Medicare Basics | Kentucky Health Solutions

Medicare Overview

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for individuals ages 65 and older. Certain younger people with disabilities and people with end-stage renal disease can also apply for the coverage. Medicare pays for much of your health care, but not all of it, such costs could be, deductibles, coinsurance, and prescription drug cost. (See below for the helpful guides to Medicare planning.)

How is Medicare Different From Other Health Insurance?

You may be surprised at the differences between Medicare and other types of health insurance. If you’ve had health coverage through your employer, your plan likely included medical and prescription drug coverage, along with other benefits. It also may have covered both you and your spouse. Medicare only covers one person at a time. This means you and your spouse must enroll separately. In addition, Medicare gives you options that can make it possible to receive your benefits in a variety of different ways.
You can:

Choose hospital and medical coverage delivered through the federal government.
Add prescription drug coverage delivered through a private company.
Purchase a supplemental insurance policy from a private insurer that can help
cover some of the costs.
Choose coverage from a private insurer that combines hospital, medical and
often prescription drug coverage into one plan.

In short, with Medicare you can choose coverage that fits your needs, budget and lifestyle. We can help you take full advantage of that freedom.

Kentucky Health Solutions provides coverage with Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage plans, and Part D prescription drug plans. All available options are sold by private health insurance companies to fill in the gaps in coverage.

When and How Do I Get Started?

If you’re like most people, you’ll enroll in Medicare around the time you turn 65. Your Initial Enrollment Period begins three months before your 65th birthday, includes the month you turn 65 and ends three months after that birthday.

You must initiate the Medicare enrollment process with Social Security. Go online, call or visit your local Social Security office to get the process started. The Social Security Administration handles most of the paperwork for joining Medicare. If you’re drawing Social Security benefits when you turn 65, Social Security should automatically enroll you in Medicare Part A and Part B but check with your local security office if you suspect there is a problem. However, if you are not collecting Social Security, then you will need to complete your Medicare Part A and Part B enrollment through Social Security. Generally, enrolling on their website seems to be the easiest way to enroll.

If you have delayed enrolling into Medicare due to working past age 65, then you should contact Social Security on instructions with late enrollment or feel free to contact us and we can help as well. Applying for Part B takes a couple extra steps. You will need a Part B Application and a Request for Employment Information. Social Security can also help you find out if you’re eligible for extra help with the cost of Medicare costs.

As a helpful guide, please review the Getting Started with Medicare or the Welcome to Medicare packet. Medicare also produces a helpful guide each year with any changes to the Medicare program, here’s the most recent Medicare and You booklet.

For additional information and guidance, please contact us directly at 859-309-5033 or feel free to browse our plans:

To view our Medicare Advantage or Part D Drug plans, visit www.mykyhealth.com or to get pricing on our Medicare Supplement plans click here.

Copyright © Kentucky Health Solutions is a fully independent health insurance agency. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 9 organizations which offer up to 59 products in your area. Feel free to contact Medicare, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.