How to get Medicare in Buffalo NY

If you worked and paid Medicare taxes for 10 years, and you are not disabled, you are eligible to enroll in Medicare beginning three months before the month you turn 65.
The initial enrollment period ends three months after your birth month. Say you were born in October 11, 1953, that means that your initial enrollment period begins on July 1, 2018 and ends on January 31, 2019.
If you sign up for Medicare Part A (hospitalization insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) during the first three months of your enrollment period, you are eligible for Medicare on the first day of your birth month.
If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. However, because you must pay a premium for Part B coverage, you have the option of turning it down.
You will be contacted by mail a few months before you become eligible and given all the information you need.

What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicare is a health insurance program that is available to eligible people over 65 and a few other individuals suffering from special illnesses. Most people qualified for the program by paying Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes.
Medicaid is a joint Federal and State program that helps pay medical costs for some people, irrespective of age, with limited incomes and resources.
Most of your health care costs are covered if you have Medicare and Medicaid. Medicaid programs vary from state to state.

A Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO) is another Medicare health plan choice you may have as part of Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are offered by private companies approved by Medicare.
If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, the plan will provide all of your Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) coverage.
Medicare Advantage Plans may offer extra coverage, such as vision, hearing, dental, and/or health and wellness programs. Most include Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D).
Medicare pays a fixed amount for your care every month to the companies offering Medicare Advantage Plans.
These companies must follow rules set by Medicare. However, each Medicare Advantage Plan can charge different out-of-pocket costs and have different rules for how you get services (like whether you need a referral to see a specialist or if you have to go to only doctors, facilities, or suppliers that belong to the plan for non-emergency or non-urgent care). These rules can change each year.
While the process can be complicated, these are some of the more important facts people need to know about Medicare enrollment.
There are still other factors that may apply to individuals, especially anyone who is disabled and receiving Medicare benefits prior to age 65. As such, contacting the Social Security Administration (or if you need more help, contacting us) well before your 65th birthday is the smart thing to do.

We can help you!

Mintco Financial Team develops trusting relationships with families for life, including helping with Medicare issues.

We offer a complimentary meeting, where we can help answer all your questions, address your concerns, and meet your goals.

You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a time at 716-565-1300

Visit our website for more information at www.MintcoFinancial.com