Medicare

Medicare Basics and Your Options

  • Are you turning 65 soon and don’t know if you should keep your employer’s insurance or switch to Medicare?
  • Have you recently turned 65 and are planning on retiring but are unsure of what Medicare can do for you?
  • Maybe you’re over the age of 65 and have already retired and need to sign up for Medicare now. Or are you under the age of 65 but have a disability and know that Medicare offers options for you, too?

Most people have heard of Medicare, however, many don’t quite understand what it is, how it’s used, and who it’s for. Medicare is not a one-size fits all program and many people aren’t sure if it’s the best option for themselves and their family members. Everyone’s situation is different and each person has unique medical and prescription drug needs. From addressing your initial concerns and questions all the way through open enrollment and renewal, Tree Frog Insurance will guide you through the variety of Medicare options and offer direction that will put your mind at ease.

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Medicare

Let’s discuss your options.

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)

There are several types of Medicare plans, which include Part A, Part B, Medicare Advantage, and Part D. Each option aids in different ways and holds a unique function of service that we will explore below.

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What type of Medicare is right for me?

Do you feel overwhelmed by the different options that are available when it comes to Medicare enrollment? You’re not alone; many people are left uncertain about the differences in plans and wonder what combination is right for them. We at Tree Frog Insurance are eager to hear about your life, learn about your unique circumstances, and help you find your footing among the variety of plans available.

Part A

Hospital Coverage

Part B

Standard outpatient medical coverage

What is the difference between each type of plan?

When you’re thinking about your medical coverage needs today, you may be wondering which plan is most beneficial to you. When you contact Tree Frog Insurance, we will help break down exactly what each Medicare plan covers and how they can aid you in living a happy, healthy life. 

In the Original Medicare model, Part A is your hospital coverage, which includes inpatient care as well as critical access and long-term care. Part B is your standard medical coverage, which includes doctors’ services and outpatient care (when medically necessary). You’ll pay a deductible at the start of each year and you pay for services as you get them (usually about 20% of the cost of Medicare-approved services, otherwise known as coinsurance). 

Medicare Advantage plans offer a combination of Part A and Part B with additional benefits. These are Medicare-approved plans from private companies that offer an alternative to Original Medicare for your health and drug coverage. Plans may offer some extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover — such as vision, hearing, and dental services. Medicare Advantage Plans have yearly contracts with Medicare and must follow Medicare’s coverage rules. Each plan can charge different out-of-pocket costs and they can have different rules for how you get services.

When it comes to prescription drug coverage, we look over to Part D, which can be a standalone plan or part of Medicare Advantage. This plan helps pay for the prescription drugs you need and it offers both generic and brand-name drugs. Each Part D plan can vary in cost and the specific drugs that are covered, however, they all must give at least a standard level of coverage set by Medicare. Plans can vary the list of prescription drugs that are covered and each have different monthly premiums. Additionally, you may have other costs throughout the year in a Medicare drug plan. How much you pay for each drug depends on which plan you choose.

Medicare Advantage

Combination of Part A and Part B

Part D

Prescription Drug Coverage

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What type of Medicare is right for me?

Do you feel overwhelmed by the different options that are available when it comes to Medicare enrollment? You’re not alone; many people are left uncertain about the differences in plans and wonder what combination is right for them. We at Tree Frog Insurance are eager to hear about your life, learn about your unique circumstances, and help you find your footing among the variety of plans available.

What is the difference between each type of plan?

What is Gap Insurance?

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Original Medicare pays for much of the cost of covered healthcare services and supplies, but not all. A Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy can help pay some of the remaining health care costs, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Some Medigap policies also cover services that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like emergency medical care when you travel outside the U.S.

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How do I sign up?

Once you are in a place where you feel confident about your options and are ready to enroll, we at Tree Frog Insurance can take care of signing you up for the plan of your choosing. We’ll make sure there are no lapses in coverage and you’ll know exactly what to expect regarding access to doctors, facilities, and prescription drugs. We’ll take the confusion out of getting started, we’ll obtain the best coverage at the lowest cost for you, and we will walk you through all the steps of setup.

What happens next?

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Once you are signed up, we will continue working with you over the years to evaluate your options. Health situations may arise and Medicare Advantage providers can change, prescription drug needs often need to be evaluated, and plans will likely shift their coverages. Tree Frog Insurance will work alongside you and help make any necessary adjustments during the Annual Open Enrollment period. We know it is of utmost importance that you receive the proper care that you deserve and access to the prescription drugs that you need, all while ensuring that you are not overpaying for any services.

Contact Tree Frog Insurance today
to get the Medicare insurance plan that is right for you.


262-975-2225 WI

847-780-2305 IL

www.treefroginsurance.com