Tag Archives: medicare part b premium

Your Questions About Medicare Part A

William asks…


My grandma has medicare part a and b would she be covered for home health care nursing?

3 to 4 times per week. Assistance with getting out of bed and diabeties management. She is bed bound mostly.

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Before Medicare made their nation wide cost saving cuts back in the 1990′s, it was common for the elderly to be covered for those services sometimes indefinitely. Now it is much different. If someone on medicare comes out of the hospital they would be covered but not indefinitely. If the Dr. Recommends skilled nursing for diabetes management that may be a real possibility. Check with her Doctor. Personal care, bathing, assistance getting out of bed and meals, and laundry, falls under private duty care and is paid for by the individual through the home health agency. Some states offer help under their programs of medicaid and state assistance programs. Check with your state programs to see if your grandmother qualifies under income guidelines.

Mark asks…

How can a company pay an individual’s Medicare Part B premium?

Hi. I have a very specific and obscure question. I am interested in how a company, a health plan for instance, could go about paying an individual’s Medicare Part B premium. Does anyone know where the rules governing this are housed?

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

This is a good question! A local organization was considering implementing a policy whereby it would pay the insurance premiums for Medicare-eligible employees about a year ago and did some checking through attorneys. The rules discovered were that a private employer that offers a health care plan to employees must offer the same plan to all employees– even those eligible for Medicare. There was no way found for the employer to pay the Medicare premiums for the employees eligible to enroll in Medicare.

I understood that the reason this could not be done was due to a state rule–but actually, the barrier is probably a federal rule. Allowing this practice would increase costs to Medicare and probably reduce the costs of employer health insurance plans. Congress probably is concerned enough about soaring Medicare costs. Of course, there is probably a plethora of other political reasons…

Some feel this rule engenders employers’ discrimination against older workers. The fact is, more health problems develop the older we get and the American workforce is aging quickly. Paying for health insurance is a big problem for most employers–and especially small business. Many choose not to provide a health insurance plan at all due to these plans’ costs–which is a major reason why there are so many uninsured Americans today.

Suggestion: check with someone in your State’s Insurance Commissioner’s office. There is someone there who might be very familiar with this question–or would know someone else who would have the information you seek. Or check with an attorney familiar with health insurance and employment law in your state.

Good luck and best wishes!

Ken asks…

Question on Medicare Part B premiums for low income?

My mother just passed away and in her papers I found that she has been paying medicare Part B premiums for years. I think it was something like $92.40. I can’t remember the exact amount.

My question though, is that her monthly income was only $700 a month. Should she have been paying these premiums? She had no dependents in the home with her. Seems like she should have been exempt since she is considered low income.

If she should not have paid these monthly premiums, can her estate been reimbursed for all the years she paid?


Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

If you want Medicare part B coverage – which covers gaps in Medicare part A – you have to pay for it. The premium is $93.50 per month if your income is under $80,000 a year.

The major benefit under Part B is payment for physicians’ services. In addition, home health care, durable medical equipment, outpatient physical therapy, x-ray and diagnostic tests are also covered.

Donna asks…

I am looking for a Medicare part D plan that offers dental and vision. Can anyone help me?

I have Medicare A and B, but am looking for additional coverage for my prescriptions, and ideally one with Dental and Vision….More so the dental, but vision would be great, too…..

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Dental and Vision aren’t covered – unless you have a medical eye condition. Regular vision issues, exams, glasses, contacts, etc, aren’t covered at all.

Maria asks…

how do I know if I should have medicare part D?

I currently am enrolled in parts A & B, but not D. I am currently spending approx $50.00 mo. for prescriptions, would I benefit from haveing part D? I’m not even sure how part D works, does it pay all of the prescriptions, or a portion and then I pay the rest? I don’t know how much part D costs either. I tried to log onto medicare.gov, but could not figure out how to navigate through all the stuff to get the answers I need. Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks.

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

It depends on if you are on a Medicare Advantage plan (like an HMO, PPO etc). If you are on plan or program they will cover your medications. If you are on original Medicare (you only use the white card with the red white and blue stripes at the top) then you have no prescription coverage and should look to enroll in one. You only have until friday to enroll otherwise you will have to wait until next year’s open enrollment.

Each part D plan is a different cost. Some cost as low as $14 per month – some cost over $100 per month. If you are having trouble finding a list of plans you can always ask your pharmacy if they know of good plans or just call 1 800 Medicare for help.

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Your Questions About Medicare Part B Premium

Mark asks…

If my mom gets survivor’s benefits will she lose her SSI disability and medicaid?

My mom was receiving SSI for disability. Her husband died and she is now going to get survivor’s benefits. We are assuming she will no longer get SSI, since the survivor’s benefits are more than she was getting for SSI.

Her main concern is that she had medicaid through the SSI and on the summary of survivor’s benefits she just got in the mail they were charging her a monthly premium for Medicare Part B. They included a paper she can sign and send in stating that she does not want the Medicare Part B, but she is afraid that this has already screwed up her medicaid somehow.

Has anyone dealt with this? I have been on hold with social security for a half hour….
Thank you both for your answers. Sorry I was not very clear but I am confused by this all.

Judith, I think your answer is exactly what we need to do. Her monthly payment is still going to be very low and she will still be below the poverty threshold so I think she should qualify for help from medicaid. Thanks again.

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Yes. If someone is entitled to Medicaid and they can become entitled to Medicare, welfare REQUIRES that they sign up for Medicare. Why? Because it lessens the expenses of the welfare program. If she does not sign up for Medicare and welfare finds out that she could have they will not pay ANY of her medical expenses.

Some people can still have Medicaid coverage even if they are no longer entitled to SSI; it just depends upon how low the Social Security survivor’s benefit is. Your mother should see if welfare will pay her Medicare premiums, co-pays and deductibles. They do, also depending upon the amount of the survivor benefit.

She needs to: 1) Sign up for Medicare and 2) Go to welfare office with a copy of her award letter telling what the amount of her Social Security widow’s benefit is. If she doesn’t have the award notice, then she needs a referral from Social Security. Welfare needs proof of her monthly benefit amount. Request welfare to pay her premiums, co-pays and deductibles and find out if she will still have Medicaid coverage.

Carol asks…

What is the insurance company which provides excellent and inexpensive MEDI-GAP policies for people 65…?

I am in Texas. My Mom needs a Medi-Gap policy. She has Medicare hospital part A and Medical part b. She had total knee replacement surgery last year, and has had mildly high blood pressure, which has been successfully controlled by a light medication (ZIAC) since it was detected. (It was detected early due to constant monitoring of blood pressure.)

There are no other medical conditions, not even osteoporosis or osteoperenia. She is quite healthy.

I am looking for cheap but good plans. If you have one or your senior loved ones have them, please tell me the name of the comapny and the monthly premium you pay. Thanks very much to you.

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

There are two types of policies available. A Medicare Supplement, or Medi-gap, and a Medicare Advantage.

With the Medicare Supplement all plans are exactly the same, controlled by the government. Most people have plan F. A plan F with one company is exactly the same as a plan F with another. The only difference is price. In my area the average plan F premium for someone age 65 is around $150 and goes up with each year older. Some companies may not accept her because of the surgery. Part D prescription drug coverage is not included so she’ll need a separate Part D plan.

The Medicare Advantage plans can be different between companies. They all have to cover the same but some companies will enhance the plan. There are small co-pays when you use medical services. A supplement doesn’t have co-pays. The Medicare Advantage plans will cover an annual physical while a supplement does not. The average premium in my area is $26 per month no matter what your age and many have a $0 premium. All companies will accept her with the surgery. Some have Part D included.

This is much more complicated so my advise is to visit a local independent agent who deals with senior policies. The plans and premiums are exactly the same whether you use an agent or buy directly from a company.

Susan asks…

What are some insurance companies which provides excellent and inexpensive MEDI-GAP policies for people 65…?

I am in Texas.

My Mom needs a Medi-Gap policy. She has Medicare hospital part A and Medical part b.

She is only 65 years old, but she will be 66 years old in two months.

She had total knee replacement surgery last year, and has had mildly high blood pressure, which has been successfully controlled by a light medication (ZIAC) since it was detected. (It was detected early due to constant monitoring of blood pressure.)

There are no other medical conditions, not even osteoporosis or osteoperenia. She is quite healthy.

I am looking for cheap but good plans. If you have one or your senior loved ones have them, please tell me the name of the comapny and the monthly premium you pay. Thanks very much to you.

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Her monthly premium would depend on how much her social security is. Medicare will can give you a list of the ones that cost less. They were very helpful to me when I was looking for a policy.
Since she will soon turn 66, she can choose a plan starting in November of this year. Try and find one that covers prescription drugs and hospitalization. I did not have a Medigap program because it was too expensive. I waited until I turned 65 and was fortunate enough that nothing drastic happened to me during that time.
The newest and best way to go for us seniors now is a Medicare Advantage Plan. The company you choose will file all the premiums for you, Medicare pays them, and you have no bill other than the monthly premium which can be as low as $40 a month. Drugs can be as low as $2.15 to $25. Doctor visits will only be $10 each and a referral doctor will be $25.00.

I cannot pick one for you because they are different in each state. Just begin early by contacting Medicare and asking for a booklet listing the best Medical Advantage Plans.

Best wishes to you. I had to handle this myself and I asked them every question in the book. My plan is state-based. Don’t give up, just keep looking even if you have to go through 10-12 ompanies to get a good result. Also, find one that your mother’s physician is on. She will not need a high paying program that offers little service.

Best wishes.

Joseph asks…

regarding assistance from the state to pay premium for medicare?

there are several programs QMB pays the part A and B insurance another program assists with the Medicare part D benefits

I just moved from Florida where I was getting these benefits to Illnois. I have not been able to learn how to transfer the benefits, advice please.

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

The question that needs to be answered is: Have you applied for Medicaid in Illinois?

If you have not, you will need to do this. Medicaid is a State Program and you have to do this in each new State you move into. When you apply they will know, from the questions that you answer, that you are on Medicare. Take your questions to your nearest office and, I’m sure, your benefit will be restored right along with your Medicaid Benefit.

This is the way it was done when I trained as an Eligibility Worker, and I don’t think that part of it has changed.

Good Luck!

Lizzie asks…

O.K…..I have another tax question.?

On the Wages & Income Section where I put i my part time W-2, it also asks for my Social Security Disability Income. Then asks what do I pay for my Medicare part B and Part d. So I put in there.

Then in the Deductions and Credits section where you enter medical expenses, it says Insurance Premiums (including Medicare) So am I suppose to put that in twice? I don’t know why after all these years I have just noticed this. Or maybe it is new. I don’t know but it just has me a bit confused. do you think Turbo Tax just knows what to do? I know…..duh! Anyway if anyone could shed some light.

And thanks sooo much for the HOH answers! ♥

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Post this on the US site.

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Your Questions About Medicare Part B Premium

George asks…

How do I pick the right medicare plan for my mom?

Mom gets $648 a month from her SSD, and the information packet that she got says that they will take $98-some odd dollars from her SSD in February if she does not reject the Medicare Part B. That will leave my mom financially strapped for taxables and other items she needs in order for her house to survive. I would help except that I am having my own health struggles and am still awaiting for my own SSI. Someone suggested that their Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield premium that they pay is about $22 a month, which would be far more manageable than the $98+ a month. But I wonder if that includes co-pays for doctors, medications, etc. Someone also said AARP has a good plan to choose. I live in Akron, Ohio. What do I do?

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

She needs the Medicare Part B in order to sign up and enroll in a Medicare Supplement or a Medicare Advantage plan. Sounds like she cannot afford a Medicare Supplement which along with Medicare Parts A & B would cover the gaps that Medicare doesn’t cover. There are lots of Medicare Advantage plans though that she can enroll in that would be better than hanging out there with just Medicare. You just have to pick the right one for her needs, she does have to have Medicare A&B to enroll in one of these type plans. Also, because of her low income she can apply through social security for the (LIS) low income subsidy which if she qualifies, would allow her to sign up for certain Part D prescription drug plans and not pay a monthly premium for the plan itself plus her prescriptions would be no more than 6.00 for brand name and 2.30 or 3.30 for generics. You can call social security or even better call your local Department of Family & Children Services and make an appointment for all the help that is available to her based on her income. She might qualify to get the Medicare Part B premium of 96.40 paid and she could qualify for Medicaid and if she did, then she would not need a Medicare Supplement or a Medicare Advantage plan, just Part D prescription drug coverage. It sounds like the BCBS plan for 22.00 is a prescription drug plan that she is already covered with, if so it only covers prescriptions, no medical there, but I have no way of knowing what she has by just the information you provided. At 648.00 a month it sounds like she is eligible to qualify for a lot of things out here you just need to go to the right place and apply for these things. Your local DFACS office can help her. Start there. She definately does not want to reject Part B.
Best wishes

Helen asks…

Is this the country that you want to leave for your children and grandchildren?

The 2009 Social Security and Medicare Trustees Reports show the combined unfunded liability of these two programs has reached nearly $107 trillion in today’s dollars! That is about seven times the size of the U.S. economy and 10 times the size of the outstanding national debt.

Future Payroll Tax Burdens. Currently, a 12.4 percent payroll tax on wages funds Social Se­curity and a 2.9 percent payroll tax funds Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance). But if payroll tax rates rise to meet unfunded obligations:

When today’s college students reach retirement (about 2054), Social Security alone will require a 16.6 percent payroll tax, one-third greater than today’s rate.
When Medicare Part A is included, the payroll tax burden will rise to 25.7 percent – more than one of every four dollars workers will earn that year.
If Medicare Part B (physician services) and Part D are included, the total Social Security/Medicare burden will climb to 37 percent of payroll by 2054 – one in three dollars of taxable payroll, and twice the size of today’s payroll tax burden!

The unfunded liability is the difference between the benefits that have been promised to current and future retirees and what will be collected in dedicated taxes and Medicare premiums. Last year alone, this debt rose by $5 trillion. If no other reform is enacted, this funding gap can only be closed in future years by substantial tax increases, large benefit cuts or both.

***Can Higher Taxes Solve the Prob­lem? The CBO also found that if federal income tax rates are adjusted to allow the government to continue its current level of activity and balance its budget:

The lowest marginal income tax rate of 10 percent would have to rise to 26 percent.
The 25 percent marginal tax rate would increase to 66 percent.
The current highest marginal tax rate (35 percent) would rise to 92 percent!

http://www.ncpa.org/pub/ba662

Bug, I agree with some of the points you made. There should be no cap.

However, there are very few people who earn over a million dollars per year.(less than .05%) I am not sure it would make that much of a difference.

They need to fix this mess before it is too late for future generations, and they need to fix it fast! This should have been addressed years ago!

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

I was talking with a coworker last week. He remarked that he was afraid for what the next generation will have to deal with – and he doesn’t even have children.

Susan asks…

Do you think young people understand the depths of the USA’s financial situation and how it will affect them?

The 2009 Social Security and Medicare Trustees Reports show the combined unfunded liability of these two programs has reached nearly $107 trillion in today’s dollars! That is about seven times the size of the U.S. economy and 10 times the size of the outstanding national debt.

The unfunded liability is the difference between the benefits that have been promised to current and future retirees and what will be collected in dedicated taxes and Medicare premiums. Last year alone, this debt rose by $5 trillion. If no other reform is enacted, this funding gap can only be closed in future years by substantial tax increases, large benefit cuts or both.

Future Payroll Tax Burdens. Currently, a 12.4 percent payroll tax on wages funds Social Se­curity and a 2.9 percent payroll tax funds Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance). But if payroll tax rates rise to meet unfunded obligations:

When today’s college students reach retirement (about 2054), Social Security alone will require a 16.6 percent payroll tax, one-third greater than today’s rate.
When Medicare Part A is included, the payroll tax burden will rise to 25.7 percent – more than one of every four dollars workers will earn that year.
If Medicare Part B (physician services) and Part D are included, the total Social Security/Medicare burden will climb to 37 percent of payroll by 2054 – one in three dollars of taxable payroll, and twice the size of today’s payroll tax burden!

****Can Higher Taxes Solve the Prob­lem? The CBO also found that if federal income tax rates are adjusted to allow the government to continue its current level of activity and balance its budget:

The lowest marginal income tax rate of 10 percent would have to rise to 26 percent.
The 25 percent marginal tax rate would increase to 66 percent.
The current highest marginal tax rate (35 percent) would rise to 92 percent!

Is this what you want for yourself and for your children/grandchildren?

http://www.ncpa.org/pub/ba662

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Are you kidding me, most young people today are so narcissistic that they can’t even think about what next week may bring.

Paul asks…

I need help on a medicare question, please read!?

Is medicare part A and B the same for everyone? What I mean is…well you know how part D, you can choose which plan you want to be in…well can you chnage part A and B like you can for part D or is part A and B the same for everyone?

Also, when choosing a prescription drug plan, if the premium is higher, does it mean that there is a lesser copay? Thanks for anyone who can answer this. 10 points goes to whoever answers all my questions! But I do need help though, so anyone, please help!

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

If I think correctly, part A is Hospital & part B is Medical. It might be the same for everyone. I’m not sure. Now with part D, I guess depending on the company, the plan, & the prescription, the copay would vary. A lesser copay means you pay less, like $0.50 or something for each prescription. Not sure about the correlation with the premium & copay.

I hope I was able to help you in a way you could understand, & I apologize for not being able to answer EVERYTHING, but I’m going by what is true to the best of my knowledge.

Mary asks…

O.K…..I have another tax question.?

On the Wages & Income Section where I put i my part time W-2, it also asks for my Social Security Disability Income. Then asks what do I pay for my Medicare part B and Part d. So I put in there.

Then in the Deductions and Credits section where you enter medical expenses, it says Insurance Premiums (including Medicare) So am I suppose to put that in twice? I don’t know why after all these years I have just noticed this. Or maybe it is new. I don’t know but it just has me a bit confused. do you think Turbo Tax just knows what to do? I know…..duh! Anyway if anyone could shed some light.

And thanks sooo much for the HOH answers! ♥
It is from my 1099-SSA from my disability not a W-2. Medicare Part B & Part D premiums.

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

If you entered the data from your W-2, you do NOT enter it twice.

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Your Questions About Medicare Part B Premium

Ken asks…

Seniors: Should we accept the fact that COLAs are a thing of the past?

The government is projecting a slight cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security benefits next year, the first increase since 2009. But for most beneficiaries, rising Medicare premiums threaten to wipe out any increase in payments, leaving them without a raise for a third straight year.

About 45 million people — one in seven in the country — receive both Medicare and Social Security. By law, beneficiaries have their Medicare Part B premiums, which cover doctor visits, deducted from their Social Security payments each month.

When Medicare premiums rise more than Social Security payments, millions of people living on fixed incomes don’t get raises. On the other hand, most don’t get pay cuts, either, because a hold-harmless provision prevents higher Part B premiums from reducing Social Security payments for most people.
Bob – Not worried, just an observation

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Isn’t it “interesting” how Boomers are more or less becoming eligible to retire, in droves…and Social/COLAs are not being increased…?!!

Coincidence!

Sharon asks…

Any Young At Heart Seniors Out There Changed Their HMO Plan Recently?

and is it a good idea to do so?

I’m currently in Blue Shield HMO but seriously thinking of changing to Central Health Medicare Plan HMO.

There are certain things I don’t like about Blue Shield such as all the co-pays. I had to pay a co-pay to see a Cardiologist and another to see a Intervention Specialist and I also had $125 co-pay for a CT Scan. I want to get work done on my teeth but there will be a sizable co-pay if I need dentures.

I have had a certain procedures done and the doctor told me to follow up with him in March but I need to make a decision before Dec. 31st if I want to change my HMO plan.

The company I am thinking about going with is Central Health HMO Plan which has no co-pays for any non-primary doctor visits, specialists or procedures and I will get a $20 reduction on my Medicare Part B premium. They pay for all denture work also and the prescription plan is not bad. So far is sounds like something that will benefit more than Blue Shield. The agent is sending me the paperwork today.

This is my first year with Medicare/Blue Shield and I was wondering is it a good idea to change Plans or does it really make that big of a difference.

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Your Medicare monthly premiums dont change when you switch plans. Every state or region has different plans. Where I live there is no such plan as Central Health. I use Kaiser. You should check every single benefit and compare it to the Blue Shield Medicare plan before you switch. I assume you are in Medicare Advantage.

Chris asks…

Am I calculating Pennsylvania Income Tax correctly?

For my disabled brother (age 61 in 2009):

Social Security Benefits $14,969.
Medicare Part B premiums $1,157.
Interest income $11
Dividends $1,445 ($471 in qualfied dividends)
Other income $139

On the tax software, coming up with tax of $46. Is this about right?

The problem is that someone else prepared my bother’s tax return for 2008, and they came up with zero Pennsylvania tax with similar numbers. Am I missing something, or did they do it wrong for 2008. (Unfortunately, nobody seems to have a copy of the 2008 returns).

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

The deductions you list have nothing to do with his state income tax. PA doesn’t tax income of SS or pension, although the ‘other income’ IS most likely PA taxable – without knowing what it is though, can’t even say that for sure. If he won it on the PA lottery it wouldn’t be. The interest and dividend income are taxable for PA, unless the interest is from US savings bonds, that wouldn’t be PA taxable.

If his total reportable income for PA is small, he’s very likely eligible for tax forgiveness – you need PA form SP for that. It could very possibly take his PA tax to zero. That’s probably what you’re leaving out.

If you post again with any other INCOME amounts and what they’re for, someone can help you.

Ruth asks…

Penalty for not buying Medicare Part-A?

My parents are immigrants and over 65 yrs old, when they come to the US with a greencard, I heard that they are eligible to buy medicare after 5 years. Since they have not paid any social security, they need to pay a pretty high premium. If they don’t want to buy Medicare Part-A after they quality and do it in a later date, is there any penalty for Part-A? I know there is a penalty for part-B and Part-D, but no one seems to have a clear answer for Penalty for Part-A. Thanks!

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Please contact your local Social Security office & ask someone who is qualified to answer your questions. It’s best to visit your SS office & sit down face to face with someone.

James asks…

What will my medicare pay for?

I just got medicare insurance for my Bipolar disabilty. I have to pay a premium each month for it. What about when i go and see all my doctors and go and get my prescriptions for all my meds, will I have to pay money for my medications and when I see my doctors will I have to pay a copay? Also If I was too get hospitalized again will I have to pay for that too? I tried asking the medicare number that I was assigned to all of these questions but it was a long phone wait so I wanted to see if anyone knew any information on it on here. I am on medicare part A and medicare part B so any information that anyone has on medicare, I would like to know all about because I know absolutley nothing about Medicare. Thanks so much in advance =]

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Medicare is available by phone 24 hours 7 days a week so try calling during the night to get some of your questions answered without the long wait.

Right now, it sounds like you have Medicare Part A which covers in-patient hospitalization. You do not have a premium for Part A. However, Part A has a large deductible over $1000 the first time during the calendar year you are in-patient and that deductible re-occurs more than once during a year. Otherwise, your inpatient services are paid at 80%.

If you took Part B, you are paying a premium which you might be having deducted from social security disability payments or medicare premiums. If they aren’t automatically being deducted from a government check being sent to you, make sure your Part B premiums are paid monthly. Part B pays for outpatient services such as doctor’s visit. Part B will pay 50% of a mental health visit and you will have to pay the 50%.

Since you can there are many out of pockets costs you have even with Medicare Part A&B, it might be a good idea to purchase a medicare supplement. A medicare supplement picks up everything that was not paid by medicare. A medicare supplement is normally $200 per month.

Neither Medicare Part A nor Part B pay for prescription medications. You can purchase Medicare Part D for prescription coverage or you can ask your doctor if he or she has already arranged for your medications to be provided for you.

Good luck. I hope you continue to feel well.

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Your Questions About Medicare Part B Premium

Ruth asks…

i need help in choosing the medicare about prescription drugs,or part d or the gap?

please some on who is in the same boat and knows very well about the medicare things,i am desperately need help what to do.i will start my medicare from mar/1/08,i am early retire with the only income from ss $733/month.but will not qualify for free prescription,just because may be the investment and the cds a little help i have.beside home and a car as they say.so out of this $733,they will take away my part B medicare premium,then on top how much i have to pay for priscription drug coverage,or mid gap,as i use two priscriptions levoxyle and fossamax,for bone for life.and i need out of state and some times out of country to be coverd too.i need the prfect low monthly cost,full coverage,according to my income.and my income will never be more than,$10,000/year no matter how much dividen included.when i tried to go to ss web site there are hundreds of thing that i do not even understand,so how i am going to choose,since first time in my life ieven do not know what quiestionsi need to ask

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

You need to visit a local independent agent that works with Medicare policies; it is much too complicated to explain here. The agent will work with you to find the best plan for your situation since they deal with many different companies. The plans and premium are exactly the same using the agent or doing it yourself.

You should look into a Medicare Advantage plan (Medicare Part C) that has health coverage and also includes prescription drug coverage. These plans have a low or even a $0 premium. They cover emergencies and urgent care worldwide for a small co-pay ($25 to $50). You can get a three month supply of your meds but they won’t ship out of the country. The fosamax will have a monthly co-pay of $25 to $40 and the levoxyl $0 to $10, depending upon the plan.

Lisa asks…

my aunt just got a letter saying that her premium part b won’t be covered anymore .?

Medicare cancelled the payment of part b for my aunt and she now has to pay it out of her meager social security check.

How come?

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Everyone has to pay for Part B unless they also qualify for medicaid. The premium for next year is about $96 per month. She might need to get a job.

David asks…

where to get help paying premiums for part a and b on medicare?

i need help paying prmiums for social security part a and b insurance

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Most people don’t have a Part A premium because they either worked for 40 quarters during their lifetime or their spouse worked for 40 quarters.

You need to contact your local Medicaid office for help. They base their assistance on your income and assets and every state has different requirements. If you qualify they will pay part or all of your Part B premiums.

You can also contact Social Security to see if you qualify for extra help paying your Part D premium and/or if you qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Paul asks…

i am on medicare part b the government pays the premiums i thought they were paying Medicaid but Medicaid?

wants me to pay them 98 dollars a month based on my income.($842 a month) so who is recieving the 94.60 the goverment is paying for my insurance cause i thought i picked medicaide as my plan provider. can some one tell me. I am lost in all these plans i have no idea who is pay for what
the goverment pays 100% of my part B and part D premuims as i am considered very low income. but medicaide say im over the limit and have to pay the spenddown. but medicaide pays the part B to the supplemental coverage but i didnt pick one so who is recieving the money?
the goverment pays 100% of my part B and part D premuims as i am considered very low income. but medicaide says i’m over the limit and have to pay the spenddown. but medicaide is the one who pays the part B for the supplemental coverage but i didnt pick one so who is recieving the money?

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Linda, it is sometimes confusing between Medicare and Medicaid. If your $842 a month is Social Security, then it first has an automatic coverage for Medicare Part A which is mainly for hospitalization and for which no deduction or payment is required from you. . Medicare Part B is your option and requires you to sign up for coverage of doctor’s visits, but only up to 80% of what Medicare Part B allows. That is probably what you are charged $94.60 per month. You would still have to pay the other 20% of allowable charge to the doctors, and for this you would need a Supplemental Part B policy. YOU can NEVER pick Medicaid which is a program for poor people who cannot afford Medicare Part B. You would first have to apply for Medicaid and be approved. There is no charge or payments for Medicaid patients whose bills are paid by the federal and/or state governments. Call your local Social Security office for further guidance. Good luck.

Laura asks…

What does medicare part B offer?

Does that cover medicen cost? What is it exactly for? And how much is the monthly premium?

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Part B Medicare covers outpatient doctor & hospital costs. It doesn’t cover medications.

Medicare prescription drug coverage is Part D. The premiums are very variable, depending on coverage.

Start with the Medicare site. They can direct you to the plans in your state.

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