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.

Medicare Part B covers manual manipulation of the spine if medically necessary to correct a subluxation when provided by a chiropractor or other qualified provider. Medicare doesn’t cover other services or tests ordered by a chiropractor, including X-rays, massage therapy, and acupuncture. If you only have Original Medicare, you will have to pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount; the Part B deductible also applies. 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 chiropractic services. Please check your Medicare Advantage Summary of Benefits to see if your plan provides this supplemental benefit. Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) takes place every year from October 15th through December 7th. Kevin Leinum Medicare Agent wishes you a happy holiday season!

Original Medicare usually doesn’t cover health care while you’re traveling outside the U.S. and its territories. There are some exceptions, including some cases where Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) may pay for services that you get on board a ship within the territorial waters adjoining the land areas of the U.S. Medicare may pay for inpatient hospital, doctor, ambulance services, or dialysis you get in a foreign country in only a few rare cases. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer international travel benefits. If you have Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, M or N, your plan: * Covers foreign travel emergency care if it begins during the first 60 days of your trip and if Medicare doesn’t otherwise cover the care. * Pays 80% of the billed charges for certain medically necessary emergency care outside the U.S. after you meet a $250 deductible for the year. * Foreign travel emergency coverage with Medigap policies has a lifetime limit of $50,000. Before you travel outside the U.S., talk with your Medicare Advantage, Medigap plan, or insurance agent to get more information about your travel benefits. Call Kevin Leinum Medicare Agent – your local Medicare Expert about what Medicare covers or how enrolling in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan can improve your coverage and reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

SilverSneakers is not a benefit provided under Original Medicare. SilverSneakers is a company that some Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement insurance companies use to provide a supplemental fitness benefit to their members. SilverSneakers is a health and fitness program designed for adults 65+. If your Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan offers SilverSneakers benefits, they can include the following: – Go to thousands of gyms, community centers, and other participating fitness locations across the nation. – Take fun exercise classes designed for seniors of all fitness levels and led by trained instructors. – Access an on-demand video library of classes and workouts. – Download the SilverSneakers G.O. app to get your digital membership card and workouts (free, iOS, and Android). – Find a friendly, supportive community in person and online. Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement insurance companies may also offer supplemental fitness benefits through other companies than SilverSneakers. Call Kevin Leinum Medicare Agent at 6198865665- your local Medicare Expert about what Medicare covers or how enrolling in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan can improve your coverage and reduce your out-of-pocket costs.