When navigating Medicare enrollment and Medicare plan options, many questions arise. How do I apply? When do I apply? What Medicare plan should I sign up for? At Twin City Underwriters, our mission is to educate our clients on all of their plan options, support them in the enrollment process, and provide ongoing service whenever needed. Our Medicare Resource Guide will answer many common questions and help you feel more confident in understanding the various parts of Medicare. If you are not finding the information you seek or need help with your Medicare, contact us today.
Table of Contents
- Trusted Medicare Guidance
- Medicare Basics
- Enrolling in Medicare
- Medicare Coverage
- Additional Medicare Questions
Trusted Medicare Guidance
Why should you work with Twin Cities Underwriters to enroll in Medicare?
Applying for Medicare is easy. Knowing which plan to choose is hard. That’s why Twin City Underwriters offers seminars, webinars, and individualized assistance to help you find the right Medicare solution for your unique situation. Let us make it easier and fun!
As experienced Medicare insurance brokers, the agents at Twin City Underwriters have the knowledge and capability to help you sort through Medicare options, and find the plan that works best for your unique situation.
What is an Insurance Broker and why should I use one?
How to choose a Medicare Insurance Broker
Twin City Underwriters Client Testimonials
Sign Up for a FREE Medicare Webinar or Workshop
DOES TWIN CITY UNDERWRITERS PROCESS APPLICATIONS ON BEHALF OF CLIENTS?
Twin City Underwriters does process Medicare applications on behalf of our clients. If there are any enrollment issues, we can work directly with the insurance carrier to get them resolved.
Medicare Basics
WHAT DOES MEDICARE COVER?
To learn about the different Medicare plans and what they cover, or to see whether a specific test or service is covered, visit the coverage information page on Medicare.gov.
Are you confused about the different Medicare plans and what they cover? Here are a few blog posts that might help:
What to Consider When Comparing Medicare Plans
What Screening Services are Covered by Medicare?
What is Medicare Part A and What Does It Cover?
Medicare Part B: What Does It Cover?
What is Medicare Part D and What Does It Cover?
3 Reasons to Choose a Medicare Advantage Plan
HOW DO I USE MEDICARE?
Medicare is a complicated program, and how you use it can affect your health and care. AARP shared tips on getting the most out of your Medicare, which we’ll summarize here:
- Watch the Calendar: Make sure to enroll during the Initial Enrollment Period to ensure that you have full coverage for all doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs.
- Choose Doctors Carefully: Pick the best doctors for your specific situation. Ask whether your doctors accept Medicare and what your out of pocket costs will be. Interview doctors to ensure that they can meet your needs.
- Take Advantage of Benefits: Get the most out of your Medicare! Participate in all covered care, from annual wellness visits to nutrition counseling.
- Beware of Surprise Bills: Check in advance to be sure that your treatments or procedures are covered. If you get an unexpected bill, check with your provider and insurer to make sure there wasn’t a mistake.
HOW DO I KNOW WHETHER I’M ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICARE?
There is a lot of confusion around Medicare eligibility. Visit this blog post to learn more.
Enrolling in Medicare
What information do I need when creating a “MYMEDICARE.GOV” account?
To create a MyMedicare.gov account, visit Medicare.gov and click the Login/Create Account button. You will need basic information, such as your last name, date of birth, and email address. You will also be asked to enter your Medicare number, which you can find on your Medicare card.
Visit this blog post for more information.
HOW DO I CHECK MY MEDICARE APPLICATION STATUS?
Log in to your MyMedicare.gov account or your Social Security account to check the status of your Medicare application. You can also visit the “check your enrollment” page on Medicare.gov. To check your application status, you will need your:
- ZIP code
- Medicare number
- Last name
- Date of birth
- Medicare Part A effective date
Medicare Coverage
HOW DO I COMPARE DOCTORS, HOSPITALS, AND OTHER PROVIDERS?
Medicare.gov has an interactive tool that will allow you to compare health care providers. Visit this page for more information, and use the compare tool on Medicare.gov to find the right providers for your needs.
How do I choose Medicare drug coverage?
When choosing Medicare drug coverage, think about your needs and priorities, both now and in the future. Do you need coverage for a specific medication? Do you prefer name brand medications, or do you take generics? Do you have minimal coverage needs now, but want peace of mind for the future? With those questions in mind, visit the Medicare drug coverage page on Medicare.gov.
Additional Medicare Questions
I RECEIVED A MEDICARE SUMMARY NOTICE (MSN). WHAT IS IT?
A Medicare Summary Notice, or MSN, isn’t a bill. It’s a notice that’s sent in the mail every three months for Medicare Part A and Part B-covered services. The MSN will show all services and supplies billed to Medicare during the preceding three months, how much Medicare paid, and how much you may owe.
Visit the Medicare Summary Notice page on Medicare.gov to learn more.
WHERE DO I FILE A MEDICARE CLAIM?
If you have Medicare Part A and/or B, providers must file Medicare claims for all covered services. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan (Medicare Part C), claims are not required.
If you learn that your providers aren’t filing claims in a timely manner, contact them and ask them to file a claim. If they still don’t file a claim, call 1-800-MEDICARE to find out the time limit and next steps for filing a claim.
To file a claim, fill out the claim form, called the Patient Request for Medical Payment form. Send it, with an itemized bill and a letter detailing your reason for filing the claim, to the address listed on your Medicare Summary Notice.
For more information, visit the How do I File a Claim or Claims & Appeals pages on Medicare.gov.
WHAT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MEDICARE?
Contact Twin City Underwriters – we’re here to help!
HOW DO I ENROLL IN MEDICARE?
You will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A or Part B when you turn 65, or if you begin receiving Social Security Income prior to age 65. If you are not eligible to be automatically enrolled, you can apply during the Initial Enrollment Period, which begins three months before you turn 65, and ends three months after you turn 65.
If you want additional coverage through Medicare Part C or Part D, you will have to enroll through a private insurance company. Learn more here.
Enroll in Medicare in person at your local Social Security office, by visiting the Social Security Administration website, or by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Before applying, make sure you have all the information you need to apply.
Visit this blog post for more information, and contact Twin City Underwriters for help.
CAN I ENROLL IN MEDICARE ON MY PHONE?
Yes, you can enroll for Medicare on your phone. However, many of our clients have reported that it may be easier to enroll on a desktop or laptop computer.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PROCESS MY MEDICARE APPLICATION?
You should receive your Medicare card about three weeks after you apply. (This may take longer right now, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.) If you are already receiving Social Security benefits when you turn 65, your enrollment into Medicare is automatic. Your card will arrive in your mailbox about two months before you turn 65.
