Senior and Disabilities Services

Medicare Enrollment

 

There are several parts of Medicare that cover different things, and who should enroll in which, how to enroll, when to enroll and penalties for enrolling late are different in each part. 

People 65 and older and people with certain disabilities are eligible for Medicare.  People with End Stage Kidney Disease or on Dialysis, people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and other disabling conditions can discuss their eligibility for “disability” with the Social Security Administration.  Typically, after 24 months of “disability” a person gets Medicare.

MEDICARE PART A

What it covers
Medicare Part A covers expenses for inpatient hospitalization and other inpatient service facilities, such as skilled nursing facilities and hospice care.

Who is eligible
Most people are eligible for premium-free Part A coverage.  This includes those who are eligible for a Social Security benefit.  It also includes those who paid the Medicare tax while employed.  People who worked less than 40 quarters can still purchase Part A coverage and pay for the premium which is prorated according to how many quarters are in your work history.  For details on your work history contact Social Security in person, by phone (800-772-1213) or review your annual earnings statement.

How to enroll
You enroll in Part A and B through Social Security.  Many people will automatically get a letter from Social Security three months before they turn 65.  If you do not, you should contact the Social Security Administration to discuss your enrollment into Part A and B.  You can contact them by phone 800-772-1213 or go to their office in Anchorage, Fairbanks or Juneau.
*If you are a state of Alaska retiree: A few people are not eligible for premium-free Part A because they don’t have enough Social Security or Medicare–covered employment.  If you are not eligible for Part A, Social Security will send you a letter confirming that.  You must send a copy of that letter to the claims administrator.  AlaskaCare will then continue to pay for Part A services just as it did before you turned age 65.  For more information for Alaska retirees Use this link

MEDICARE PART B

What it covers
Medicare Part B covers physician and other outpatient medical services, including ambulatory surgery center services, durable medical equipment and supplies and other items.

Who is eligible
Everyone is eligible and must pay a premium for Part B, whether or not you are eligible for Part A.  There are penalties for enrolling in Part B after you become eligible.  If you are actively working and have an Employee Group Health Plan, you can delay enrolling in Part B until that coverage is terminated.

How to enroll
You enroll in Part A and B through Social Security.  Many people will automatically get a letter from Social Security three months before they turn 65.  If you do not, you should contact the Social Security Administration to discuss your enrollment into Part A and B.  You can contact them by phone 800-772-1213 or go to their office in Anchorage, Fairbanks or Juneau.  Medicare Part B premiums can be deducted from your Social Security retirement check or bank account.  You have a 7 month window to contact Social Security about Part B to avoid a penalty: 3 months before your birthday month, your birthday month and three months after. 
*If you are working, and receive health insurance from an employee group health plan, it is not necessary to enroll until your active employee health insurance terminates.

MEDICARE PART C
Medicare Part C plans are advantage plans which are health plan options (like an HMO or PPO) approved by Medicare and offered by private companies.  Medicare pays a fixed amount for your care every month to the companies offering Medicare Advantage Plans.  These plans provide Medicare health coverage and sometimes cover prescription coverage.  In Alaska there are several Private-Fee-for-Service Plans that have rules and exceptions.  Contact your providers to see if they will accept a Medicare Advantage Plan and read the summary of benefits before purchasing one or contact the Medicare Information Office (269-3680 in Anchorage or toll free 800-478-6065) for consultation.

MEDICARE Part D

What it covers
Medicare Part D covers prescription medications.

Who is eligible
Everyone who is on Medicare is eligible and must pay a premium for Part D.  Not everyone needs to have a plan, however, as some people may have creditable prescription drug coverage through a spouse that is actively working, through a retiree health plan, through the Veterans Administration, Tri-Care, a Union or the Indian Health Service or other entity.  Everyone’s situation is different!

IF you have V.A. Benefits, Indian Health Service Benefits or Tri-Care, Medicaid.

IF you are eligible for premium-free Part A (hospitalization) coverage, we encourage you to enroll in Part A.  Even if you have V.A., IHS or other benefits, you may still want to enroll in Part B because if you travel outside of your community where you get those benefits you might not be covered for outpatient services elsewhere.

IF you live part of the year in Alaska and part of the year somewhere else you may need Part B to access a medical provider.

IF you have Medicaid and are turning 65 you must enroll in both Parts A and B.

Everyone’s situation is different due to your work history, your spousal benefits, your employment status, etc. so please call us for advice!