Medicare # — Hartford, CT

Medicare secondary payer (MSP) rules determine which insurance plan pays first when you have more than one health insurance policy. For example, if you have employer-sponsored insurance, that plan is usually primary. Medicare pays second, or secondary, only after the primary insurer has paid its share. Understanding MSP is important for accurate billing.

The term 'Medicare number' usually refers to your unique Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI). This is a 11-character alphanumeric string found on your Medicare card. It replaced the Social Security number on Medicare cards to protect your identity. You'll need this number when you interact with Medicare or healthcare providers.

Supplement Medicare plans, also known as Medigap, are offered by private insurance companies. They help cover costs that Original Medicare doesn't pay for, like deductibles and copayments. Common plans are standardized and include letters like A, B, D, G, K, L, M, and N. Each plan offers a different set of benefits. They work alongside your Original Medicare coverage.

To get Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs, you must meet certain income and resource limits. This program can significantly reduce your monthly premiums, deductibles, and copayments for Part D. You generally need to be enrolled in Medicare Part A or Part B to qualify. Applying is the best way to determine your eligibility for this benefit.

Medicare Part A is your hospital insurance. It generally covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care. Most people don't pay a premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working. It's a fundamental part of Medicare coverage for many seniors.

A 'Medicare company' typically refers to a private insurance company that offers Medicare-related plans. This includes Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D). Companies like Humana, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare are examples. These companies contract with Medicare to offer these coverage options to beneficiaries.

Generally, you are eligible for Medicare if you are 65 or older and a U.S. citizen or have been a legal resident for at least five years. You may also be eligible if you are under 65 and have a disability, or have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Meeting these criteria is the first step to enrolling in Medicare.