Medicare in Colorado

Medicare in Colorado

If you live in Colorado, just like in other states, there are different ways to get Medicare. It's a good idea to learn about the parts of Medicare and talk with an expert. This will help you feel comfortable with the plan you choose.

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 probably won't have to pay a monthly premium. You will have a deductible and you may have to pay for part of the cost of services.

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

You can also receive your Medicare benefits through a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage, also called Part C, gives you more coverage than Original Medicare (Part A and B). But you must have Part A and B first to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.

You can buy a Medicare Advantage plan through private insurance companies (approved by Medicare). Medicare Advantage plans cover all of the services that Original Medicare covers. And most Medicare Advantage plans offer more benefits than Original Medicare. You can get these benefits in just one plan.

More Benefits: Depending on the plan you choose and where you live (your ZIP code and county in Colorado), 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. After you reach this yearly limit, you won't have to pay anything for covered services. Yearly limits vary by plan. Be sure to ask.

Prescription Drug Plans – Part D

Medicare Part D is stand-alone prescription drug coverage. You can get Part D through private insurance companies. Certain costs apply depending on the plan you choose. Most people will have to pay a monthly premium. You can also get prescription drug coverage in many Medicare Advantage plans.

Medicare Supplement Plans in Colorado

You might want to look into a Medicare Supplement plan to help cover some of your out-of-pocket healthcare costs such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.

Enrolling in Medicare Plans in Colorado

For all the information you need to enroll, please click here

Resources for Medicare recipients in your state:

Take advantage of these free Medicare resources for Colorado residents.

Medicare Savings Programs in Colorado

You can apply for one of the savings programs through the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. If you qualify, these programs may be able to help you pay your Medicare Part A or Part B premiums. Find more information here: https://www.colorado.gov/hcpf

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) SHIP has convenient locations throughout Colorado. Specialists in Medicare offer free services, helping you through counseling, presentations, and explaining Medicare materials. Find a location near you: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dora/ship-locations

Things to remember:

• Availability of plans in specific areas in Colorado 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