Medicare is one of many insurance options available for those aged 65 and older. In fact, over 20% of Kentucky’s total population is currently receiving some form of Medicare coverage. If you’re shopping around to find the best coverage for your needs in Kentucky, be sure to consider all the different types of programs before making any decisions!
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Kentucky Medicare Insurance Trends
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported the following information on 2024 Medicare trends in Kentucky:
- In 2024, there are 967,542 Kentucky residents enrolled in Medicare.
- The average Medicare Advantage monthly premium decreased from $10.56 in 2023 to $14.33 in 2024.
- Currently, there are 110 Medicare Advantage plans available in Kentucky.
- All Kentucky Medicare recipients can purchase Medicare Advantage plans, including those with $0 premiums.
- There are 21 stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plans available in Kentucky.
- In 2024, the lowest monthly premium for a prescription drug plan available is $0.
Medicare Offered in Kentucky
Medicare provides health coverage for qualified citizens over the age of 65, along with certain people with disabilities. It’s a federal program, but the state offers many other assistance programs for Medicare beneficiaries.
Original Medicare
Medicare Part A and Part B are collectively known as Original Medicare. These are the core parts of the coverage, with Medicare Part A covering the cost of hospital care such as inpatient health care. Medicare Part B covers doctor visits and other medical treatments, including preventive services and durable supplies.
Medicare Part A typically does not require a premium from beneficiaries, although there are some exceptions. Medicare Part B usually does require monthly premiums. Both involve payments for deductibles and coinsurance.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare has approved some private carriers to offer Medicare plans to beneficiaries. These include Medicare Advantage Plans, which are also known as Medicare Part C. The coverage consists of all the services that are part of Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. Typically, the Medicare Advantage Plan also includes coverage for services that Original Medicare does not cover. This can be anything from prescription drugs, vision, or dental care.
Medicare Advantage enrollees must continue to pay the Part B premium alongside the Medicare Advantage plan premium (determined by the insurer). The Medicare Advantage amount varies from one plan to another, and some may have premiums as low as $0!
In 2024, Medicare Advantage options included policies from:
- Aetna Medicare
- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- CareSource
- Lasso Healthcare
- UnitedHealthcare
- WellCare
Plans and options vary from the county and may not always be available to you. Call us for more information.
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Medicare Supplement Plans
Other supplemental Medicare plans may include coverage for services that are not part of Part A and Part B coverage. Some of these supplemental plans can also cover the cost of copayments and deductibles in Medicare Part A and Part B.
Unlike other Medicare coverage, Medicare Supplement plans don’t cover any health benefits. Instead, these plans cover the costs you’re responsible for with Original Medicare.
Medicare Supplement plans cover costs such as:
- Medicare deductibles
- Coinsurance
- Hospital costs after you run out of Medicare-covered days
- Skilled nursing facility costs after you run out of Medicare-covered days
The cost of a Medigap plan varies due to several factors, including the type of plan you enroll in, your location, and the insurance company. In 2024, companies offering Medigap plans in Kentucky included:
- AARP – UnitedHealthcare
- Aetna
- American Retirement
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Bankers Fidelity
- Cigna
- Everest
- Garden State
- Great Southern
- Lumico
- Medico
- Prosperity Life Group
- State Farm
- USAA
Kentucky Medicare Enrollment
New Jersey citizens are eligible for Medicare if they are a U.S. citizen and 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
Kentucky Enrollment Tips & Advice
Always consider costs, review your doctor’s network and read reviews on Medicare coverage within the state of Kentucky. Affordable and comprehensive, Medicare Advantage is a good option for many seniors. You may want to consider it, but keep in mind that different types of plans have various features and costs available!
Additional resources you can look into include:
How Do I Enroll in a Medicare Plan?
Our agents are here to answer any questions you have about Kentucky Medicare and your eligibility for supplement or advantage plans. They will discuss your options with you, helping you find the best option that works right for you today!
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