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Published on:

22nd Sep 2023

157. Replay: Everything you always wanted to know about Medicare

“Does Medicare cover assisted living?” is a common question Lori Williams gets as a senior living professional. Since Medicare functions as health insurance and doesn’t cover senior living, she welcomes an expert back to the show to share what it does cover.

You’ll get a simple overview of the Medicare puzzle from June Kim, a community relations specialist with BlueCross BlueShield of Texas. With Medicare enrollment October 15 through December 7, it’s a great time to learn - though it’s always helpful to understand what you’re getting into! She’ll answer common questions like:


·What is Medicare Part A, B, C and D?

· What’s a Medicare supplement? What about Medicare Advantage?

· I’m still employed - should I enroll in Medicare?

· How much does it cost?

· Where do I enroll?


If you need to learn the basics of Medicare or just need a refresher, this is a great place to start. Plus, you’ll also be aware of what changes are coming.


Takeaways from this episode:

-Enroll for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) once you turn 65 - even if you’re still employed. You’ve already paid into it, so it’s free.

-Only enroll in Part B when you’re fully retired because your employer may already offer health insurance coverage.

-You can’t be on Medicare Part A and B (traditional Medicare) without a drug plan - Part D.

-Medicare covers 80% of the costs, and you’ll have to pay the last 20% out of pocket unless you have Medicare Supplement insurance.

-Medicare Part C is an “all in one” plan run by private insurance companies. You wouldn’t get Part A, B or D if you already have Medicare Advantage, nor could you get a supplement.

-You must be reasonably healthy to qualify for a Medicare supplement, and costs vary according to lifestyle. The older you get, the more expensive it is.

-Medicare Part C is like an HMO health insurance plan; whereas Medicare A and B are like a PPO.

- If you have Medicare Part A, B and D, and supplement insurance, you can use your Medicare in all 50 states - any doctor and any hospital that takes Medicare, with little to no out-of-pocket expenses.

-Choosing the plan for you comes down to many factors, including network and resources. What’s most important is that you understand the plan you choose.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

12. Medicare 101

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/794eb1c8/012-medicare-101

For more information about plans and the brochure mentioned in this episode, please visit: 

www.Thinkbluetx.com

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To contact June Kim:

June_kim@bcbstx.com

214-783- 7901

For more detailed and up-to-date information, please go to:

www.medicare.gov  

Or call at 1-800-633-4227; available 24/7

And for social security:

www.ssa.gov

To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast please email Lori@Loriwilliams-seniorservices.com 

For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

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About the Podcast

Aging in Style with Lori Williams
Aging in Style with Lori Williams is about finding the silver lining no matter what life throws at you. Whether you're a caregiver or an older adult, you can count on author and award-winning senior living expert Lori Williams to provide you with education and resources on all aspects of aging. The podcast will introduce you to aging experts and inspirational seniors.
Lori pulls from her experience as the caregiver for her husband Mark who is a stroke survivor, and shares how to pay for care, navigate senior housing options, advocate for your loved one's care, and most importantly, learn to thrive not just survive as you age.

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Lori Williams