Medicare in Oregon

Medicare Plans in Oregon

If you live in Oregon, you have different coverage choices for Medicare. Start by learning about the parts of Medicare and talking with an expert. Understanding the parts of Medicare will help you find the right balance of costs and benefits.

Original Medicare

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

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

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

Medicare Advantage Plans – 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 Part A and Part B. If you are considering a Medicare Advantage plan, it’s important to know that you first must have Part A and 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. And because it’s an all-in-one plan, this may be convenient for you.

More Benefits: Depending on the plan you choose and where you live (your ZIP code and county in Oregon), 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.

Prescription Drug Plans – Part D

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 many Medicare Advantage plans.

Medicare Supplement Plans in Oregon

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.

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 Oregon

For all the information you need to enroll, please Click Here

Medicare resources in Oregon

Oregon Medicare Savings Programs

If you have limited income, you may want to look into Oregon Medicare Savings Programs. They may offer you assistance with costs like premiums, copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Find out more here: Click Here

Oregon Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) Program This resource provides free information on Medicare coverage through one-on-one counseling. Trained volunteers explain the options so you can make the most informed choice. Call 1-800-722-4134 or learn more here: Click Here

Things to remember:

• Availability of plans in specific areas in Oregon 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