Keeping Up With Medicare Changes

Keeping up with Medicare changes can be a challenge. The entire subject is complicated to begin with, and with the rules change from time to time, it can add more confusion into the mix. One way to stay abreast of Medicare changes is to look online. A Google search can pull up a variety of information from reliable sources. Our experienced agent is also happy to help.

Get It Straight From the Horse’s Mouth

A great source of information about Medicare changes is Medicare itself. You can pull up the annual publication, Medicare & You 2021, directly from the Medicare website. The first section of this handbook is entitled, “What’s New.” It provides data on a variety of new developments in Medicare, including:

• COVID-19 coverage and benefits
• Savings on out-of-pocket costs for insulin
• Medicare Advantage eligibility for people with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
• Coverage for acupuncture to treat back pain
• Telehealth and virtual services

This booklet explains the different parts of Medicare, compares Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, tells you how and when to enroll, and covers eligibility for people with disabilities under the age of 65. It also provides detailed information about what Medicare does and does not cover.

Review Publications From the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) publishes facts sheets and press releases about changes to Medicare on CMS.gov. These publications cover subjects such as:

• Payment and policy changes for Medicare skilled nursing facilities in 2021
• Repayment terms for Medicare loans to providers during COVID-19
• Proposed policy, payment, and quality provision changes to the Medicare physician fee schedule for 2021
• Proposed permanent expansion of telehealth benefits
• New tools to streamline certification of labs testing for COVID-19
• Upgrade of the Medicare Plan Finder tool

Look for Other Reliable Sources

Additional online sources are available that may help explain recent changes in Medicare. You need to know if your Medicare benefits will change in 2021. Some of the changes coming in the new year include:

• Limits imposed on the standard Part B premium increase by the federal spending bill
• Medicare Advantage plans available to individuals with ESRD
• Increase in maximum out-of-pocket expenses to $7,550 for Medicare Advantage plans
• Higher Part A premiums, deductible, and co-insurance
• Likely increase in Part B deductible
• Inflation adjustments for high-income brackets for Part B and Part D
• Slightly lower Medicare Advantage premiums
• Projected increase to 26 million Medicare Advantage enrollment

Speak With an Experienced Agent

For many people, Medicare is a tangled web of confusing options. It is no wonder they often turn to a professional for help. Our experienced agent can explain recent changes in Medicare that may impact your situation, review your current coverage to determine if it is the best option for you, and compare it to other available plans in your area. Our agents are well versed in Medicare matters and always work in your best interests. If you decide to enroll in a Medicare plan, we do not charge a fee to process your enrollment.