Ultimate Guide to Alaska Medicare Health Insurance

Are you or a loved one who lives in Alaska nearing Medicare eligibility? We can answer all your questions about Alaska Medicare in this ultimate guide.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for those over the age of 65 and some people with disabilities. Even though it’s federal, there are different private plans available in each state, county, and city.

Click below to learn more about Alaska Medicare:

• Alaska Medicare Eligibility
• What Does Alaska Medicare Cost?
• What Does Medicare Cover in Alaska?
• Alaska Medicare Plan Finder
• Medicare in Alaska Providers
• Alaska Medicare and Senior Resources
• Getting Both Medicare and Medicaid in Alaska
• How to Apply for Medicare in Alaska

Alaska Medicaid Eligibility

There are a few ways to qualify for Medicare in Alaska. That’s right, you don’t necessarily have to be 65! You can qualify for Medicare by:

• Turning 65
• Getting diagnosed with ALS
• Getting diagnosed with ESRD
• Entering your 25th month of SSDI

What Does Alaska Medicare Cost?

On the most basic level, Medicare covers 80% of eligible healthcare costs. That can change depending on what coverage you select and what savings you qualify for. 

Medicare Part A has a $0 premium for people who have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 39 quarters (amounts to about ten years). If you worked for between 30 and 39 quarters, your premium will be $240 per month. If you didn’t work and pay Medicare taxes at all, or if you did for less than 30 quarters, your premium will instead likely be $437 per month. All of this can change if you qualify for other savings.

There are other costs to consider as well. You may have to pay a deductible before your coverage kicks in, and you may owe other copayments and coinsurance for certain services (as we’ll discuss later, you may be able to get those other costs covered through a Medicare Supplement plan).

In 2019, the Part B deductible 2019 is $185, and the premiums range from $135.50 per month to $460.50 per month (depending on your income).

What Does Medicare Cover in Alaska?

The traditional Medicare program provides the same coverage in all 50 U.S. states. Your coverage can be different if you decide to enroll in a private plan. Original Medicare includes Part A, which covers hospital stays, and Part B, which covers outpatient medical benefits. Part A covers inpatient and outpatient hospital stays, hospice, and some home health services. Part B covers preventative care like your annual wellness visit, outpatient mental health, lab tests and X-rays, durable medical equipment, and ambulance travel.

If you’re looking for other benefits, like dental, vision, and prescription drugs, you’ll want to look at Medicare Advantage plans. If you’re looking for more financial coverage, you might want to consider Medicare Supplements.

Alaska Dental Insurance

Dental is not a traditionally covered benefit in the federal Medicare program. There are a few ways that you can get dental coverage. You can look for a Medicare Advantage plan that includes a dental benefit, or you can enroll in a private dental plan.

Alaska Medicare Plan Finder

Our Medicare Plan Finder tool allows you to search through some of the plans available in your area so that you can make an educated decision about your healthcare. 

Then, licensed Medicare Plan Finder agents can meet with you in person to talk about all your options. They’ll go over the doctors you like, the prescriptions you need, and more to figure out which plan makes the most sense for you.

Medicare Advantage Plans Alaska (MA)

Medicare Advantage plans are able to cover the benefits that Original Medicare does not. That can include fitness benefits, dental, vision, prescription drugs, and even meal delivery. Believe it or not, some people can get MA plans for a $0 premium! However, MA plans can be different not only in every state but also in every county and zip code. You may have a few Alaska Medicare Advantage plans to choose from.

Medicare Supplement Plans Alaska (Medigap)

Medicare Supplements, or Medigap plans, are different from Medicare Advantage plans. Instead of adding health benefits, Medigap plans can add financial benefits. There are several different types of Medigap plans, all of which have different costs and benefits. Benefits include coverage for costs like copayments, deductibles, etc. Use our Medicare Plan Finder tool to find out which type of Medigap plan is right for you.

Medicare Prescription Drug Plans Alaska (PDP)

You can get Medicare prescription drug coverage in Alaska in two different ways. You can either enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that comes with a prescription drug benefit, or enroll in a stand-alone prescription drug plan. Keep in mind that you cannot have both a Medicare Advantage plan and a prescription drug plan at the same time, so you’ll have to choose one or the other.

Medicare in Alaska Providers

A great way to find Alaska doctors who accept Medicare is by visiting Medicare.gov’s provider finder tool. 

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan or other private insurance, your network may be a little different. Find out if your plan carrier has its own doctor finder tool. Use your plan’s doctor finder or ask your agent for help to make sure that your favorite doctors, hospitals, and specialists are in your network.

Alaska Medicare and Senior Resources

Alaska takes care of its senior population. Check out some of the resources available to seniors living in Alaska! 

Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA): Statewide assistive technology resource center. Reach out to ATLA for help with loans, demonstrations, and info regarding rehabilitative devices.

Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs): Connects seniors and disabled people with long-term care services.

Alaska Commission on Aging: Governor-appointed board that plans services for Alaska seniors and advocates for their health and wellbeing in the state of Alaska.

Alaska Housing Finance Corporation Senior Housing Office (AHFC): Works to ensure Alaska seniors have access to affordable and accessible homes. Partners with housing authorities statewide. For Alaskans ages 55 and over.

Alaska Pioneer Homes: These homes are for Alaskans over the age of 65 who have lived in Alaska for at least one year. Homes are in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka. There is also a Veterans’ Pioneer Home in Palmer. They all specialize in Alzheimer’s and dementia care.

Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska (ARA): Provides programs and services related to Alzheimer’s, including care coordination, education, respite, chore assistance, support groups, etc.

Office of Elder Fraud and Assistance (OEFA): OEFA investigates complaints and files civil actions regarding fraud against Alaska residents over the age of 60. That can mean anything from robbery to extortion and exploitation.

Medicare Plan Finder: We have licensed agents who provide free assistance with selecting Medicare plans! It doesn’t cost anything more to speak with an agent than if you had applied directly through the carrier. The difference is that an agent can offer you multiple plans, providing a bias-free approach. We also have a Medicare Plan Finder tool that you can use to compare plans before you meet with an agent.

Alaska Senior Benefits Program

In 2007, the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services established the Senior Benefits program. Eligible seniors who are age 65 or older and have low income may qualify. Based on your income, you may receive a monthly payment of (2019) $76, $175, or $250. Those living in a prison/jail, Alaska Pioneers’ Home, Alaska Veterans’ Home, nursing home, or mental institution may not be eligible.

You can apply for the Alaska Senior Benefits Program with this form.

Getting Both Medicare and Medicaid in Alaska

If you qualify for both Medicare and Alaska Medicaid and there is a plan available in your area, you may be able to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan. These plans generally have very low or no costs and provide benefits for Medicare and Medicaid covered services. Medicaid qualifications are based on income and other Alaska state regulations.

For help with finding plans in your area, call 844-431-1832.

How to Apply for Medicare in Alaska

If you receive benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board or Social Security, you may be automatically enrolled in Medicare. If you are not automatically enrolled, you can enroll through the Social Security website, in-person at a Social Security office, or by calling 1-800-772-1213. 

To enroll in Part D, Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Supplements, start searching for Alaska plans here or get in touch with an agent, here. You can also call our office at 844-431-1832 Monday through Friday, and we’ll get you set up with an agent.