ASK YOURSELF:

YES

NO

Do I qualify for Medicare Part A?

Most people ages 65 and older are eligible for Medicare hospital insurance without paying a monthly premium. Some exceptions apply.
Contact Medicare at (800) MEDICARE
(800) 633-4227
TTY: (877) 486-2048 for details.
 

Consider purchasing Part A coverage if you are age 65 or older or are disabled and have returned to work. To receive Part A benefits, you may have to enroll in Part B and pay its monthly premium.

Should I sign up for Part B now?

Sign up when you are eligible to ensure that you have coverage and avoid extra costs. If you wait, you will pay 10 percent more for each year that you qualified and didn’t enroll. There are few exceptions (for example, if you recently had group health insurance through a current or former employer).
 

Enroll in Part B at a later time during the General Enrollment Period. If you had group health insurance, you can enroll during the special enrollment period.

Do I want to pay the health care costs that Medicare doesn’t cover?

In 2013, you will pay:

• Part A $1,184 per hospital visit and Part B $147 per year deductibles before coverage begins

• A monthly premium for Part B $104.90

• 20 percent of the amount of the Medicare allowed amount

• 100 percent of the cost for services not covered by Medicare

Consider Vermont Medigap Blue, affordable supplemental coverage.For more information about our different plans, see coverage options.

Am I eligible to enroll in Vermont Medigap Blue?

You may apply for Vermont Medigap Blue coverage during your initial Medicare open enrollment period (or as otherwise required by law). The open enrollment period is the six-month period that begins on the first day of the month that you are 65 years of age or about to retire or have lost coverage, and enrolled for benefits under Medicare Part A and Part B. If you are eligible for Medicare because of a disability, you may only enroll in Vermont Medigap Blue during the six‑months following the date you become eligible for Medicare. Your coverage takes ­effect on the first day of the month after we receive your ­application.

Consider Vermont Blue 65, our program for Vermonters who aren’t in their initial Medicare eligibility

Do I want drug prescription coverage?

Medicare Parts A and B do not pay for prescription drugs.  Add Medicare Part D coverage through Blue MedicareRxSM (PDP), which we offer through our contract with the Federal Government. For more information or to enroll visit http://www.rxmedicareplans.com/choose-state.aspx.

Even if you currently don’t take medications or don’t think you will need coverage, you may still want to consider enrolling in Part D through a private plan. It may protect you from unforeseen expenses. Also you may have to pay a penalty if you join later.

Do I need coverage for traveling abroad?

Think about purchasing VT Medigap Blue plans “C” or “D” which include worldwide travel emergency benefits.

Consider a less costly Medigap policy that covers only basic benefits, such as Vermont Medigap Blue Plan A.

Does loss of coverage make me eligible?

You involuntarily lost Medicare-supplemental or Medicare Advantage within the last 63 days

Yes, Consider Vermont Medigap Blue, affordable supplemental coverage. For more information about our different plans, see coverage options.