Medicare Plans in Colorado
Whether you’ve been enrolled for years or you’re just now becoming eligible, finding the right level of Medicare coverage can feel overwhelming. We don’t think it has to be! You’ll be happy to know that Colorado offers a variety of Medicare options to choose from. We’re here to help you sort through the many Medicare plans in Colorado to find the coverage that’s right for you
Who’s eligible for Medicare Plans in Colorado?
Medicare is a federal insurance program for people 65 or older and people under the age of 65 with a qualifying disability. Typically, Medicare is first available to people once they reach 65 years of age. To qualify, it is required that you have lived in the US for 5 years or more and are a citizen or permanent US resident. You or your spouse must also have worked at a job that paid into your Medicare coverage through Social Security deductions for 10 years. If you are younger than 65 you can also qualify for Medicare if you’ve been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months, have End Stage Renal Disease, or have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis(ALS).
We can help you determine your Medicare eligibility or help you prepare for your upcoming eligibility. You can view Medicare plans in Colorado that available in your area online at MedicareMatchup.com or talk to a licensed insurance agent by calling the number above.
What are the Medicare Plans in Colorado?
Orginial Medicare Part A & Part B
Original Medicare covers services and supplies that are medically necessary and is split into two parts. Part A provides hospital/inpatient coverage, and Part B provides medical/outpatient coverage.
Original Medicare does not cover everything. For example, it typically does not cover prescription drugs, hearing exams/hearing aids, long term care (i.e. custodial care received at a nursing home), eyeglasses, or dental care. For this reason, there are Medicare plans available in Colorado to get the coverage you want.
Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C)
Medicare Advantage plans are an alternative way to get the coverage provided by Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Medicare Advantage Plans include all of the same coverage provided by Original Medicare Part A and Part B, with the exception of hospice which continues to be covered by Part A. These plans are available through private insurance companies contracted with Medicare and can include additional coverage like dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits.
To be eligible for a Medicare Advantage plan, you must be enrolled in Original Medicare Parts A and B. Premiums can start at $0 and increase according to the level of coverage selected. In addition to the premium charged by the plan, you will also continue paying your Part B premium. For more information about Medicare Advantage Plans click here.
Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
Medicare Prescription Drug plans, often referred to as Part D, are provided and coordinated by private insurance companies contracted with Medicare. These plans provide coverage for prescription medications, which generally are not covered by Original Medicare or Medigap plans. Any beneficiary can sign-up for Medicare Part D as long as they are eligible for Original Medicare, Part A and/or Part B and permanently reside in the service area of a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. Medicare Prescription Drug coverage is optional, but if you don’t enroll in Part D as soon as you’re eligible, you might pay a late-enrollment penalty if you enroll later.
You can get Medicare Part D coverage through a stand-alone Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or with a Medicare Advantage plan. A stand alone plan works alongside your Original Medicare coverage. Medicare Advantage plans can also include prescription drug coverage, also known as a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan.
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, allowing you to pick the plan with the lowest cost for your prescription needs.
For more information about Medicare Prescription Drug plans, click here.
Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap)
Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap plans, are designed to fill in coverage gaps left by Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Medigap plans are offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies and work alongside Original Medicare. Medigap plans can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses by paying for things that are not covered by Original Medicare, like deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. If you’re staying with Original Medicare Part A and Part B, a Medigap plan can be a great way to get more comprehensive coverage and reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
To learn more about Medicare Supplement Plans click here.
When Can I Enroll In A Plan?
Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans
Generally speaking, you’re first eligible to sign up for a Medicare plan in Colorado during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). Your IEP starts three months before the month of your 65th birthday and lasts for 3 months after your birth month. This means that you have a total of seven months to enroll.
After your IEP, you’ll have a chance to make changes to your Medicare Advantage or Medicare Prescription Drug plans during the Annual Election Period (AEP). This period 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 Colorado
Colorado’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is part of the insurance commissioner’s consumer protection services, which provides free, one-on-one assistance and counseling about Medicare and other healthcare related choices.
Colorado’s Medicare Savings Program 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; www.colorado.gov