Guide to CT Medicare
Connecticut may only be 110 miles long, but there are close to 700,000 Medicare beneficiaries throughout the state. There are several types of CT Medicare plans including Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplements, and Part D. Medicare Plan Finder breaks down each option so you can understand the overwhelming world of Medicare one step at a time.
Click below to learn more about Connecticut Medicare:
- What Does Medicare Cover in Connecticut?
- Types of CT Medicare Plans
- Medicare Supplement Plans in Connecticut
- Medicare Advantage Plans in Connecticut
- Cost of CT Medicare
- Can I Have Medicaid and Medicare in Connecticut?
- Connecticut Senior Programs
- CT Medicare Eligibility
- How to Apply for Medicare in Connecticut
What Does Medicare Cover in Connecticut?
Your journey to CT Medicare starts with Original Medicare (Part A and B). Part A covers services like hospital stays, nursing homes, hospice, and home health services. Part B covers ambulance travel, medical equipment, mental health, partial hospitalization, lab tests, and x-rays. Once you are enrolled in Part A and B, you can start exploring other plan options like Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplements, and Part D.
Types of CT Medicare Plans
The federal government regulates Original Medicare. This means that your coverage is the same regardless of which state you live in. Once you are enrolled in parts A and B, you can start to explore CT Medicare plans specific to your area. You should consider enrolling in some type of prescription drug coverage to avoid a late-enrollment penalty later on. You can purchase prescription drug coverage through a stand-alone Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan.
Medicare Supplement Plans in Connecticut
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are intended to provide financial benefits rather than health benefits. There are ten different types of plans (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N), and each plan offers different coverage for a different price, meaning you can have fewer benefits for a lower premium or pay a bit more for additional financial protection. The financial benefits include:
- Part A coinsurance and hospital costs
- Part B coinsurance and copayments
- Blood work copays (up to three pints)
- Hospice coinsurance and copayments
- Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
- Part A deductible
- Part B deductible
- Part B excess charges
- Foreign emergency travel
Medigap plans are the same regardless of which carrier you enroll with, but pricing can still vary. Your best bet is to speak with a licensed agent. They can show you all of the plans that are available in your area and help you enroll in the best price. Click here or give us a call at 844-431-1832.
Medicare Advantage Plans in Connecticut
Medicare Advantage plans must cover, at a minimum, the same benefits as Original Medicare. However, most plans include additional health benefits that Original Medicare does not. These benefits can include vision, dental, hearing, over-the-counter drugs, non-emergency transportation, and group fitness classes like SilverSneakers. MA plans are offered through private insurance companies, and the pricing will vary based on provider, location, and benefits. As always, our licensed agents can help you enroll in a plan that is in your area and fits your needs and budget. Click here or give us a call at 844-431-1832.
Cost of CT Medicare
The cost of Original Medicare is the same regardless of which state you live. Most people don’t have to pay a monthly premium for Part A as long as they have worked and paid Medicare taxes for 40 quarters. If you have worked less than this time, your premium may vary as follows:
- 30-39 quarters = $240/month
- Less than 30 quarters = $437/month
Most beneficiaries pay $135.50/month for their Part B premium, but this can vary depending on your income. If you choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, or Part D plan, your monthly costs will vary based on carrier, location, and benefits.
Can I Have Medicaid and Medicare in Connecticut?
Medicare and Medicaid each provide health coverage to people who need it. However, Medicare was designed exclusively for those over 65 and people with certain disabilities. Medicaid is partly state-funded and provides coverage to low-income individuals no matter how old they are.
It is possible to be eligible for both programs. In fact, there are more than nine million people enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid. If you qualify for both programs you will likely be eligible for a Dual Special Needs Plan (DSNP). DSNPs are great because they provide extra benefits at lower costs. They also provide enrollees with a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Most beneficiaries can only change their plan once a year during the Annual Enrollment Period, but SEPs allow you to get the coverage you need when you need it, no matter the time of year! When you become eligible for Medicaid, you can join, switch, or drop your current Medicare Advantage or Part D plan at any time
CT Medicare Savings Program
Other perks of qualifying for a DSNP include potential eligibility in programs like Medicare’s prescription drug program, Extra Help, or the CT Medicare Savings Program. If you qualify for Extra Help, you won’t pay more than $3.40 for generic drugs and $8.50 for brand-name drugs. This can help you save an average of $4,000 a year! On the other hand, Medicare Savings Programs help cover other Medicare-related costs like Part A and B premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Our agents can help you apply for any savings programs you may be eligible for. Click here or call us at 844-431-1832.
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Connecticut Senior Programs
The Connecticut Agency on Aging provides several programs throughout the state that provide services to seniors, caregivers, and disabled individuals. These programs include:
Employment: Connecticut’s Employment Program provides employment opportunities for eligible seniors. This program also provides supportive services, training, and assistance in finding outside employment.
Transportation: The Transportation Assistance Program provides rides for seniors who are traveling to doctor’s appointments, pharmacies, or even the grocery store.
Meals: This program provides meals to seniors or disabled individuals who are unable to shop or prepare meals on their own. This program can adapt the meals to several different types of diets to ensure you get the food and nutrients you need.
Caregiver Support: The Connecticut Agency on Aging provides a Family Caregiver Support Program that recognizes caregivers and helps them develop new ways of support.
Legal Assistance: The Legal Assistance Program provides seniors with free legal advice, representation, and counseling. This can help with housing, healthcare, and guardianship issues.
CT Medicare Eligibility
The most common way to qualify for Medicare is by turning 65. However, reaching your 65th birthday is not the only way to become eligible. If you have ESRD (end-stand renal disease) or ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), you may qualify even if you’re under 65. Plus, if you have been receiving SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare during your 25th-month of SSDI benefits. If you have a question regarding your eligibility, fill out click here or give us a call at 844-431-1832.
How to Apply for Medicare in Connecticut
You can apply for CT Medicare through Social Security. There are three main places where you can apply. You can go to www.SocialSecurity.gov, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 7 PM, or apply in person at your local Social Security office.
If you are interested in enrolling in a Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, or Part D plan, we can help! Our agents can talk to you about plans from all the major carriers, so there is no bias. Click here or give us a call at 844-431-1832.
