Medicare in Georgia

Medicare Plans in Georgia

If you're over 65 and looking to get Medicare in Georgia, you have many options. Be sure to read about the different plans, talk with a Medicare specialist, and choose the plan that covers all the bases for you.

Original Medicare

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) is run by the federal government. In most cases, you are automatically enrolled in Original Medicare when you turn 65.

Numbers for Georgia Medicare plans:

• There are 1,503,541 Medicare beneficiaries in Georgia
• 1,023,363 people in Georgia are enrolled in Medicare Part A and/or Part B
• 480,178 Medicare beneficiaries in Georgia have Medicare Part C
• 1,067,898 Medicare beneficiaries in Georgia have Medicare Part D

Original Medicare

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) is managed by the federal government. Most people are automatically enrolled when they become eligible, usually at 65. Here is an overview.

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

Most people won't pay a monthly premium for Part A but you will have a deductible. You may also be responsible for part of the cost of services.

Part B – Medical Services – including preventive care

Medicare Part B?is medical insurance and you will have to pay a Part B 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

Medicare Advantage – Part C

To get more coverage than through the government plans, you can get a Medicare Advantage plan, Part C. You must have Original Medicare, Part A and B, to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. Part C plans are offered by private insurance companies and approved by Medicare.

They must cover all of the services that Original Medicare covers and most Medicare Advantage plans may also offer benefits beyond Original Medicare.

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

Prescription Drug Plans – Part D

Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage you get through private insurance companies. Certain costs apply depending on the plan you choose. Most people will have to pay a monthly premium. Many Medicare Advantage plans also offer prescription drug coverage.

Medicare Supplement Plans in Georgia

You may be interested in a Medicare Supplement plan to help cover some of your out-of-pocket healthcare costs. https://www.coveranceis.com/medicare-supplement/

Medicare Special Needs Plans (SNPs)

Georgia residents with chronic conditions or special health needs can get free information about Medicare. The benefits, providers and prescription drug formularies are carefully chosen for these unique needs. They are supported partly by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

You can find Special Needs Plans through private health insurance companies approved by Medicare. Read more here. If you are eligible, you can join a Special Needs Plan for free at any time. It helps pay for premiums, deductibles and other health care expenses.

Enrolling in Medicare Plans in Georgia

For details on how and when to enroll, please click here

Medicare Savings Programs

If you are enrolled in Medicare and need help paying your costs, you may be eligible for a Georgia Medicare Savings Program.

Georgia State Health Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (SHIP): In Georgia, people with an income below a certain level qualify for a Medicare Savings Program called GeorgiaCares. You can call them at 1-800-669-8387 or visit them online at http://www.mygeorgiacares.org/

Things to remember:

• 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