Medicare is a federal health insurance plan designed primarily for senior citizens over 65. However, it also offers benefits to workers with certain disabilities. The state government of Idaho also provides various types of assistance for Medicare beneficiaries.
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Idaho Medicare Insurance Trends
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported the following information on 2024 Medicare trends in Idaho:
- A total of 378,590 residents of Idaho are enrolled in Medicare.
- The average Medicare Advantage monthly premium decreased from $20.18 in 2023 to $17.84 in 2024.
- There are 83 Medicare Advantage plans available in Idaho.
- Roughly 97.8% of Idaho residents with Medicare can buy a Medicare Advantage plan. 96.2% can purchase plans with $0 premiums.
- There are 21 Medicare prescription drug plans available in 2024 in Idaho.
- The lowest monthly premium for a prescription drug plan in Idaho is $0.50.
Medicare Offered in Idaho
Medicare is a government health care program that offers financial assistance to those 65 or older and people of any age with disabilities. If you’re a resident with Medicare in Idaho, you have many options when it comes to your coverage.
Original Medicare
Medicare in its basic form consists of Part A and Part B coverage. Medicare Part A pays for the cost of hospital services which include inpatient care. Medicare Part B deals with various medical treatments and supplies that are considered medically necessary.
Both Medicare Part A and Part B may require beneficiaries to pay premiums, although in most cases, premiums are not required for Medicare Part A. Both Parts A and B may also involve deductibles and copayments.
Medicare Advantage
The primary replacement for Original Medicare is the Medicare Advantage Plans. Their coverage includes paying for all the services covered by Medicare Part A and Part B. This option also typically provides coverage for other medical services that Original Medicare does not cover, such as dental, vision, hearing and more.
The primary providers of Medicare Advantage plans in Idaho are:
- Aetna Medicare
- Blue Cross of Idaho
- Molina Healthcare of Utah & Idaho
- PacificSource Medicare
- Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Idaho
- SelectHealth
- UnitedHealthcare
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Medicare Supplement Plans
Many who wish for Medicare coverage may opt for even more covered services than Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) provides. These Medicare plans may be purchased from private carriers that Medicare has already approved. Medigap plans may also cover the deductibles and copayments required in Original Medicare.
Residents of Idaho can choose from Medicare Supplement providers such as:
- AARP – UnitedHealthcare
- Aetna
- Blue Cross of Idaho
- Cigna
- Colonial Penn
- Garden State
- Great Southern
- Oxford
- Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Idaho
- State Farm
- USAA
Idaho Medicare Enrollment
Idaho residents are eligible for Medicare if they are U.S. citizens above 65 years old or 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
Idaho Enrollment Tips & Advice
It’s important to carefully consider your personal healthcare needs before deciding between original Medicare or a private company and whether you need supplemental coverage or help with copays, medication costs, and other healthcare services.
Other resources:
- Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA)
- Idaho Department of Insurance
- Live Better Idaho
- Idaho AIDS Drug Assistance Program (IDAGAP)
How Do I Enroll in a Medicare Plan?
If you have any questions about your Idaho 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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