will have a 7 month period that begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65.

When open enrollment is closed, there are special circumstances in which one may qualify to enroll outside of the enrollment period. Listed below are the qualifying events:

You are turning 65
You move to a new area that is not in your current plan’s service area
Recently moved back to the US
You lose your current coverage (either Group or Medicaid)
You now need a SNP (Special Needs Plan) or you no longer need a SNP

Medicare is complex. We suggest you call our office for more information.

Medicare Open Enrollment
OCT 15 – DEC 7

Note: By providing information via our contact form, you agree that an authorized representative or licensed insurance agent/producer may contact you by telephone, email or mail to answer your questions or provide additional information about Medicare Supplement/Medigap Plans.

Educational Videos

Medicare & You

The following videos are provided by and copyright of The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and are for informational purposes.

Disclaimer:

The benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, not a comprehensive description of benefits and may contain inaccuracies. For more information contact the plan. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply.

I/We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information I/we provide is limited to the plans I/we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-Medicare to get information on all of your options. The content in on this page has not been reviewed or approved by Medicare.

Agent: Northwest General Insurance and Financial Services is a licensed insurance agency authorized to market Medicare health plans. This is a solicitation for insurance. Please note you have no guarantee issue. Offerings of insurance are made based only on submitted applications.

Neither Northwest General Insurance and Financial Services, nor its agents, are connected with the Federal Medicare program.