Medicare Plans in Connecticut
Sorting through the different Medicare plans available in Connecticut can be challenging, But we believe it doesn’t have to be. Connecticut has a wide variety of options to choose from, and we’re here to help you find the right level of coverage for you.
Who’s eligible for Medicare Plans in Connecticut?
Medicare is a government-sponsored program that provides healthcare benefits to those who qualify, either by age or by disability. Most people first become eligible for Medicare plans in Connecticut when they reach 65 years of age. You can qualify for Medicare under 65 if you have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months, or if you have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
To qualify, you must be a permanent resident or citizen, having lived in the US for the past 5 years. You or your spouse must also have worked for 10 years in a job that contributed to Medicare via Social Security deductions.
We can help if you’re unsure about your eligibility for Medicare plans in Connecticut. Speak with a licensed insurance agent now by calling the number above.
What are the Medicare Plans in Connecticut?
Orginial Medicare Part A & Part B
Original Medicare is a federal program, which has two parts:
Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers inpatient services, like hospital care, hospice, and care received at a skilled nursing facility.
Part B (Medical Insurance) covers outpatient medical services and supplies like ambulance services, blood sugar monitors, and walkers. Part B also covers some preventive care services like flu shots, cardiovascular screenings, and a “Welcome to Medicare” visit.
It’s important to note that Original Medicare doesn’t cover everything. That’s why there options available through private insurance companies so that you find the level of coverage you want.
Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C)
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies and provide an alternative to your Original Medicare Parts A and B coverage. Medicare Advantage plans must provide the same coverage as Original Medicare and can also include additional benefits, like dental, vision, and prescription coverage. Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage are called Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plans.
To qualify for Medicare Advantage plans, you must first be enrolled in both parts of Original Medicare. If enrolled, you will continue paying your Part B premium in addition to the premium charged by this Part C plan.
For more information about Medicare Advantage plans, click here.
Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
Medicare Part D, known as Medicare Prescription Drug plans, are available through and coordinated by private insurance companies that are contracted with Medicare. Any beneficiary who is eligible for Original Medicare, Part A and/or Part B, can sign up for Medicare Part D if they are a permanent resident of the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan service area. Medicare Prescription Drug coverage is optional, but if you don’t enroll in Part D as soon as you’re eligible, you may have to pay a late-enrollment penalty if you enroll later.
You can sign up for Medicare Part D coverage through a stand-alone Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or with a Medicare Advantage plan that have prescription drug coverage, called a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan (MAPD). Stand-alone Prescription Drug plans are available to beneficiaries who are enrolled in Original Medicare and are designed to work alongside Original Medicare coverage. Plan types vary by location, so monthly plan premiums and out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs will vary from plan to plan.
Each medication covered by a Medicare Prescription Drug plan has a set cost in the form of a co-pay or coinsurance according to a tiered system known as a formulary. Every Medicare Prescription Drug plan has a formulary for your reference, showing the cost associated with each covered medication. Reviewing the formularies will allow you to pick the plan with the lowest cost for your prescriptions.
For more information about Medicare Prescription Drug plans, click here.
Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap)
Medicare Supplement Plans help to make Original Medicare (Parts A and B) more comprehensive by filling gaps in coverage. Medigap plans can be purchased from Medicare-approved private insurance companies and work together with Original Medicare. Medigap plans can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses by paying for things that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
For more information about Medicare Supplement plans, click here.
When Can I Enroll In A Plan?
Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans
You are first eligible to sign up for Medicare plans in Connecticut during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). This period starts three months before the month of your 65th birthday and runs through the three months following. This means you have a total of 7 months to enroll.
You can make changes to your Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug coverage every year during the Annual Election Period (AEP). The AEP runs from October 15th to December 7th every year.
Medicare Initial Enrollment Period
7-Month Initial Enrollment Period | Begins 3 months before the month you turn 65
*Signing up for Parts A and B during months 5,6, and 7 may result in delayed coverage.
KEY FACT: The General Enrollment Period provides you an opportunity to enroll in Original Medicare if you missed your IEP. This period occurs every year from January 1st to March 31st. Then, you’ll have an opportunity to select a Medicare Advantage Plan from April 1st through June 30th.
Additional Medicare Resources in Connecticut
Connecticut’s program for Health insurance assistance, Outreach, Information and referral, Counseling, Eligibility Screening (CHOICES) provides information about Medicare, assistance, and other health insurance related options. Resources provided by CHOICES are available for persons 60 and older and persons with disabilities.
The Medicare Savings Program of Connecticut is available to Medicare beneficiaries whose income falls below a certain level to help pay for Medical expenses, like premiums and deductibles.
Sources: Medicare.gov; ct.gov