Medicare Plans in Iowa
Iowans have a variety of Medicare options to choose from. But sorting through the different plans to find the right level of coverage can feel overwhelming – we don’t think it should be. We’ll help navigate you through the Medicare plans available in Iowa to find the coverage that’s right for you.
Who’s eligible for a Medicare Plans in Iowa?
To qualify for Medicare you must be eligible for Social Security benefits. Most people become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65 years of age. You can also qualify for Medicare under 65 years of age if you have been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or if you have been a recipient of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months.
To qualify, you must be a citizen or permanent resident (having lived in the US for at least 5 years). You or your spouse must also have worked a job for 10 years that paid towards your Medicare through Social Security deductions.
If you are unsure about your eligibility for Medicare plans in Iowa or will be turning 65 in the next six months, we can help. Talk to a licensed insurance agent now by calling the number above.
What are the Medicare Plans in Iowa?
Orginial Medicare Part A & Part B
Original Medicare is the federal component of Medicare and is comprised of two parts: Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). Medicare Part A covers inpatient services, like hospital care, hospice care, and skilled nursing facility care. Medicare Part B covers outpatient medical services/supplies, like ambulance services, mental health care, and durable medical equipment. Part B also covers some preventive care services like flu shots, cardiovascular screenings, and a one-time “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit.
Original Medicare typically doesn’t cover long term care, most prescription drugs, hearing exams/hearing aids, vision, or dental care. For this reason, there are Medicare Advantage plans available through Medicare-approved private insurance companies to help you find the right amount of coverage for you
Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C)
Medicare Advantage plans are available through Medicare-approved, private insurance companies as an alternative to Original Medicare coverage. Medicare Advantage plans provide the same benefits as Original Medicare Parts A and B and may also include additional coverage not provided by Original Medicare. Additional benefits offered by Medicare Advantage plans can include: dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage. Medicare Advantage plans that include prescription drug coverage are called Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plans.
To enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan you must first be enrolled in both Part A and Part B of Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plan premiums can start at $0 and increase depending on the level of coverage selected. If enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you will continue paying your Part B premium in addition to this plan’s premium. There’s a wide selection of Medicare Advantage plans available in Iowa, offering varying degrees of coverage.
Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
Prescription drugs are not covered by Original Medicare Part A and Part B nor Medigap plans. Part D coverage is available to help cover the cost of prescription drugs. Medicare prescription drug plans come in the form of a stand-alone Medicare Prescription Drug plan, which works alongside Original Medicare, or as part of a Medicare Advantage plan which are called Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans (MAPD).
Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap)
As mentioned earlier, Medicare beneficiaries are still responsible for paying a portion of their Medical bills through coinsurance, deductibles, copayments, and medical services not covered by Medicare; this is where Medicare Supplement plans come in. Many people who decide to stick with Original Medicare Part A and B can also enroll in a Medicare Supplement Plan, also known as a Medigap plan. Medigap plans are available through Medicare-approved private insurance companies and work alongside Original Medicare to pay for things that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. If you plan to continue with Original Medicare, a Medigap plan is a consideration to help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
When Can I Enroll In A Plan?
Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans
Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is your first opportunity to enroll in Medicare. This IEP is a seven-month period that starts three months before your 65th birthday month.
After your IEP, you can make changes to your Medicare Part C or Part D coverage during the Annual Election Period (AEP). The Annual Election Period occurs every year from October 15th to December 7th.
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 Iowa
Iowa’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) provides free, confidential, and unbiased counseling for Iowans with Medicare, their representatives, and soon-to-be Medicare beneficiaries.
The Medicare Savings Program is available to Medicare beneficiaries in Iowa whose income falls below a certain level to help pay for Medical expenses, like premiums and deductibles.
Sources: Medicare.gov; www.therightcalliowa.gov; dhs.iowa.gov