{"id":4150,"date":"2017-06-13T19:39:18","date_gmt":"2017-06-13T19:39:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.ballardbenefits.com\/?page_id=4150"},"modified":"2023-09-12T13:03:32","modified_gmt":"2023-09-12T17:03:32","slug":"frequently-asked-questions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.ballardbenefits.com\/frequently-asked-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1499354974199{padding-right: 30px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;How can I get personalized help when it comes to Medicare?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1500312336706-19bf0ebb-9c07&#8243;][vc_column_text]<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/7l7d4QBijMM?rel=0\" width=\"90%\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;What should I consider when choosing or changing my Medicare coverage?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1500312243595-94a4b965-8e4f&#8221;][vc_column_text]<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/E_X9SCtsX_k?rel=0\" width=\"90%\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Where can I find information on Medicare and Social Security?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1497911180250-a328080d-2c18&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\">Medicare Website: <a role=\"link\" href=\"http:\/\/www.medicare.gov\" data-raofz=\"16\">www.medicare.gov<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\">Medicare phone number: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)<\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\">TTY number: 1-877-486-2048<\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\">Social Security Website: <a role=\"link\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ssa.gov\" data-raofz=\"16\">www.ssa.gov<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\">Social Security phone number: 1-800-772-1213<\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\">TTY number: 1-800-325-0778<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;When am I eligible for Medicare?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1497911180336-ced30392-0b47&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\">For many, your 65th birthday is synonymous with becoming eligible for Medicare, but did you know that you could be eligible for Medicare before age 65\u2026or even after age 65?<\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\"><strong><em>\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\"><strong><em>Medicare at Age 65<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\">Most people are eligible for Original Medicare if they are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-raofz=\"16\">A U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident for at least 5 consecutive years<\/li>\n<li data-raofz=\"16\">Age 65 or older and eligible for Social Security<\/li>\n<li data-raofz=\"16\">Permanently disabled and receiving disability benefits for at least two years<\/li>\n<li data-raofz=\"16\">Have End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)<\/li>\n<li data-raofz=\"16\">Have Lou Gehrig\u2019s disease<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\">This also depends largely on your employment situation. If you are still working, there may be some other considerations.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Do I have to take Medicare benefits at age 65?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1497911286370-c2f4f0ef-be32&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\">The short answer is no.\u00a0 If you are working or have employer group coverage through a spouse, you may want to consider deferring Medicare.<\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\">However, we strongly caution that you to get some advice on what to do if you aren\u2019t sure. \u00a0Sometimes individuals are given misinformation about how and when to defer or delay Medicare.\u00a0 Not enrolling at the right time can lead to lifelong penalties and even periods without health insurance. Trust us\u2026that can be costly!<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Should I Defer or Delay Medicare?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1497911327683-4b98572e-c516&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\">Retirement doesn\u2019t always mean a clean break from\u00a0work the day you turn 65.\u00a0 For many individuals, working beyond the age 65 is the best choice for a variety a reasons including benefits, personality, life and retirement goals and more.\u00a0 If you or your spouse plan on working past age 65 and have employer coverage, then it may make sense for you to defer some or all of your Medicare benefits.<\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\"><strong><em>Roadmap\u00a0Tip:<\/em><\/strong> At age 65 or older (rules are different under 65), Part B deferment or delay is only available to individuals who work for an employer with 20 or more employees.\u00a0 If your company has less than 20 employees, you must sign up for Part A and Part B when you turn 65, and then Medicare pays your insurance claims first and your employer coverage pays second (if a balance remains).<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;When do I enroll in Medicare?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1497911350591-fd4b95bd-407a&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\">How and when you should enroll in Medicare depends on your personal situation.\u00a0 Your eligibility, enrollment period and plan options can all be impacted by your employment situation, benefits you may already have, your health needs and more.<\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\"><strong><em>Roadmap\u00a0Tip:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li data-raofz=\"16\"><strong>Know when you can enroll in Medicare.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-raofz=\"16\"><strong>Decide if delaying Medicare Part B upon turning 65 is right for you.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-raofz=\"16\"><strong>Know your Medicare plan options.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\">The best way to make sure you understand what to do when\u2026is to speak with a trusted advisor.<\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\"><em>We know this is confusing. If you have questions, we are here to provide answers.\u00a0 <strong>Call us at 859-356-2416<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;How do I enroll in Medicare?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1497911393153-1c6b23d7-57a6&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\">If you began receiving Social Security income prior to age 65 or you receive Social Security disability income, your enrollment is automatic.<\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\">Everyone else must apply for Medicare through the Social Security office.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-raofz=\"16\">You may apply online \u2013 <a role=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ssa.gov\/medicare\/\" data-raofz=\"16\">https:\/\/www.ssa.gov\/medicare\/<\/a><\/li>\n<li data-raofz=\"16\">Visit the local Social Security office<\/li>\n<li data-raofz=\"16\">Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1497911424906-bdb3237f-df62&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\">Some people qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.\u00a0 You may think that Medicaid and Medicare are the same. \u00a0Actually, they are two different programs.<\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\"><em><u>Medicare<\/u><\/em> is federal health insurance for people age 65 or older, under 65 with certain disabilities and any age with End Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure) requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.<\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\"><em><u>Medicaid<\/u><\/em> is a joint federal and state program that helps pay health care costs for certain people and families with limited income and resources. Different programs under the Medicaid umbrella are designed to help specific populations.\u00a0 Medicaid does not pay money to you; instead, it sends payments directly to your health care providers.<\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\"><strong><em>Roadmap\u00a0Tip: <\/em><\/strong>Each state has its own rules about who is eligible and what is covered under Medicaid.<\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\">Kentucky Medicaid \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.chfs.ky.gov\/agencies\/dms\/Pages\/default.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.chfs.ky.gov\/agencies\/dms\/Pages\/default.aspx<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\">Ohio Medicaid \u2013 <a role=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/benefits.ohio.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-raofz=\"16\">https:\/\/benefits.ohio.gov\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\">Indiana Medicaid \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/secure.in.gov\/fssa\/2408.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/secure.in.gov\/fssa\/2408.htm<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Is Medicare Free?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1497911450309-f4142570-db16&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\">Most people do not pay a premium for Part A. \u00a0\u00a0However, Part B is not premium free. The Part B standard monthly premium is set by Medicare annually.<\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\">To qualify for Medicare you must have contributed to it through U.S. payroll taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters) before turning 65. For this fact alone, it\u2019s not free.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;What is a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C)?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1497911497835-82c43f4d-a58e&#8221;][vc_column_text]Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are part of the Medicare Program. However, these plans are offered by private insurance companies. With Medicare Advantage plans you generally get all your Medicare-covered health benefits through that plan. Coverage may include prescription drug coverage and\/or extra benefits, such as coverage for vision, hearing and preventive dental, along with health and wellness programs like SilverSneakers. You may be required use the plan\u2019s network providers and get referrals to access services. These plans may or may not require a monthly premium in addition to your Part B premium.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;How long do I have to enroll?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1497911523753-956e3294-4bfc&#8221;][vc_column_text]If you are turning 65, you have a total of seven months to enroll.\u00a0 This begins the three months before the month of your 65<sup>th<\/sup> birthday and ends three months after the month of your 65<sup>th<\/sup> birthday. \u00a0If you apply before your birth month, your Medicare coverage usually starts on the first day of your birth month.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;What happens if I miss the initial enrollment period?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1497911552308-e6155fd9-045b&#8221;][vc_column_text]If you don\u2019t enroll in Medicare during your initial seven-month enrollment period, you must wait to apply during the next general enrollment period (January through March each year and the effective date will be July 1). You may also owe a 10 percent penalty on your Part B premium for each year you delay Part B.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Who can help me understand Medicare?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1497911581797-31fb5c73-0883&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\">We can!\u00a0 <strong><em>Call us\u2026859-356-2416<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\">Whatever you do, we recommend that you speak with someone who can ask the right questions, analyze your circumstances, needs and budget, and guide you to a plan that is right for you.<\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\">There are other ways to learn about Medicare coverage.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-raofz=\"16\">You can review the CMS website at www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE<\/li>\n<li data-raofz=\"16\">You may contact any health plan directly for information about the options they offer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Why do I need Medicare Supplement insurance?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1497911615559-12735328-73b1&#8243;][vc_column_text]Original Medicare does not pay all medical expenses. \u00a0A Medicare Supplement policy fills most of Medicare\u2019s coverage gaps. You have options.\u00a0 <strong><em>Call us at 859-356-2416 to learn more<\/em><\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Important Calendar Dates&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;calendardates&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\">As your trusted advisor, we help you prepare for Medicare\u2019s Open Enrollment period. \u00a0We are eager to work with you this fall to help you achieve your peace of mind and meet your budget requirements<\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\">As we gear up for this year\u2019s Medicare\u2019s Open Enrollment period, please keep these important dates in mind.<\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\"><strong>September 30\u00a0\u2013 Review Your Annual Notice of Change<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\">This information is sent to you from your current insurance company.\u00a0 It outlines all the changes to your Medicare Advantage or Part D Prescription Drug plan for next year.<\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\"><strong>October 1\u00a0\u2013 New Plans &amp; Changes Released to Public<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\">This is the first day we are permitted (by Medicare) to discuss changes to the Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug plans with you.<\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\"><strong>October 15 \u2013 1st Day of Medicare\u2019s Annual Election Period<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\">This is the first day you are permitted to enroll in a new Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug plan.<\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\"><strong>December 7 \u2013 Last Day of Medicare\u2019s Annual Election Period<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\">Whichever plan you are enrolled in by this date will be your plan in the new calendar year.<\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\"><strong>January 1\u00a0\u2013 Effective Date of New Plan Election or Change<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\">Your new coverage will start on this date.<\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\"><strong>January 1 &#8211; 31st Medicare&#8217;s Open Enrollment Period<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-raofz=\"16\"><strong><em>Please call us at 859-356-2416 if you wish assistance or have questions about these dates.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Does Medicare cover care in a nursing home?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1497911695343-4e1a8bc8-68c3&#8243;][vc_column_text]Medicare does not cover long-term care in a nursing home. However, you may be covered for short stays in a skilled-care facility. You must meet certain pre-entrance requirements in order to qualify for such benefits. If you\u2019re eligible, Medicare will cover skilled care for the first 20 days at no cost and a specific amount each day for days 21-100. After 100 days per benefit period, Medicare pays nothing.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Does Medicare cover home health care?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1497911722403-4b4f9cb6-f374&#8243;][vc_column_text]Yes, but only if your doctor orders part-time skilled care and you are homebound. If you meet Medicare\u2019s requirements for home health care, it is paid at 100 percent.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Does Medicare pay for hearing aids, dentures, eye exams, eyeglasses, etc.?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1497911761489-70722c73-dee4&#8243;][vc_column_text]No. Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids, dentures, annual eye exams, eyeglasses, etc.<\/p>\n<p>However, coverage is available through stand-alone insurance plans or through most Medicare Advantage plans.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_accordion][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/section>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1499354974199{padding-right: 30px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;How can I get personalized help when it comes to Medicare?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1500312336706-19bf0ebb-9c07&#8243;][vc_column_text][\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;What should I consider when choosing or changing my Medicare coverage?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1500312243595-94a4b965-8e4f&#8221;][vc_column_text][\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Where can I find information on Medicare and Social Security?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1497911180250-a328080d-2c18&#8243;][vc_column_text] Medicare Website: www.medicare.gov Medicare phone number: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) TTY number: 1-877-486-2048 Social Security Website: www.ssa.gov Social [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ballardbenefits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4150"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ballardbenefits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ballardbenefits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ballardbenefits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ballardbenefits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4150"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.ballardbenefits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4150\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4485,"href":"https:\/\/www.ballardbenefits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4150\/revisions\/4485"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ballardbenefits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4150"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}