Medicare in Kentucky

Medicare Plans in Kentucky

If you live in Kentucky, you have different ways to get Medicare. It’s a good idea to learn about the parts of Medicare and talk with an expert. The parts of Medicare will help you understand the various benefits and the ways they can be combined to fit your needs.

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.

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

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 Part 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 (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 all in one plan.

More Benefits: Depending on the plan you choose and where you live (your ZIP code and county in Kentucky), 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. Original Medicare does not have a yearly limit, so this is an important difference.

Prescription Drug Plans – Part D

Medicare Part D is stand-alone prescription drug coverage. Private insurance companies offer Part D. 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 Kentucky

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

Enrolling in Medicare Plans in Kentucky

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

Medicare resources in Kentucky

Kentucky Medicare Savings Programs

If you have limited income, Kentucky Medicare Savings Programs may pay for all or part of your health care expenses. Savings programs can help with Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, or coinsurance. Find out more here: Click Here

Kentucky State Health Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (SHIP) The Kentucky State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free information on health coverage through one-on-one counseling or group presentations. This program educates people about Medicare so you can make informed choices about plans and benefits. Learn more here: Click Here

Things to remember:

• Availability of plans in specific areas in Kentucky 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