Medicare Open Enrollment Time | A Simple Breakdown

This time of year, we are seeing advertisements everywhere sharing about it being Medicare Open Enrollment time. Are you READY? What does it mean for you or your loved one?

Open enrollment began October 15 and lasts through December 7^th. It is the ONLY time of the year when you can change your Medicare plan, so don't forget.

Often it feels like there can be a lot of confusion and questions that arise. Home Care Providers is here to help break it down and share how home care services can fit into the picture for you when you need it.

First things first

Be sure to review your current Medicare plan and look over any changes to your plan for the upcoming 2023 year. This information can be found in the “Evidence of Coverage” and “Annual Notice of Change” that would be shared with you by your provider.

You can visit Medicare.gov if you have not read any material or are not sure what coverage you have. Create an account, log in if you already have one, and/or sign up for any tips or reminders right on their website!

What you should know about your coverage

As shared on Medicare.gov:

Medicare Part A covers services like the following:

• • Inpatient hospital care
  • Skilled nursing facility care
  • Home health care
  • Hospice care

Medicare Part B covers services like the following:

• • Home health services like:
    • Physical Therapy
    • Occupational Therapy
    • Speech Therapy
    • Medical Social Services
    • Part-time home health aide care (only if you’re also getting other skilled services like nursing and/or therapy at the same time)
  • Preventative and many screening services
  • Ambulance services
  • Durable medical equipment

Payments for Medicare Parts A and B are deducted from your monthly Social Security check. Private insurers though will bill you directly for coverage such as with an Advantage Plan. Note this is not a comprehensive list and you should visit Medicare's website for more information.

It is important to know that a person is not eligible for a home health services benefit if they require more than part-time skilled nursing care services. Usually, a home health care agency coordinates the services your doctor or provider orders for you. The home health agency caring for you must be Medicare-certified to be covered under the above listed.

So what are YOUR costs and how do you find out if Medicare covers what you need?

In general, your portion is ZERO for covered home health services. Your home health agency can work with you to share how much Medicare will pay and cover as well as keep you up to date on how long services are recommended. Your providers can assist with breakdown of financials once Part B is in effect and what your portion for equipment or needed services might be.

But what about a Medicare Advantage Plan?

Medicare Advantage Plans are another way to get your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are offered by Medicare-approved private companies that must follow rules set by Medicare. Visit Medicare’s website here for more information. It is during this enrollment period you can switch to a NEW plan or back to original Medicare.

Act before December 7, or wait until your opportunity again in 2023 to make changes to your benefits!

Home health care agencies such as Home Care Providers provides a link between you, your home, and your independence. It is our desire to exceed your expectations by assisting, educating, and providing the means for you to stay in a familiar environment and bridge the gap to home safely when returning home from a hospital visit.

Talk to us if you are looking for more information or need support!

Home Care Providers provides personalized, high-quality care with the most innovative technology allowing physicians, families, and care teams to stay connected and compliant by documenting and communicating within a secure portal. We want our patients, families, physicians, hospitals, and any facility we coordinate care with to experience THE BEST services possible!