Medicare in Connecticut

Medicare Plans in Connecticut

If you live in Connecticut, you have choices for getting your Medicare coverage. It’s important to learn how the different parts of Medicare fit together and which cost/balance option may be right for you.

Original Medicare

Original Medicare is also called Part A and Part B. When people turn 65, they are often automatically enrolled in these two parts. Part A and Part B are managed by the federal government.

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

With 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 that has a monthly premium. Part B benefits cover:

• Doctors' office visits
• Preventive care
• Lab tests, blood tests and X-rays
• Diabetic screenings and supplies
• Outpatient hospital care

Part C – and Medicare Advantage Plans

You can also get your Medicare coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage, also called Part C, gives you more coverage than Part A and Part B. If you are considering a Medicare Advantage plan, you first must have Part A and Part B.

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. If you’re interested in an all-in-one plan, Part C may be right for you.

More Benefits: Depending on the plan you choose and where you live (your ZIP code and county in Connecticut), 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 (which varies by plan), you won’t have to pay anything for covered services. When thinking about the best choice for you, it’s important to know that Original Medicare does not have a yearly limit.

Part D – Prescription Drug Plans

Medicare Part D is stand-alone prescription drug coverage that works with your Part A and Part B coverage. Private insurance companies (approved by Medicare) offer Part D. Certain costs apply depending on the plan you choose, and most people will have to pay a monthly premium. You can also get prescription drug coverage in most Medicare Advantage plans.

Medicare Supplement Policies in Connecticut

You might want to consider a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy to help cover some of your out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. You can buy a Medigap policy through a private insurance company. If you choose a Medicare Supplement policy, you first must have Part A and Part B.

Read more here: https://www.medicare.gov/supplements-other-insurance/whats-medicare-supplement-insurance-medigap

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 (approved by Medicare) offer these plans. If you are eligible, you can join a Special Needs Plan at any time.

Enrolling in Medicare Plans in Connecticut

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

Medicare resources in your state:

Connecticut Medicare Savings Programs

Depending on your income (or combined income with your spouse) you may qualify for one of three levels of Medicare Beneficiary programs in Connecticut. The three levels are called the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary program (QMB), the Special Low Income Medicare Beneficiary program (SLMB) and the Additional Low Income Medicare Beneficiary program (ALMB). The goal of these programs can help you save on your Medicare costs like premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.

For a Q&A about these Medicare Savings Programs, visit: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Departments-and-Agencies/DSS/Medicare-Savings-Program/MSPFAQs.pdf?la=en

Connecticut State Health Insurance and Assistance Programs (SHIP) Connecticut's program for SHIP is called CHOICES. CHOICES is free to Connecticut residents and helps you understand your Medicare coverage and healthcare options. Find out more in the CHOICES booklet here:Click Here

Things to remember:

• Availability of plans in specific areas in Connecticut depends on the contract between the plans and Medicare
• Benefits and costs vary by the plan 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 choose the best plan 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