Ultimate Guide to ND Medicare

More than 10,000 baby boomers become eligible for Medicare each day, and many would agree that Medicare can be overwhelming. Should you enroll in Medicare Advantage for extra benefits, or would you rather get financial benefits through Medicare Supplements? What about a Part D plan for prescription drug coverage?

Click below to learn more about North Dakota Medicare:

• What Does ND Medicare Cover
• Types of North Dakota Medicare Plans
• ND Medicare Advantage Plans
• ND Medicare Supplement Plans
• Part D Plans in North Dakota
• ND Medicare Eligibility
• Cost of North Dakota Medicare
• Can I Have Medicaid and Medicare in North Dakota?
• Senior Programs in North Dakota
• How to Apply for ND Medicare

What Does ND Medicare Cover?

Original Medicare provides the same coverage regardless of which state you live in. This means your journey to North Dakota Medicare starts with 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 Original Medicare, you can start to explore other plan options that are specific to your zip code.

Types of North Dakota Medicare Plans

Apart from Original Medicare, North Dakota Medicare plans include Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplements, and Part D. Each plan offers a different type of benefits (health, financial, or coverage). You should consider enrolling in some type of prescription drug coverage. If you do not enroll, and later want to add this coverage, you may have a late enrollment penalty. You can get prescription drug coverage through Part D and Medicare Advantage plans. Some Medicare Supplement plans offer prescription drug coverage, but this is rare.

ND Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover the same services as Original Medicare. However, most plans cover several additional benefits that you would otherwise have to pay for out-of-pocket. Some of these benefits include hearing, dental, vision, over-the-counter drugs, non-emergency transportation, and group fitness classes like SilverSneakers and Silver & Fit. Medicare Advantage plans are sold through private insurance companies, and one of our licensed agents can help you enroll. Click here to give us a call at 844-431-1832.

ND Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Supplements add financial benefits that work alongside Original Medicare. There are ten different types of plans, (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N), and each letter represents a different combination of coverage. Depending on which plan you select, you can have the following financial benefits:

• 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 plan prices will still vary. One of our licensed agents can show you plans in your area and help you enroll at the best price. Click here to give us a call at 844-431-1832.

Part D Plans in North Dakota

Part D plans work alongside Original Medicare to provide prescription drug coverage. Your coverage will consist of a deductible, initial coverage phase, coverage gap, and catastrophic coverage phase.

The annual deductible for 2019 is $415. Some plans may waive, reduce, or change your deductible up front. Once you reach the set deductible, the initial coverage phase begins. During this time you will be responsible for a copay until you reach your spending limit ($3,820 in 2019). After this time, you will be in the “donut hole” and pay 37% of generic drugs costs and 25% of brand-name drug costs. This will continue until you reach catastrophic coverage ($5,100 in 2019) and you will only be responsible for 5% of your total drug costs for the remainder of the year. To learn more about Part D plans in your area, click here, or give us a call at 844-431-1832.

North Dakota Medicare Eligibility

Most people qualify for Medicare by turning 65. If you have ESRD (end-stand renal disease) or ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), you qualify for Medicare regardless of your age. Additionally, if you have been receiving SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) for at least 24 months, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare during your 25th month. If you have questions regarding your eligibility, click here or give us a call at 844-431-1832.

Cost of North Dakota Medicare

The cost of Original Medicare is the same regardless of where you live in the U.S. Most people will not have to pay a premium for Part A so long as they have worked and paid Medicare taxes for 40 quarters. If you have worked for 30-39 quarters, you will have to pay $252/month in 2020. For any time worked less than 30 quarters, you will have to pay $458/month in 2020.

The Part B premium is $144.60/month in 2020, but this can change based on your income. Pricing for Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplements, and Part D plans will vary based on the plan, location, and benefits. Click here or give us a call at 844-431-1832 to get in contact with a licensed agent.

Can I Have Medicaid and Medicare in North Dakota?

Medicare is designed for older adults over the age of 65 and people with certain disabilities. Medicaid is designed for low-income individuals and families regardless of age. It is possible to be enrolled in both programs. In fact, more than 16,000 beneficiaries are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid throughout North Dakota.

If you qualify for both programs, you may also qualify for a Dual Special Needs Plan (DSNP). A DSNP allows you to get additional benefits at lower costs and grants you a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). SEPs allow you to get the coverage you need when you need it, no matter the time of year. Other programs you may be eligible for include Medicare’s prescription drug program, Extra Help, and Medicare Savings Programs. The Extra Help program can help you save more than $4,000/year on prescription drugs, and Medicare Savings Programs can help cover other Medicare-related costs like premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. To speak to an agent about eligibility, click here or give us a call at 844-431-1832.

Senior Programs in North Dakota

The North Dakota Agency on Aging offers several services throughout the state to seniors and people with certain disabilities. These programs include:

Caregiver Support: The Family Caregiver Support Program recognizes caregivers and helps them develop new ways of support.

Home Care: There are several home care programs throughout the state that help seniors stay in their home as long as possible. These programs include help with services like cooking, bathing, and cleaning.

Ombudsman: The Ombudsman Program helps resolve issues from those who are living in long-term settings, educates residents on their rights, and advocates for those who may not be able to.

Legal Assistance: The Legal Assistance Program provides seniors with free legal advice, representation, and counseling regarding housing, healthcare, and guardianship issues.

Assisted Living: The Assisted Living Program helps provide housing to those who need it and provides support to individuals who may be unable to live alone

How to Apply for ND Medicare

You can apply for North Dakota Medicare through Social Security. Visit their website (www.SocialSecurity.gov), give them a call (1-800-772-1213), or visit your local office to enroll. If you are interested in enrolling in a Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, or Part D plan, one of our licensed agents can help. They are contracted with all the major carriers so there is never any bias. Click here or give us a call at 844-431-1832.