New to Medicare? Turning 65?
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Congratulations and welcome to this time of your life. If you’re new to Medicare, let us reassure you that we’re here to help you make the right decisions that will fit you to a tee.
True freedom comes with the confidence in knowing you’ve made the best decisions. And what better way to get started than by getting all the facts. Here’s what you’ll need to know right up front:
Medicare Basics
Original Medicare - This is the federal health insurance program available to people 65 years of age or older. Medicare is also available to younger people with certain disabilities and people with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) – permanent kidney failure living with dialysis or a transplant.
The Parts
 | Part A is Hospital Insurance. This pays for inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care. |
| Part B is Medical Insurance. This helps pay for doctors’ services, outpatient hospital care, durable medical equipment and some medical services that aren’t covered by Medicare Part A. |
| Part C is coverage through Medicare Advantage Plans that are only available from private insurers contracted with Medicare. You can enroll in an Anthem Medicare Advantage plan if you have Medicare Parts A and B. Most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage, have additional benefits and can help reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Medicare Advantage plans may require an additional monthly premium. |
| Part D is Prescription Drug Coverage. Like a Medicare Advantage plan, Medicare Part D is available only from private insurers through contracts with Medicare. Joining a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D) is voluntary, and you pay an additional monthly premium for the coverage. You are eligible to enroll if you are entitled to Medicare hospital insurance (Part A) and/or enrolled in Medicare medical insurance (Part B). |
You’re free to choose whatever plan works best for you. Need a little help? Take a look and see what plan speaks to your specific needs:
A Medicare Advantage plan offers benefits and services that Original Medicare doesn’t. When you choose an Anthem Medicare Advantage plan you’re still a part of Medicare, yet Anthem provides all of your Medicare Part A hospital coverage (except hospice coverage which is still covered by Original Medicare), Medicare Part B medical coverage, prescription drug coverage (with the purchase of an MAPD plan) as well as additional benefits, services and discounts. Click here for more on Anthem Medicare Advantage plans.
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When is the best time to apply for a Medicare Advantage, Part D or Medicare Supplement plan?
Here’s what the Social Security Administration suggests:
| Apply three months before you’d like your benefits to begin. |
| Get as much information as you can as early as you can. |
| Watch for information in the mail that’s from the Social Security Administration. |
You can visit the Social Security Administration website at www.ssa.gov * for more information and to get the forms you need to apply.
Keep in mind, there are specific Enrollment Periods for Medicare Advantage Plans
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There are only certain times during the year when you can enroll. This is called the Annual Election Period. The Annual Election Period for Medicare Advantage and Part D is November 15 through December 31st of each year. In certain situations, you may be eligible to enroll in or change plans outside of the Annual Election Period.
You can enroll in Medicare Supplement plans at any time of the year. Click here to learn more about Medicare Supplement plans from Anthem.
Would you like to talk to a health benefit advisor?
Feel free to give us a call! We’ll be happy to help answer your questions and choose an Anthem plan that’s just right for you. Click here to contact us. *The Official Site of the US Social Security Administration
Questions? Need help? Call us at 1-877-432-5681.
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We renew our contract with Medicare annually.
The Medicare Contract is renewed annually, and the availability of coverage beyond the end of the current year is not guaranteed.
You are eligible to enroll if you are entitled to Medicare Part A and enrolled in Medicare Part B and you live in the service area. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium if not otherwise paid for under Medicaid or by another third party. With some exceptions you can only enroll during certain times of the year.
To obtain an aggregate number of grievances, appeals and exceptions filed or for full information on benefits, please call the Customer Service Department. Please reference the Evidence of Coverage for information on premiums, cost-sharing, out-of-network coverage, rights and responsibilities upon disenrollment and any applicable conditions associated with using the plan benefits.
If you have special needs, our Plan documents may be available in other formats. Please call Customer Service for details. M0013_10_072, 03/16/2010
Last Updated 03/16/2010
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