Enrolling in Medicare is a decision that should be made before your 65th birthday. You’re paying into it your entire life, and you deserve the many benefits of being enrolled as soon as possible.
Taking advantage of Medicare is simple, but understanding the different components can be a challenging task. The sooner you decide which plan to enroll in and submit your application for benefits, the more prepared you’ll be when it’s time to use them!
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Connecticut Medicare Insurance Trends
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported the following information on 2024 Medicare trends in Connecticut:
- There are currently 728,371 residents of Connecticut that are Medicare recipients.
- The average Medicare Advantage monthly premium increased in Connecticut from $17.59 in 2023 to $20.37 in 2024.
- There are 61 Medicare Advantage plans in Connecticut.
- Connecticut residents with Medicare can purchase Medicare Advantage plans, including those with $0 premiums.
- 21 stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plans are available in 2023.
- $0.50 is the lowest monthly premium for a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan.
Medicare Offered in Connecticut
Connecticut Medicare insurance offers affordable health insurance coverage to qualified individuals. These may include people who are over the age of 65, along with disabled workers. While the federal government funds Medicare, the state government of Connecticut can also provide counseling and other services for Medicare beneficiaries.
Original Medicare
Medicare consists of Parts A and B, and together they’re known as Original Medicare. Medicare Part A is typically premium-free for most beneficiaries, and it involves hospital insurance that covers the costs of inpatient care.
Medicare Part B covers the costs of medical treatments and supplies. Part B may often require paying premiums, while both Medicare Part A and Part B involve deductibles and coinsurance.
Medicare Advantage
You may want to purchase Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Medicare Part C. These are obtainable from Medicare-approved private insurance carriers. However, the costs and additional covered services will depend on the carrier you purchase your plan from. However, at the very least, the coverage of these Medicare Advantage Plans is the same as the coverage of Medicare Part A and Part B.
Connecticut Medicare Advantage options include plans from the following private insurance companies:
- Aetna Medicare
- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- CarePartners of Connecticut
- ConnectiCare
- UnitedHealthcare
- WellCare
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Medicare Supplement Plans
Other Medicare Supplement Plans can be obtained to help pay for deductibles and coinsurance. These plans can be added to your basic Medicare Part A and Part B. The supplemental plans may also cover medical services that Original Medicare does not cover.
Connecticut Supplement options include plans from the following private insurance companies:
- AARP – UnitedHealthcare
- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield – Connecticut
- Cigna
- Colonial Penn
- USAA
Connecticut Medicare Enrollment
Connecticut citizens are eligible for Medicare if they are U.S. citizens above 65 years old or are under 65 but are permanently disabled, have end-stage renal disease, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Use Medicare’s online eligibility tool if you are unsure if you qualify.
Requirements
- You are 65 or older, and you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters.
- You are under age 65 and collect benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board for at least 24 consecutive months.
- You have ESRD or ALS.
Enrollment Period Dates
Initial Enrollment Period
This is a seven-month window that allows you to sign up for a plan
- Begins 3 months before the month you turn 65
- Ends 3 months after the month you turn 65
Medicare Open Enrollment Period
This is when you can sign up for a plan, switch a plan or leave a plan
- Begins Starts October 15th
- Ends December 7th
Special Enrollment Period
Special enrollment periods allow you to enroll outside the regular enrollment periods under specific circumstances.
General Enrollment Period
This is when you can sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B if you didn’t sign up when first eligible or if you’re not qualified for a Special Enrollment Period.
- Starts January 1st
- Ends March 31st
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
This is when you can switch or leave a Medicare Advantage Plan
- Starts January 1st
- Ends March 31st
Connecticut Enrollment Tips & Advice
The law requires each state to provide objective counseling and advice for Medicare beneficiaries who may have questions regarding the various guidelines and details regarding coverage. These are called State Health Insurance Programs, and in Connecticut, this service is under the CHOICES program.
The CHOICES program can offer assistance and clarification regarding Medicare Parts A and B, Medicare Advantage Plans, and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans. It may also provide help involving Medicare Supplement Insurance.
Other resources:
How Do I Enroll in a Medicare Plan?
If you have any questions about Connecticut Medicare options, speak to one of our licensed agents. Our dedicated team will help find a Medicare plan that works for you.
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