Medicare Insurance Plans

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older. Medicare has 4 parts (not to be confused with plans). Each part of Medicare helps pay for different health care costs. Some parts of Medicare are FREE, some require an additional premium.

To sign up for original Medicare Parts A & B, along with Part D, most people will have an Initial Enrollment Period which is a 7 month period around the time they turn age 65. This period begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65.

Once your Initial Enrollment Period is over, if you wish to change or purchase Advantage or Part D Plans, you must act during the open enrollment period of October 15th through December 7th.

When open enrollment is closed, there are special circumstances in which one may qualify to enroll outside of the enrollment period. Listed below are the qualifying events:

• You are turning 65
• You move to a new area that is not in your current plan’s service area
• Recently moved back to the US
• You lose your current coverage (either Group or Medicaid)
• You now need a SNP (Special Needs Plan) or you no longer need a SNP

Medicare is complex. We suggest you contact our office at info@pathwaymarketplace.com or call 214-707-6056.

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)
Part A is automatic and covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care. Most people get Part A for free.

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
Part B is automatic if you do not have other coverage through an employer or spouse. Part B coverage resembles what you may think of as traditional health insurance and covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. Most people will pay a standard Part B premium which varies depending on income.

For more information on Part A and Part B costs and coverage, click here.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans bridge the gap between your original Medicare policy (Parts A&B) and your wallet. Most people are aware that Medicare does not cover all of your expenses & thus, this type of plan supplements/fills in the gaps. These supplemental plans can literally save you thousands of dollars in co-pays, doctor visits, hospital stays & more. For more information on Medicare Supplemental (Medigap) Plans, click here.

For more info or to request a quote, please contact us at info@pathwaymarketplace.com or call 214-707-6056.

Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D) are sold separately and adds prescription drug coverage to your Medicare. Although there are still some gaps (donut hole), Congress is working to gradually eliminate these out-of-pocket expenses that currently exist when you meet a certain dollar threshold. For more information on Part D costs and coverage, click here.

For more info or to request a quote, please contact us at info@pathwaymarketplace.com or call 214-707-6056.

Another alternative to bridge the Medicare gap is a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C). These plans combine the benefits of original Medicare, a Medigap type of policy & Prescription Drug Plan all into a single plan. You may have dental or vision benefits, and even other benefits such as a healthy food allowance and more. Although your premium can be less with this type of coverage, you are more restricted to see doctors in an HMO, PPO or PFFS type of network. Also, these plans may not available in the more rural areas.

For more info or to request a quote, please contact us at info@pathwaymarketplace.com or call 214-707-6056.