Understanding Medicare.

Understanding Medicare

While researching Medicare, separating unnecessary details from the important ones can be a challenge. When reading online resources about Medicare, Michigan residents often feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information.

Luckily, we’re here to cut through the fluff. Here are the essential facts about Medicare that every Michigan senior should know.

Medicare Eligibility

In most cases, you become eligible for Medicare in Michigan when you turn sixty-five years old. Depending on when you enroll, your coverage will begin on the first day of your birthday month or the first day of the month following your enrollment.

You may also qualify for Medicare before age sixty-five if you meet one of the following criteria.

• You have a disability and have received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Railroad Retirement disability benefits for at least twenty-four months.
• You have a certain medical condition, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or end-stage renal disease.

If you currently receive Social Security benefits or Railroad Retirement benefits, you do not need to sign up for Medicare when you turn sixty-five. The government will automatically enroll you in Medicare Parts A and B.

Medicare Enrollment

For most seniors in Michigan, Medicare enrollment initially opens three months before your sixty-fifth birthday. The enrollment period remains open during your birthday month and closes three months after.

For example, if you turn sixty-five on December 8, your initial enrollment period will open on September 1 and close on March 31.

It is very important to enroll in Medicare as soon as you become eligible. If you miss this period, you could face penalties and lose important benefits. In fact, there are some forms of coverage that you can only receive during your initial enrollment period. These penalties can add up and significantly increase your monthly premium.

For these reasons, it is essential to plan for Medicare well in advance of your sixty-fifth birthday. At Sunnyside Medicare, we recommend that seniors begin planning for Medicare enrollment around their sixty-fourth birthday. By preparing in advance, you can gain a clear idea of which Medicare plans are right for you.

A licensed broker from Sunnyside Medicare can assess your needs, create your custom Medicare plan, and support you through the enrollment process. Your personal agent can also complete the Medicare application on your behalf.

Medicare Costs

Medicare costs can vary based on your plan and any extenuating circumstances. For example, you could enroll in premium-free Medicare Part A if you qualify for the program. If you do not qualify, you could pay a premium of up to $499 per month.

According to the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, Part B Medicare plans can range from $170.10 to $578.30 per month. You may pay less if the government deducts your premium payments from your Social Security check.

For Medicare Advantage plans, the cost will vary by your plan and plan provider. The premiums for Medicare Part C are typically lower than Original Medicare. However, you will need to continue to pay your Part A and Part B premiums in addition to your Medicare Advantage premium.

The cost of Medicare is the same wherever you are, but choosing the most affordable plan can be difficult without support. The agents at Sunnyside Medicare can help you save money by carefully evaluating your options and calculating your potential costs.

Finding the right Medicare plan can be difficult. Trust our experts to find the best options for you at zero cost and with zero pressure.