HELPING YOU NAVIGATE THE MEDICARE MAZE
Medicare Made Easy
Sage Insurance Advisors is an independent agency offering health, life, and supplemental insurance for groups and individuals.
Sage Insurance Advisors is an independent agency offering health, life, and supplemental insurance for groups and individuals.
2024 Medicare Part A
Part A is Hospital Insurance and covers costs associated with confinement in a hospital or skilled nursing facility.
When you are Hospitalized for: |
Medicare Covers |
You Pay |
1 – 60 days |
Most confinement costs after the deductible |
$1,632 Deductible Per benefit period* |
61 – 90 days |
All eligible expenses after the patient pays a per-day co-payment |
$408 a day co-payment |
91 – 150 days |
All eligible expenses after a per day co-payment. Lifetime maximum of 60 days. |
$816 a day co-payment |
151 days or more |
Nothing |
All costs |
Skilled Nursing Confinement: When you are hospitalized for at least 3 days and enter a Medicare approved skilled nursing care facility within 30 days after hospital discharge and are receiving skilled nursing care. |
All eligible expenses for the first 20 days; then all eligible expenses for days 21-100, after patient pays a per-day copayment. |
After 20 days $204 a day co-payment for days 21-100. For days 101+ You pay all costs. |
Part A also covers: Blood, Home Health Services, Hospice Care |
*Benefit periods are defined by confinement periods that are separated by 60-days. If you are confined in a hospital and then released, your Benefit Period will continue for the next 60 days. If you are readmitted to the hospital during that time, your Benefit Period will continue. However, if you are readmitted to the hospital after more than 60 days have elapsed, a new Benefit Period begins, and you will have to meet the deductible again.
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2024 Medicare Part B Part B is Medical Insurance and covers physician services, outpatient care, tests and supplies. On expenses Incurred for: Medicare Covers You pay $240 Annual Deductible PLUS Medical Expenses – Physician’s services for inpatient and outpatient medical/surgical services; physical/speech therapy, diagnostic tests. Most confinement 80% of approved amount 20% of approved amount Clinical Laboratory Services Blood tests, urinalysis Generally, 100% of approved amount Nothing for services Home Health Care – Part-time or intermittent skilled care, home health aide services, durable medical supplies and other services. 100% of approved amount; 80% of approved amount for durable medical equipment Nothing for services; 20% of approved amount for durable medical equipment Outpatient Hospital – Treatment Hospital services for the diagnosis or treatment of an illness or injury. Medicare payment to hospital, based on outpatient procedure payment rates Coinsurance based on outpatient procedure payment rates Blood After first 3 pints of blood, 80% of approved amount First 3 pints plus 20% of approved amount for additional pints On all Medicare-covered expenses, a doctor or other health care provider may agree to accept Medicare “assignment.” This means the patient will not be required to pay any expense in excess of Medicare’s approved charge. The patient pays only 20% of the approved charge not paid by Medicare. If the health care provider does not accept assignment, the patient is responsible for the “excess” charges that Medicare does not cover. Monthly premium for those filing as single taxpayers with income under $103,000 per year, or married and filing jointly with income under $194,000 annually. Part B premiums increase with income level. 2023 Part B Monthly Premium Tax Filing Status Individual Joint Married but Separate Premium is If Your 2022 Annual Income Was* $174.70 $103,000 or less $206,000 or less $103,000 or less $244.60 $103,001 – $129,000 $206,001 – $258,000 $349.40 $129,001 – $161,000 $258,001 – $322,000 $454.20 $161,001 – $193,000 $322,001 – $386,000 $559.00 $193,001 – $499,999 $386,001 – $749,999 $103,001 – $396,999 $594.00 Above $500,000 Above $750,000 Above $397,000 Social Security uses the income reported on your federal tax return two years ago to determine your Part B premium. If your income has decreased, you can ask for a more recent tax year to be used to determine your premium, but you must meet certain criteria. Part B Covered Services Part B Covered Services Details Bone Density Measurement One every 24 months Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise, education and counseling Cardiovascular Screenings One every 5 years Chiropractic Services Limited Clinical Laboratory Services Certain screening tests Clinical Research Studies Tests to determine safety of new procedures Colorectal Cancer Screenings • Fecal Occult Blood Test • Sigmoidoscopy Colonoscopy / Barium Enema One every 12 months One every 4 or 10 years depending upon risk One every 4 or 10 years depending upon risk One every 4 years Defibrillator Implantable automatic Diabetes Screenings Up to two each year Diabetes Self-Management Training With doctor’s order Diabetes Supplies Includes monitors, test strips and lancets Insulin is covered if using an external pump Doctor Services Includes outpatient and some hospital inpatient Durable Medical Equipment Oxygen equipment and supplies, wheelchairs, walkers, and hospital beds EKG Screening Initial Medicare exam and as a diagnostic test Emergency Room Services Doctor’s services Eye Glasses One pair after cataract surgery Health Center Services At federally approved community-based organizations Flu Shots Once per flu season Foot Exams If you have diabetes Glaucoma Tests One every 12 months Hearing and Balance Exams Does not include hearing aids Hepatitis B Shots For people at high or medium risk HIV Screening One every 12 months Home Health Services Part-time skilled nursing care or physical therapy, speech-language pathology, or occupational therapy Kidney Dialysis Services and supplies Mammograms One every 12 months Medical Nutrition Therapy Services If you have diabetes or kidney disease or kidney transplant in the last 36 months Mental Health Care Outpatient to help with conditions like depression Non-doctor Services Physician assistants, nurse practitioners, social workers, physical therapists and psychologists Occupational Therapy After an illness or accident to help you return to work Outpatient Medical and Surgical Services and Supplies For procedures like X-rays, a cast or stitches Pap Tests, Pelvic and Breast Exams Checks for cervical, vaginal and breast cancer Physical Exams One per year – must be 12 months apart Physical Therapy For injuries and diseases Pneumococcal Shot Helps prevent pneumonia Prescription Drugs – Limited Injections at a doctor’s office, certain oral cancer drugs, drugs used with some types of durable medical equipment, and some outpatient drugs at a hospital Prostate Cancer Screenings Once every 12 months Prosthetic/Orthotic Items Limbs and braces; includes ostomy supplies Pulmonary Rehabilitation If you have moderate to severe COPD Rural Health Clinic Services Includes many outpatient primary care services Second Surgical Opinions If surgery is not an emergency Smoking Cessation If you’re diagnosed with an illness caused or complicated by smoking Speech-Language Pathology Services Treatment to regain and strengthen speech and language skills and swallowing skills Surgical Dressing Services For treatment of a surgical wound Telehealth Provided in an approved rural facility Tests X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, EKGs and some other diagnostic tests Transplants and Immunosuppressive Drugs Pays for doctor services in a Medicare-certified facility. Immunosuppressive drugs covered if Medicare or employer group plan paid for the transplant and you were entitled for Part A at the time of transplant Urgently-Needed Care For sudden illness or injury that isn’t an emergency Services and Items Not Covered by Part A and Part B Long-term care Routine Dental Care Dentures Cosmetic Surgery Acupuncture Hearing Aids Exams for Fitting Hearing Aids Most Prescription Drugs How Do I Enroll in Medicare? If you are receiving Social Security benefits or benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board, you will be automatically enrolled in Parts A and B. Benefits will begin the first day of the month you turn 65. If your birthday is on the first day of the month, Part A and B will begin the first day of the prior month. So if your birthday is September 1, Medicare benefits will begin on August 1. If you are younger than 65 and disabled, Medicare benefits will automatically begin 24 months after you begin receiving disability benefits. If you are not receiving Social Security benefits, you will need to enroll. Beginning 3 months prior to the month you turn 65, you can sign up for Medicare. The fastest way to enroll is go to www.ssa.gov/medicareonly/. It should take you fewer than 10 minutes. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. For Railroad Retirement Board benefits call 1-877-772-5772. Finally, you can make an appointment at your local Social Security office and enroll there.
Medicare Supplement Plan Benefit Chart
All plans include these basic benefits:
Percentage of Benefit the Plan Pays
A |
B |
D |
G1 |
K |
L |
M |
N |
C |
F2 |
|
Part A Coinsurance |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance |
100% |
100% |
50% |
75% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
||
Part A Deductible |
100% |
100% |
100% |
50% |
75% |
50% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
|
Part B Deductible |
100% |
100% |
||||||||
Part B Coinsurance |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
Preventative Care |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
Part B Excess Charges |
100% |
100% |
||||||||
Foreign Travel Emergency |
80% |
80% |
80% |
80% |
80% |
80% |
||||
Out-of-pocket limit; 100% paid after limit |
5,880 |
2,940 |
Note: Plan C and Plan F are not available for those born after 1954, unless they already have those plans.
Medicare and Associated Health Insurance Options
Medicare Part A & B provides comprehensive health insurance. Each part has a deductible and co-pays or coinsurance. Payment for Medicare insurance is deducted from your social security.
Medicare Supplements
Medicare Advantage Plans
Comparison of Medicare, Medicare Supplement Plan G and a Medicare Advantage Plan
Original Medicare 2024 |
Medicare Supplement Plan G |
Medicare Advantage Plan Example (See note below) |
|
Hospital Care (Part A) |
Days 1 – 60: initial $1,632 deductible (per admission subject to benefit period) |
Plan pays Part A deductible and all daily co-payments. Plan pays up to an additional 365 days of hospital coverage over the course of a lifetime |
$298/day for days 1-7 |
Skilled Nursing Facility |
Days 1 – 20: $0 |
Plan pays daily co-pay up to day 100. |
Days 1 – 20: $5/day Days 21 – 100: $170/day |
Doctor visit (Part B) |
$240 annual deductible then 20% |
You pay $240 annual deductible then Plan pays 100% of assigned services. |
$25 co-pay |
Individual Maximum Annual Out-of pocket |
No limit |
Limited to Part B deductible |
$7,000 / year in-network; |
Prescriptions |
Limited |
None |
Generic $9; Brand $48; Non-preferred $97 for the first $4,020; 25% co-pay during the Coverage Gap. |
Monthly Premium |
Part B Premium $174.70 (Must have Part B for all Medicare Plans) |
Varies |
$0 |
Medicare Advantage Plan Notes:
Comparing Medicare Supplements & Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Supplements |
Medicare Advantage Plans |
|
Who pays the claims |
Medicare pays the majority of the claim. Insurance company pays remainder. You may share in the cost based on your plan |
Insurance company pays the claim. You share in the cost based on your plan’s co-pay. |
Networks |
No networks – you may go to any provider that accepts Medicare |
Plans have networks. You may go out-of-network, but co-payments are higher. |
Plan Benefits |
Plans are standardized and benefits do not change annually. |
No plan standardization. Plan benefits vary and typically change annually. |
Prescription Drugs |
Cover only Part B drugs |
Cover Part B drugs and may include Part D drugs. |
Medical Underwriting |
No medical questions when first enrolling in Medicare. Will ask medical questions when changing plans.2 |
Only one health question: Do you have end-stage renal disease? |
Premiums |
Typically increase annually |
Most plans have lower premiums then Medicare Supplements; some have been as low as zero. Premiums may change annually. |
Selecting a Medicare Advantage Plan
Medicare Part D Standard Basic Benefit 2024
Prescription drug plans offer a wide variety of deductibles and co-payments. However, all plans have to follow this basic benefit outline.
Total Drug Expenditures |
Catastrophic Sage has been eliminated. Enrollees pay $0 |
Enrollee |
When the retail cost of drugs exceeds $5,035 you enter the Gap |
Coverage Gap Enrollee will pay: 25% of generic costs Plan pays 25% for generics and 25% for brands |
$8,000 – Full cost of drugs in the Gap plus Enrollee cost in the Initial phase |
$5,035 |
Drug Plan Co-pays |
|
$545 |
Deductibles range from $0 to $545 |
$545 |
$0 |
$0 |
Catastrophic Coverage: Eliminated. Once the Coverage Gap TRooP has been meet, enrollees pay $0 for drugs.
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Additional Part D Premium for High Income Earners Medicare charges high income earners an additional Part D premium. The premium is collected by insurance companies and is added to the plan’s standard premium.
Tax Filing Status Individual Joint Married but Separate Part D Premium is If Your 2022 Annual Income Was* Plan Premium $103,000 or less $206,000 or less $103,000 or less Plan Premium + $12.90 $103,001 – $129,000 $206,001 – $258,000 Plan Premium + $33.20 $129,001 – $161,000 $258,001 – $322,000 Plan Premium + $53.80 $161,001 – $193,000 $322,001 – $386,000 Plan Premium + $74.20 $193,001 – $499,999 $386,001 – $749,999 $103,001 – $396,999 Plan Premium + $81.00 Above $500,000 Above $750,000 Above $397,000 * Social Security uses the income reported on your federal tax return two years ago to determine your Part B and Part D premium. If your income has decreased, you can ask for a more recent tax year to be used to determine your premium, but you must meet certain criteria. Selecting a Part D Plan Part D Late Enrollment Penalty Medicare imposes a Late Enrollment Penalty (LEP) for beneficiaries who do not initially enroll in a Part D plan when they transition to Medicare, then sign up at a later date. The LEP equation is (1% per month of the national average Part D monthly plan premium) X (the number of months without creditable drug coverage). Example: John, who did not take medications, turned 65 in July 2016 and decided not to enroll in a Part D plan. In May of 2017, John was prescribed high blood pressure and cholesterol medications. John decided to enroll in a Part D plan for 2018 during the Annual Enrollment Period. Since John could have had Part D coverage for 18 months prior to enrolling in a plan (six months in 2016 plus twelve months in 2017), he will be assessed an 18% Late Enrollment Penalty. The LEP in 2018 was $0.35/month. John’s penalty is $6.30 (.35 x 18) which will be added to the monthly premium of the Part D plan he selects for as long as he has any Part D plan. The 2024 National Average Part D Premium is $55.50. The LEP for 2023 is $0.56 X the number of months without credible drug coverage.
Medicare Savings Account Plans
NOTE: Beginning in 2024, we are not aware of any companies offering MSA plans. Those with an MSA retain their funds and can still use them for qualified health expenses. No additional deposits will be made.
Medical Savings Account (MSA) plans are a type of Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare pays an insurance company to insure you, and together you and the insurance company pay your medical expenses. But that is where the similarity ends. MSA plans look much different than typical Advantage plans.
How different are MSAs?
The government gives you money to spend for medical expenses. Not just for Medicare covered services; you can use it for medical services Medicare does not cover, like dental, vision and prescriptions. Each January, Medicare will put funds in your MSA. Money put into the account becomes yours. Any funds not used during the year roll into the next year. If you decide to quit the plan and go to a different Medicare plan, you take your MSA funds with you. If you die, funds can be left to a beneficiary. MSA funds deposited and used for medical expenses are not taxed. However, funds used for non-medical expenses are included in taxable income, plus a 50% tax penalty. A big advantage of MSA plans is no network. You can see any medical provider that accepts Medicare, and agrees to treat you, anywhere in the country. A disadvantage of MSA plans is they do not cover drugs. You would need to buy a separate drug plan.
Read MoreHow do MSAs work?
MSA plans have a deductible, which is more accurately described as a maximum out-of-pocket. You, the insured, would be responsible to pay your medical expenses up to that deductible. Once reached, the insurance company pays 100% of all Medicare covered services for the rest of the year. Note, while you can use MSA funds for services Medicare does not cover, such as dental and prescriptions, these expenses do not count toward the plan’s deductible. Only Medicare covered expenses count.
How much would you pay for services?
You would pay providers what Medicare would pay them. In other words, whatever the Medicare established reimbursement rate is for the services you used, that is what you would pay. Your MSA funds are there to help you pay medical expenses. For example:
Bob joins a Medical Savings Account Plan, with a $5,000 deductible, during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). The insurance company sets up an MSA with a national bank in Bob’s name. The beginning of January, Medicare puts $2,000 into Bob’s MSA. In March, Bob needs some blood tests. The amount Medicare would pay providers for Bob’s tests is $155. Bob uses his MSA debit card to pay for the tests. The $155 is applied to the plan’s $5,000 deductible. In June, Bob gets his teeth cleaned. He uses his MSA to pay for his cleaning, but this amount is not applied to the plan deductible. In August, Bob is prescribed a blood pressure medication. He has a Part D plan and uses his MSA to pay the drug’s co-pay. This amount does not apply to the MSA plan deductible. (If Bob needed a drug covered under Medicare Part B, the amount spent would apply to the MSA plan’s deductible.) During AEP, Bob decides to keep his MSA plan for the following year. On December 31st, he has $1,500 in his account. In January, Medicare adds another $2,000 to his MSA bringing the balance to $3,500.
Is a Medical Savings Account Plan Right for You?
It is my opinion that MSA plans work well for two types of people:
For those who do not spend much on medical expenses, the annual MSA contributions make MSA plans a nice way to save money for future medical emergencies. The longer you are in the program, the more money should be in your MSA, and the lower your personal out-of-pocket risk is. Keep in mind, though, the amount you pay the provider is the actual Medicare reimbursement rate. While this is discounted from the amount the provider bills, it is higher than what one pays on original Medicare or on an Advantage plan. For that reason, MSA plans are not a good fit for those who are likely to spend more than the amount of money they have in their Medical Savings Account each year.
Sage Insurance Advisors does not offer every plan available in your area. On 9/1/2023 in Northeast Indiana, we represent 20 insurance companies and offer 58 plans, including Medicare Supplements, Advantage plans, and Part D plans. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1800-Medicare, or your local State Health Insurance Program to get information on all your options. This required disclaimer is courtesy of our friends at CMS.