Medicare in Louisiana

Medicare in Louisiana

If you live in Louisiana, you have lots of options to get your Medicare benefits. Here's an overview of the different parts of Medicare, so you can find what's right for you.

Original Medicare

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) is the federal government program. When you turn 65, typically you are eligible and automatically enrolled. Be sure to become familiar with the different parts and benefits they offer.

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 in Louisiana won't have to pay a monthly premium for Part A. 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 and a deductible.

Medicare Advantage – Part C

Another way to get your Medicare benefits is to buy a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan through private insurance companies contracted with Medicare. These plans cover all of the services that Original Medicare covers plus even more benefits, like prescription drugs. You can get these benefits all in one plan. Some Part C plans have monthly premiums as low as $0. Most plans have deductibles, copays and coinsurance that you'll pay before you get your healthcare services.

More Benefits: Depending on the plan you choose and where you live (your ZIP code and county in Louisiana), 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: Unlike Original Medicare, 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. So ask about plans you're interested in because yearly limits vary.

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 Louisiana

You might want to look into a Medicare Supplement plan to help cover some of your Part A and Part B out-of-pocket healthcare costs such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. This can be an especially good choice if you receive medical services quite often, such as care for a chronic condition.

Enrolling in Medicare Plans in Louisiana

For all the information you need to enroll click here

Medicare resources in Louisiana

Be sure you know about these Medicare resources for Louisiana residents.

Louisiana Medicare Savings Programs

Assistance is available to residents of Louisiana who need financial assistance with their medical costs. Apply on the website below to find out if you qualify: http://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/subhome/1.

Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) This helpful program has convenient locations throughout Louisiana. Specialists in Medicare offer free services, helping you through counseling, presentations, and explaining Medicare materials including the claims and appeals process. You can speak with a Medicare counselor in person or by phone. You can also get answers on their website. Click here to read more: http://www.ldi.la.gov/consumers/senior-health-shiip

Things to remember:

• Availability of plans in specific areas in Louisiana depends on the contract between the plans and Medicare
• Benefits and costs vary by the plan you choose and where you live
• You must continue to pay your Original Medicare Part B premium
• Hospice care is offered by Part A
• Review your materials and call a Medicare specialist

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