Kansas Medicare Insurance is a federally funded program that offers health care coverage to qualified beneficiaries over 65. People with disabilities may be eligible for it as well. In Kansas, state programs are available to Medicare beneficiaries who need assistance.
Medicare Quote
Kansas Medicare Insurance Trends
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported the following information on 2024 Medicare trends in Kansas:
- 572,684 residents of Kansas are enrolled in Medicare.
- The average Medicare Advantage monthly premium increased in Kansas from $7.42 in 2023 to $9.90 in 2024.
- In 2024, there are 92 Medicare Advantage plans available in Kansas.
- All Kansas residents with Medicare can purchase Medicare Advantage plans, including those with $0 premiums.
- In 2024, there are 21 stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plans available in Kansas.
- The lowest monthly premium for a prescription drug plan in Kansas is $0.50.
Medicare Offered in Kansas
Parts A and B make up Original Medicare. Part C, D are optional plans sold by private insurance companies. Some people might not need them because of their work or other coverage.
Original Medicare
Medicare offers health insurance coverage, and is divided into two main parts. Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital care along with other types of care in similar facilities. Medicare Part B includes coverage for medical services and durable equipment, including preventive services such as screenings and immunization. Together, Medicare Part A and Part B are known as Original Medicare.
Most who qualify for Medicare Part A do not have to pay a premium; however, some may have to pay a premium for Medicare Part A. On the other hand, Medicare Part B typically requires a monthly premium. The amount of this premium depends on the annual income of the beneficiary.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare has approved some private carriers in the state of Kansas to offer alternative Medicare plans. These start with the Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Medicare Part C. These plans combine the coverage options available in both Medicare Part A and Part B. These may also include coverage of other health care services that are not included in the scope of Original Medicare.
The benefits range from insurer to insurer but can consist of routine vision care, hearing aids, routine dental care, prescription drug coverage, and fitness center membership.
Some of the private insurance companies offering Medicare Advantage in Kansas include:
- Aetna Medicare
- Allwell
- Ascension Complete
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
- Blue Medicare Advantage
- Cigna
- Lasso Healthcare
- Medica
- UnitedHealthcare
Medicare Quote
Medicare Supplement Plans
Both Medicare Part A and Part B (Original Medicare) come with out-of-pocket costs that are the responsibility of the plan holder to pay, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Medigap plans sold by private insurers work to fill in these gaps through coverage for expenses not included by Original Medicare.
Some of the private insurers that offer Medigap in Kansas include:
- AARP – UnitedHealthcare
- Aetna
- American Retirement
- Bankers Fidelity
- Cigna
- Everest
- Garden State
- Great Southern
- Lumico
- Medico
- Prosperity Life Group
- State Farm
- USAA
Kansas Medicare Enrollment
Kansas residents 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
Kansas Enrollment Tips & Advice
Kansas has a free program called the Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK). This enables the residents of Kansas to get answers to questions and talk to trained volunteers regarding Medicare and other issues regarding health insurance.
The program offers confidential counseling with real people and provides information regarding Medicare, employment, and disabilities. The volunteers may also assist with Medicare Part D and other matters concerning prescription drug coverage.
Additional resources:
How Do I Enroll in a Medicare Plan?
If you have any questions about Kansas Medicare and your eligibility for supplement or advantage plans, speak to one of our licensed agents today. Our agents will discuss your options with a personalized plan that suits your needs and your budget.
Medicare Quote