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Medicare Insurance Counseling

Helping older adults
make informed choices about Medicare.

Navigating Medicare can be challenging for seasoned professionals. For many older adults, it can be next to impossible. That's why millions miss out on special benefits that can help them pay for health care.

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What is Medicare?

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for:

  • People who are 65 or older

  • Certain younger people with disabilities

  • People with End-Stage Renal Disease
    (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD)

Most people have Original Medicare. This is the traditional program run by the federal government. It allows you to go to almost any doctor or hospital in the country and it covers most of the services that you need, but it does not cover the full cost of your care.

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Catawba AAA’s Medicare Counselors provide accurate and objective health insurance information to help Medicare beneficiaries make informed health coverage decisions and understand their related rights and protections.

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What are the Parts of Medicare?

The different parts of Medicare help cover specific services if you meet certain conditions.

Medicare Part A

(Hospital Insurance)

  • Helps cover inpatient care in hospitals (includes critical access hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, and long-term care hospitals).

  • Helps cover skilled nursing facility (not custodial or long-term care), hospice, and home health care services.

Medicare Part B

(Medical Insurance)

  • Helps cover doctor services and outpatient care.

  • Helps cover some preventive services to help maintain a person’s health and to keep certain illnesses from getting worse.

  • Generally pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount for covered services

  • Covers medical equipment and supplies

Medicare Part C

(Medicare Advantage Plans)

  • A way to get Medicare benefits through private companies approved by
    and under contract with Medicare.

  • Includes Part A, Part B, and usually other benefits Medicare doesn’t cover.
    Most plans also provide prescription drug coverage.

Medicare Part D

(Prescription Drug Coverage)

  • Run by private companies approved by Medicare, which can either be Medicare Advantage Plans or separate Medicare Prescription Drug Plans.

  • Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs.

  • Each plan can vary in cost and drugs covered.

Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment

Medicare plans change every year, and so do your needs. The plan that was right for you this year may not be right for you next year.

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NEXT GENERAL OPEN ENROLLMENT

October 15th – December 7

 

During this time, people with Medicare can add, drop or change their prescription drug coverage. They may also select a health plan for their coverage. If you decide to stay with your current plan, you won't need to do anything.

Talk to a trained Medicare
Insurance Specialist today.

Contact Catawba Area Agency on Aging by calling
803-329-9670 or toll-free 1-800-662-8330.

Low Income Subsidy or “Extra Help”

Medicare beneficiaries who have limited income and resources may qualify for extra help to pay for prescription drugs costs. Those who are eligible for this low-income subsidy will get help paying for their monthly premium, yearly deductible, prescription coinsurance and copayments and no gap in coverage.

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Talk to a trained Medicare
Insurance Specialist today.

Contact Catawba Area Agency on Aging by calling
803-329-9670 or toll-free 1-800-662-8330.

Know Your Medicare Rights

If you have Medicare, you have basic rights and protections that include the following:

  • To be treated with dignity and respect at all times

  • Be protected from discrimination

  • Get information about Medicare that you can understand to help you make health care decisions

  • Have your questions about the Medicare Program answered

  • Receive culturally competent services

  • Learn about all of your treatment choices in clear language that you can understand.

BEWARE of Medicare Fraud

Con artists may try to get your Medicare Number or personal information so they can steal your identity and commit Medicare fraud. Medicare fraud results in higher health care costs and taxes for everyone.

Protect yourself from Medicare fraud. Guard your Medicare card like it’s a credit card. Remember:

  • Medicare will never contact you for your Medicare Number or other personal information unless you’ve given them permission in advance.

  • Medicare will never call you to sell you anything.

  • You may get calls from people promising you things if you give them a Medicare Number.  Don’t do it.

  • Medicare will never visit you at your home.

  • Medicare can’t enroll you over the phone unless you called first.

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Fraud occurs when someone intentionally falsifies information or deceives Medicare.

 

Abuse occurs when health care providers or suppliers don’t follow good medical practices, resulting in unnecessary costs to Medicare, improper payment, or services that aren‘t medically necessary.

Your help will be needed.

Your opinion and feedback will be requested in various ways and times. Participation helps us achieve our goals and create a program that will best serve seniors and their families in the Catawba Region and throughout the State of South Carolina. 

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