Medicare in Alabama
Medicare in Alabama
In Alabama, just like in other states, there are different ways that you can get your Medicare coverage. It's a good idea to read about the different parts of Medicare and talk them over with a specialist. Balancing covered benefits and out-of-pocket costs will help you choose the right plan for you.
Original Medicare
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) is managed by the federal government. When you turn 65, you are usually eligible and automatically enrolled. The parts of Medicare will help you understand the various benefits and the ways they can be combined.
Part A – Hospital Services
Medicare Part A is hospital insurance. Part A benefits cover:
- Inpatient hospital care
- Skilled nursing care facility
- Home health care services
- Hospice care
To receive Part A, you most likely won't have to pay a monthly premium. You may have to pay for part of the cost of services, and you will have a deductible.
Part B – Medical Services – including preventive care
Medicare Part B is medical insurance. Part B benefits cover:
- Doctors' office visits
- Preventive care
- Lab tests, blood tests and X-rays
- Diabetic screenings and supplies
- Outpatient hospital care
You will have to pay a Part B monthly premium.
Medicare Advantage – Part C
Medicare Advantage, also called Part C, gives you more coverage than Original Medicare (Part A and B). You must have Part A and B to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.
You can buy a Medicare Advantage plan through private insurance companies contracted with Medicare. It's important to know that Medicare Advantage plans must cover all of the services that Original Medicare covers. Most Medicare Advantage plans offer more benefits than Original Medicare. And you can get these benefits all in one plan.
More Benefits: Depending on the plan you choose and where you live (your ZIP code and county in Alabama), most Medicare Advantage plans may also cover:
- Prescription drugs (Medicare Part D)
- Routine care for your vision and hearing
- Health, fitness and wellness programs
Limited Costs: Medicare Advantage plans have a yearly limit on your out-of-pocket costs. Once you reach your yearly limit, you won't have to pay anything extra for covered services. Yearly limits are different for each plan. So be sure to ask what it is for the plan you choose.
Prescription Drug Plans – Part D
Medicare Part D is stand-alone prescription drug coverage. You can get Part D through private insurance companies contracted with Medicare. Certain costs apply depending on the plan you choose. Most people will have to pay a monthly premium. Remember that you can also get prescription drug coverage in many Medicare Advantage plans.
Medicare Supplement Plans in Alabama
You may be interested in a Medicare Supplement plan to help cover some of your out-of-pocket healthcare costs.
Medicare Special Needs Plans (SNPs)
These Medicare Advantage Plans are for people with chronic conditions or special health needs, including people living in institutions. The benefits, providers and drug formularies are carefully chosen for these unique needs.
Private health insurance companies offer these plans. If you are eligible, you can join a Special Needs Plan at any time.
Enrolling in Medicare Plans in Alabama
For all the information you need to enroll click here
Medicare resources in Alabama
Take advantage of these resources for Alabama residents.
Alabama Medicare Savings Programs
If you have limited income, you may qualify for discounts on some of the things Medicare doesn't cover. Contact the Alabama Medicaid agency for details.
Alabama State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) "Ageline" agency's SHIP coordinators are available to help answer your questions about Medicare. They also provide information on programs and plans for Alabama residents. Find out more under “Medicare and Insurance Counseling” here: Click Here
You may also get more details about SHIP by calling 1-800-243-5463.
Things to remember:
- Availability of plans in specific areas in Alabama depends on the contract between the plans and Medicare
- Benefits and costs vary by the plan you choose and where you live
- With any plan, you must continue to pay your Original Medicare Part B premium
- Review the information and talk with a Medicare expert so you can select the plan that's right for you
How to sign up for your Medicare plan:
- Visit Medicare.gov
- Search the plans you want, choose one and enroll on their website
- Call the plan you're interested in for a paper form to fill out
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY: 711) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you have both Medicare and Medicaid benefits, contact your state's Medicaid office also