Guide to Medicare in Nevada
There are more than 500,000 Medicare beneficiaries in Nevada. At Medicare Plan Finder, we understand that your health needs are unique to you, and finding the best Medicare coverage can be overwhelming. Medicare in Nevada consists of Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplements, and Part D plans. Let’s break it down one step at a time.
Click below to learn more about Nevada Medicare:
- What Does Medicare Cover in Nevada?
- Types of Nevada Medicare Plans
- Medicare Advantage Plans in Nevada
- Medicare Supplement Plans in Nevada
- Cost of Medicare in Nevada
- Can I Have Medicaid and Medicare in Nevada?
- Nevada Medicare Eligibility
- Senior Programs in Nevada
- How to Apply for Nevada Medicare
What Does Medicare Cover in Nevada?
Medicare in Nevada starts with Original Medicare (Part A and B). Part A covers 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. After you enroll in Original Medicare, you can start to explore other plan options like Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplements, and Part D.
Types of Nevada Medicare Plans
Original Medicare is regulated by the federal government. This means Part A and B is the same regardless of where you live in the U.S. Once you enroll in Original Medicare, you can start exploring plan options specific to Nevada and in your zip code. You should consider enrolling in some type of prescription drug coverage when you first become eligible for Medicare. This will help you avoid a late-enrollment penalty down the road. You can get this coverage through Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan.
Medicare Advantage Plans in Nevada
Medicare Advantage plans are sold through private insurance companies and are required to cover the same benefits as Original Medicare. However, most plans include several additional benefits that help you maintain a healthy and proactive lifestyle. These benefits include vision, dental, hearing, over-the-counter drug coverage, non-emergency transportation, and group fitness classes like Silver and Fit. Pricing will vary based on provider, location, and benefits. If you are interested in enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan, our agents can help! Click here or give us a call at 844-431-1832.
Medicare Supplement Plans in Nevada
Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap, are designed to supplement your Original Medicare with financial benefits. There are ten different types of Medigap plans (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N), and each letter represents different coverage for a different price. Some of the financial benefits from Medigap plans 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
Your Medigap coverage is the same regardless of which carrier you enroll with, but pricing can vary. To make sure you lock-in the best price for your desired plan, you should speak with a licensed agent. Click here or give us a call at 844-431-1832.
Cost of Medicare in Nevada
Since Original Medicare is operated by the federal government, the costs are the same across the U.S. Most beneficiaries won’t pay a monthly premium for Part A, but this all depends on how many quarters you were employed and paid Medicare taxes. Your premium may vary as follows:
- 40+ quarters = $0/month
- 30-39 quarters = $240/month
- Less than 30 quarters = $437/month
The Part B premium for 2019 is $135.50, but this can fluctuate based on your income. Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplements, and Part D will have different costs depending on carrier, location, and plan benefits.
Can I Have Medicaid and Medicare in Nevada?
Medicare and Medicaid are two different programs, but they both provide health coverage to certain groups of people. Medicare was designed for older adults or people with certain disabilities, whereas Medicaid is intended for low-income individuals or families regardless of age.
It is possible to qualify 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 provide extra health benefits at lower costs. They also grant those who qualify with a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). This is a great benefit because most beneficiaries can only make changes to their coverage once a year, during the Annual Enrollment Period. However, SEPs allow you to get the coverage you need regardless of the time of year. During your SEP, you can join, switch, or drop your current Medicare Advantage or Part D plan.
If you qualify for a DSNP, you may be eligible for other great programs like Medicare’s prescription drug program, Extra Help, or a Medicare Savings Program. If you qualify for Extra Help, you can save an average of $4,000 a year on prescription drugs. Medicare Savings Programs can help you cover other Medicare-related costs like Part A and B premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. If you have questions about your eligibility, click here or call us at 844-431-1832.
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Nevada Medicare Eligibility
Most people qualify for Medicare by turning 65, but there are a few ways to qualify before your 65th birthday. If you have been diagnosed with ESRD (end-stand renal disease) or ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), you are eligible for Medicare regardless of your age. 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, click here or give us a call at 844-431-1832.
Senior Programs in Nevada
The Nevada Agency on Aging offers several programs throughout the state that provide assistance to older adults and disabled individuals. These programs include:
Homemaker Program: The Homemaker Program is focused on providing services to people in their home to help reduce the need for out-of-home care. The goal is to keep seniors and disabled individuals in their home and living independently as long as possible.
Ombudsman: Nevada’s Ombudsman Program helps maintain quality of care in nursing homes. The program informs seniors and families of their rights, resolves complaints, and advocates for a high level of care.
Prescription Assistance: The Senior Rx Program helps provide financial relief to seniors who may be unable to afford certain high-cost medications when they are in the Part D donut hole.
Transportation: Nevada’s Taxi Assistance Program provides taxi fares to qualified individuals. If eligible, you will receive a coupon book that is accepted by all taxicabs. You can use these coupons to go to the grocery store, pharmacy, etc.
Protective Services: The Elder Protective Services Program aims to prevent elder abuse as much as possible. The program helps with investigations, evaluations, and arrangements or referrals for other services.
How to Apply for Nevada Medicare
You can apply for Nevada Medicare through Social Security at www.SocialSecurity.gov, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 7 PM, or 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.