As you approach retirement age, you may start to wonder how your healthcare expenses will be covered. For many seniors, Medicare is the primary source of health insurance. However, there are situations where Medicare may be secondary. In this blog post, we'll go over everything you need to know about when Medicare is secondary.
What Does It Mean When Medicare is Secondary?
Medicare is considered secondary when another form of health insurance is responsible for covering your medical expenses first. This means that Medicare will only pay for your healthcare costs after your primary insurance has paid its share. The primary insurance could be a group health insurance plan through your employer, a retiree health plan, or any other type of health insurance coverage.
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There are several situations where Medicare could be secondary:
Group Health Insurance through an Employer: If you're still working and have health insurance through your employer, that insurance will be your primary insurance. Medicare will only be secondary.
Retiree Health Plans: Some employers offer retiree health plans that work in conjunction with Medicare. If you have such a plan, it will be your primary insurance, and Medicare will be secondary.
Workers' Compensation: If you're injured on the job and are eligible for workers' compensation, that insurance will be your primary insurance. Medicare will only be secondary.
Auto Insurance: If you're involved in a car accident, and your auto insurance includes medical payments coverage, that insurance will be your primary insurance. Medicare will only be secondary.
COBRA: If you're eligible for COBRA coverage, which allows you to keep your group health insurance after leaving your job, that insurance will be your primary insurance. Medicare will only be secondary.
How Can a Local Agent Help You Navigate Medicare?
Navigating Medicare can be overwhelming, but a local agent can help you understand your options and choose the right plan for your needs. A local agent can also help you determine when Medicare is primary or secondary and how your other insurance coverage fits into the picture. Here are some ways a local agent can assist you:
Provide personalized guidance on Medicare plans and benefits
Explain the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans
Help you enroll in Medicare and choose a plan that fits your budget and healthcare needs
Assist you in understanding when Medicare is primary or secondary and how that impacts your healthcare coverage
Conclusion:
Understanding when Medicare is secondary is an essential part of planning for your healthcare needs in retirement. By working with a local agent and knowing the situations where Medicare is secondary, you can ensure that you're getting the most out of your healthcare coverage.
About Preferred Senior Benefits in Meridian, Idaho
Medicare is a federal program that provides healthcare coverage to individuals 65 years or older. Original Medicare coverage is broken into two parts—Part A and Part B—and is accepted by nearly every doctor and hospital in the country. Medicare Part A covers inpatient or hospital stays, while Part B covers outpatient or medical care. Together, Part A and B cover about 80% of the typical healthcare costs seniors face. This leaves a few significant gaps in coverage. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) and Medicare Advantage plans are policies designed to help extend coverage, lessen costs, and ultimately give beneficiaries peace of mind. If you or someone you know would like more information about how to enroll in Original Medicare or one of the Medicare Advantage plans, call now to speak with a licensed agent (208) 818-2523. We can’t wait to help you learn about your options.