Guide to NH Medicare Plans

Roughly 300,000 Medicare beneficiaries call New Hampshire home. However, your health is unique to you, and your coverage will differ from your neighbor. Fortunately, there are several types of NH Medicare plans including Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplements, and Part D plans. Medicare Plan Finder is your number one source for finding the best plan for your needs and budget.

Click below to learn more about New Hampshire Medicare:

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

What Does Medicare Cover in New Hampshire?

Your NH Medicare coverage starts with Original Medicare, also known as Part A and Part B. Part A includes coverage for hospital stays, nursing homes, hospice, and home health services. Part B provides coverage for 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, including a Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, or Part D plan.

New Hampshire Medicare Eligibility

Most beneficiaries are eligible for Medicare by turning 65. In New Hampshire, 83% of Medicare beneficiaries qualify this way. The remaining 17% are eligible through specific disabilities. If you have ESRD (end-stand renal disease) or ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), you qualify even if you’re under 65. If you have been receiving SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), you will also qualify and be automatically enrolled in Medicare during your 25th-month of SSDI benefits. If you have questions regarding your eligibility, click here or give us a call at 844-431-1832.

Types of New Hampshire Medicare Plans

Original Medicare is regulated by the federal government. This means Part A and B are the same regardless of which state you live in. After you have enrolled in Original Medicare, you can start searching for plans specific to New Hampshire and in your area. You should consider enrolling in some type of prescription drug coverage to avoid a late-enrollment penalty down the road. Part D and Medicare Advantage plans can provide prescription drug coverage as well as Medicare Supplement plans, but this is rare.

NH Medicare Advantage Plans

Original Medicare doesn’t cover certain services like hearing, dental, or vision. However, Medicare Advantage plans offer several benefits and services beyond Original Medicare. These plans are required to cover everything that Original Medicare does, so don’t worry, you won’t lose any benefits. Popular NH Medicare Advantage (MA) benefits alongside dental, hearing, and vision coverage include over-the-counter and prescription drugs, non-emergency transportation, and group fitness classes like Silver and Fit. MA plans are offered through private insurance companies, and pricing and plan options will vary based on your provider, location, and benefits. A licensed agent can help you find what’s available in your area. Click here or give us a call at 844-431-1832.

NH Medicare Supplement Plans

Unforeseen health issues can cost you a lot of money. If you only have Original Medicare, you may be left with premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, and other health-related costs. There are ten different types of Medicare Supplements to choose from. Each plan offers different coverage for a different price. For an additional monthly premium, you can have help paying the following:

• 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

NH Medicare Supplements are the same regardless of which carrier you enroll with. However, pricing will still vary. A licensed agent can show you all of the plans that are available in your area, so you know you are enrolling in the plan with the best price. Click here or give us a call at 844-431-1832.

Part D Plans

Part D plans provide prescription drug coverage and only prescription drug coverage. They are broken down into four basic parts: deductible, initial coverage phase, coverage gap, and then catastrophic coverage.

If you enroll in a Part D plan, your annual deductible will reset each year ($415 in 2019). Plans can vary, and some may waive, reduce, or change the deductible upfront. Once you meet your deductible, your coverage will start. This is known as the initial coverage stage. During this time, you will be responsible for a copay for each prescription drug you purchase based on the plan’s drug formulary (list of approved drugs). You will continue to pay these copays until you reach a spending limit ($3,820 in 2019).

Once you reach the spending limit, you will be in the “donut hole” and be responsible for 37% of your generic drug costs and 25% of your brand-name drug costs until your spending reaches $5,100. After this point, you reach the catastrophic coverage phase and 95% of your prescription costs will be covered. To learn more about Part D plans in your area, click here.

Cost of NH Medicare

The cost of New Hampshire Medicare is the same as every other state across the country. If you have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters, you will receive Part A premium-free. If you only worked 30-39 quarters, you will need to pay $240/month. If you worked less than 30 quarters, you will need to pay $437/month.

The Part B premium is $135.50/month for most beneficiaries, but this will vary based on your income. The costs for Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplements, and Part D plans will vary based on plan, carrier, and location. If you are searching for specific pricing on deductibles, premiums, and copayments per plan, you will need to schedule an appointment with a licensed agent. Click here or give us a call at 844-431-1832.

Can I Have Medicaid and Medicare in NH?

Medicare and Medicaid are easily confused because they each provide health coverage to certain groups of people. 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.

There are roughly 40,000 people enrolled in both programs across New Hampshire. People who are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid become eligible for a Dual Special Needs Plan (DSNP). DSNPs provide extra benefits at lower costs. They also provide enrollees with a Special Enrollment Period. SEPs are great because most beneficiaries can only make changes to their coverage once a year. However, with a SEP, you can join, switch, or drop your current Medicare Advantage or Part D plan any time of the year!

If you qualify for a DSNP, you may also qualify for other programs like Medicare’s prescription drug program, Extra Help, or Medicare Savings Programs. The Extra Help program can help you save an average of $4,000/year on prescription drug costs. Medicare Savings Programs can help cover other Medicare-related costs like premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. One of our licensed agents can help you apply for any savings program you may qualify for. Click here or give us a call at 844-431-1832.

Senior Programs in NH

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services provides several programs throughout the state to seniors, caregivers, and disabled people. These programs include:

Adult Services: The Adult Services Program offers several services to people over the age of 60 or those with certain disabilities. These services include home care, meals, volunteer opportunities, and investigations of abuse.

Caregiver Support: The Caregiver Support Program helps caregivers with education, training, and some respite care to provide a break. They also provide information about community programs and local resources.

Housing: The Housing Program helps provide support and maximize independence to adults in a residential setting. It specializes in service to older adults or disabled individuals.

Transportation: There are several transportation programs throughout the state including medical transportation, rideshares, and public transit assistance. Each program is designed to help seniors and disabled individuals get where they need to go.

Home Care: The Independence Program works with older adults and their families to help them live in their home as long as possible. This program helps with day-to-day medical services, in-home care, emergency support, meals, and homemaker services.

How to Apply for New Hampshire Medicare

You can apply for New Hampshire Medicare through Social Security. You can visit their website (www.SocialSecurity.gov), give them a call (1-800-772-1213), 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, one of our licensed agents can help! Click here or give us a call at 844-431-1832.