
Medicare made simple
Eligibility starts at age 65, not at age 62 when you are initially eligible for Social Security benefits.
There are 4 parts to Medicare:
Part A provides hospital coverage. It is available to anyone who has worked at least 10 years in a job where Medicare taxes were paid. Spouses are also eligible. For those workers and spouses, Part A is free. In 2010 the Part a Deductible is $1100. After the Deductible, most hospital costs are paid by medicare.
Medicare Part A can be purchased for $461 per month in 2010 for those who do not qualify. They must be 65 or disabled.
Part B covers medical services including doctors visits and Out-Patient Care including Surgical Procedures.
You must pay for Part B coverage which is subsidized by the federal government.
In 2010, the basic fee is $96.40. Higher income earners pay more. Increased fees apply to higher-income seniors with annual earnings over $85,000.
Part B does not cover 20% of the cost for outpatient care. You may purchase a Medigap or Medicare Supplement plans to cover these costs. There are 12 Standardized Medicare Supplement plans in the state of CT. Part B has a $155 annual Deductible
Part C has Medicare Advantage Plans. These plans offer Medigap type coverage to include prescription drugs and some services not covered by medicare (preventive care, dental & vision). These plans generally have Networks of doctors and hospitals. You simply pay a copay for In-network care.
Part D includes prescription drugs plans. You pay a monthly premium for this coverage. These plans have drug lists and Three tier copays for the first $2830 of annual drug costs. Beyond that you pay 100% or the next $1720 of drug expenses up to the initial coverage limit or true out-of-pocket of $4,550 in 2010. Beyond that you pay the greater of $2.50 copay for generic and $6.30 for all other drugs or 5% coinsurance.
We represent the following Medicare carriers
AARP Medicare Supplement and Part D Rx
ConnectiCare VIP Medicare Plans
Anthem Medicare Supplement and Part D Rx
Aetna Medicare Supplements and Part D Plans
Medicare 2010 Premiums
Learn more about Medicare premiums for 2010.
Connecticut Medigap plan resources
Mastering the ABCDs of Medicare
Medicare Election Period Booklet
Medicare Suitability Questionnaire
Medicare Supplement Rates for Standardized Plans Issues On Or After June 1, 2010



