Those that are new immigrants to the United States are not eligible for Medicare. Only residents of the United States (citizens, permanent residents) are eligible for Medicare. If an immigrant is a permanent resident for five years and has continuously resided in the United States for that entire time, they can purchase coverage once they turn 65. In most cases, you will have to pay a premium for Medicare Part B. If you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least ten years (40 quarters), you will not have to pay a premium for Medicare Part A. These rules also apply to Medicare Advantage plans as well as Part D prescription drug plans and Medicare Supplement plans.
If an immigrant is eligible for Medicare coverage, they should also consider the other coverage options available, including Part D Prescription Drug plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, or Medicare Advantage plans. These plans supplement their Original Medicare benefits and may be required to avoid paying any late enrollment penalties. You can find many of the materials available from Medicare and other insurance companies in languages other than English. However, not all materials are always available in all languages, but translation services are available if you call the toll-free Medicare number or any insurance companies customer service phone number.

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The short answer is no. If you like Original Medicare, you don’t have to make any changes. However, it would be wise to talk to an independent agent who is an expert in Medicare to ensure that original Medicare is the most appropriate choice for your specific situation. At a minimum, you should also consider enrolling in a Part D Prescription Drug plan since prescription drugs are not covered under Original Medicare. You could also be assessed a penalty if you don’t enroll in a Part D plan when initially eligible for Medicare.

There are several factors that may impact which Medicare plan is right for you. They include things like your health, financial situation, travel plans, and more. Enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan can be very affordable, and often Medicare Advantage plans include significant additional benefits not covered under Original Medicare. These include things like transportation to doctors’ visits, dental, vision, hearing, over-the-counter drug benefits, and more. Medicare Supplements (Medigap) plans can also reduce the amount of out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare.

Kevin Leinum Medicare Agent – your local Medicare Expert – can help you understand the many parts of Medicare and determine what the right fit is for you. Give us a call to discuss the options available to you.

The answer to this question depends on the type of Medicare plan you are enrolled in. There are three different scenarios based on the type of Medicare plan you select. Original Medicare Part A & Part B Outside of your initial open enrollment period, when you first turn 65 or become eligible for Medicare, there is an annual General Enrollment Period.  The General Enrollment Period runs from January 1st through March 31st every year. During this time, you can sign up for Part A and/or Part B if you didn’t sign up when you were first eligible, and you aren’t eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. Medicare Supplemental (Medigap) You can change Medicare Supplement plans anytime during the year. However, if you make a change outside your 6-month Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period, in most cases, you will have to go through medical underwriting. Depending on your health conditions, this could mean higher rates or being declined altogether. Medicare Advantage & Part D In general, if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, you can only change plans once a year during the Annual Election Period (AEP), which runs from October 15th through December 7th. You may be able to change plans outside this enrollment period if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. You can also make one change during Open Enrollment, which runs from January 1st through March 31st if a plan change did not occur during the Annual Enrollment Period.

Generally, Medicare Part B covers the services that may affect people who have diabetes. Part B also covers some preventive services for people who are at risk for diabetes. Part B covers services like the following:

-Diabetes Screenings
-Prevention Programs
-Self-management training
-Equipment and supplies
-Foot Exams and Treatment
-Glaucoma Tests

Part D plans cover diabetes supplies used for injecting or inhaling insulin. Part D plans cover things like the following:

-Anti-diabetic drugs for maintaining blood sugar
-Certain medical supplies to administer insulin
-Insulin that isn’t administered with an insulin pump

If you are enrolled in a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage, your deductible, copay, or coinsurance may be different or less depending on the plan you have chosen. Medicare Advantage plans may also offer additional services related to diabetes. Please check your Medicare Advantage Summary of Benefits to see if your plan provides any supplemental benefits. For more detailed information, read the following document: Medicare Coverage of Diabetes Supplies, Services, & Prevention Programs.

Kevin Leinum Medicare Agent – your local Medicare Expert – can help you understand the many parts of Medicare and determine what the right fit is for you. Give us a call to discuss the options available to you.