Totally Boise Blog

Medicare is generally for people who are older or disabled. Medicaid is for people with limited income and resources.

Part A is usually premium free if you have worked for more than 10 years. You will most likely pay the Part B premium to Medicare. Beyond that, you may pay other premiums, deductibles, co-pays and co-insurance. The total amount will depend on the Medicare coverage you choose and the health care services you use.

Your Medicare coverage and benefits will stay the same and continue without interruption. The only thing that will change is your card. The change is to help protect your personal identity.

The new cards will be mailed out in ‘waves’ from April 2018 through April 2019. Each wave will include mailings to people with Medicare in select states. The table below (provided by Medicare.gov) shows the states included in each wave. Idaho falls into the ‘6th wave’ and is highlight below:

Your card will be mailed to you automatically. You don’t have to do anything to get it.

It’s a big project to replace all the Medicare cards in the nation. The number is around 60 million new cards! It will definitely take a little time. In the meantime:

• Make sure your new Medicare card is sent to the right address. Your new card will be mailed to the address Social Security has for you. It’s a good idea to check that it’s correct. You can check it online or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, TTY 1-800-325-0778, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Use your current Medicare card until the new one arrives. Begin using your new card as soon as you get it. Your old card can be destroyed once your new one arrives.
• Keep using your Medicare Advantage plan member card. Your Medicare Advantage plan card, if you have one, is not affected by the change to your Medicare card. Simply continue to use your plan card as usual. Put your new Medicare card in a safe place when you get it.
• Beware of possible scams. Remember that Medicare will never call you, come to your home, or ask for your Medicare number or other personal information. Only give your new Medicare number to your doctor, pharmacist, other health care providers and people you trust who help you with Medicare.

Medicare supplement insurance is also known as Medigap. It’s private insurance you can buy to help pay for some costs not paid by Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare. It’s a different way to get your Medicare benefits. Medicare Advantage Plans may include extra benefits such as Vision, Dental, and Gym Memberships.

In general, you are eligible for Medicare after receiving Social Security disability benefits for 24 months.

We recommend Matt Faller as an Idaho Medicare Insurance Advisor because as an independent broker, he will find the ideal insurance coverage that caters to exactly what you need. Unlike advisors who work for a specific company his extensive knowledge in all insurance products will insure you get the best plan tailored specifically for your situation. You will have his undivided attention, and he will be with you every step of the way.

For more information on Idaho Medicare topics:
Matt Faller
Medicare Insurance
(208)258-1470
matt@mattfallerinsurance.com
www.mattfallerinsurance.com