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Medicare Plans in New Orleans
Our Medicare Service in New Orleans Overview
Health insurance is important for everyone, especially for older individuals with illnesses or chronic conditions requiring regular medical care. Several types of Medicare in New Orleans are available to make them affordable for older adults and people with disabilities. Allied Benefits Solutions is an insurance agency that can help people under or over 65 find the best health insurance plan for them.
BROWSE SOME OF OUR POPULAR CARRIERS:
Differences Between Medicare and Medicare Advantage
Structure and Administration
- Medicare. Also known as Original Medicare, it includes Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). This program is a fee-for-service system managed by the federal government. Medicare permits beneficiaries to see any healthcare provider or hospital that accepts Medicare.
- Medicare Advantage (Part C). This is a Medicare plan offered by a private health insurance company that Medicare approves. Medicare Advantage plans must offer the entire benefits included in Part A and B but can offer additional benefits.
Additional Benefits
- Medicare. Original Medicare covers hospital care (Part A) and medical services (Part B) but generally does not cover routine vision, dental care, or hearing aids. It also does not typically cover prescription drugs (this is covered by Part D).
- Medicare Advantage. These plans usually involve added benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, and sometimes wellness programs. Most plans also have Part D prescription drug coverage.
Costs
- Medicare. Part A is usually premium-free if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes while working (for a minimum of 40 quarters). Part B has a standard monthly premium and deductible. After you meet the deductible, you pay 20% of the costs for Medicare-approved services. There’s no out-of-pocket maximum, which means total expenses can vary depending on health needs.
- Medicare Advantage. Premiums, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket costs can vary depending on the plan chosen. Many plans offer low or even $0 premiums beyond the standard Part B premium. However, service costs can be structured differently, such as copayments or coinsurance for each service or visit. Importantly, Medicare Advantage plans have an out-of-pocket maximum limit.
Provider Networks
- Medicare. There are no network limitations as long as the provider accepts Medicare patients. This provides a wide choice of providers nationwide.
- Medicare Advantage. These plans usually have specific network restrictions, requiring beneficiaries to use healthcare providers and facilities within the plan’s network (except in emergencies). Services outside the network may not be covered or could be more expensive.
Choice of Plans
- Medicare. There’s usually one standard plan, though you can add Medigap (supplemental insurance) and Part D for additional health coverage.
- Medicare Advantage. Offers a variety of plans such as HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations), PPOs (Preferred Provider Organizations), and others. Plan features and availability can differ depending on geographic location.
Travel Coverage
- Medicare. Covers anywhere in the U.S. where Medicare is accepted and does not typically cover health care outside the U.S.
- Medicare Advantage. This has limited benefits to regional networks, but many plans offer emergency coverage nationwide.
Approval Processes
- Medicare. Typically, there’s no need for pre-approval for most services.
Medicare Advantage. It might require pre-authorization for certain procedures or referrals to see specialists.
Benefits of Hiring Our Insurance Agency in New Orleans
Expertise
At our agency, we can offer profound expertise and personalized guidance in choosing whether you need Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans in New Orleans. Throughout our years working in this industry, we’ve gained invaluable experience in all facets of health insurance.
Whether you’re looking for a complete benefits package for your employees, transitioning into Medicare, or seeking advice on integrating various health insurance products, we are here to create solutions for you and make the complex world of health insurance straightforward and manageable.
Personalized Support
We are unique because we provide great customer service and personalized support specific to your situation. At ABS, we don’t see ourselves as your independent New Orleans Medicare agents. Rather, think of us as your partners in healthcare planning. From the main discussion to finalizing your plan and beyond, we will help you go through the entire process. This includes helping you during enrollment, assisting with questions year round, and supporting you through your plan’s renewal.
Reputation
We take pride in our agency’s established presence and sterling reputation within the insurance industry. Working with ABS, you gain a partner whose credibility and reliability are recognized. Unlike larger, impersonal agencies, we cherish our intimate scale that allows us to focus on maintaining trust and integrity in all our client relationships.
Educational Resources
Understanding Medicare benefits and the many choices available can be stressful. We make it a point to provide educational resources and tools that let you make informed decisions. Whether in-person consultations, informational brochures, or interactive online resources, We ensure you have access to essential learning aids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We’re here to help.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people aged 65 and older. However, it also covers specific younger people with disabilities and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
What are the different parts of Medicare?
- Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance). Covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and a few home health care.
- Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance). Covers certain practitioner’s services, outpatient care, labs, x-rays, medical supplies, and preventive services.
- Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans). A type of Medicare health care plan given by a private company that contracts with Medicare to offer you Part A and Part B benefits.
- Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage). Provides prescription drug coverage for those who have an Original Medicare, a Medicare Supplement, Medicare Cost Plans, Medicare Private-Fee-for-Service Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans.
How do I enroll in Medicare?
You can enroll in Medicare through the Social Security Administration (SSA). Individuals can register online at the SSA website, over the phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. If you are receiving Social Security benefits, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B starting the first day of the month you turn 65.
When can I enroll in Medicare?
There are specific enrollment periods for Medicare:
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). It begins three months before you turn 65 and ends three months after the month you turn 65.
- General Enrollment Period (GEP). From January 1 to March 31 each year for those who did not enroll during the IEP.
- Special Enrollment Period (SEP). At any time, if you are covered under a group health plan based on current employment.
How much does Medicare cost?
Costs for Medicare vary:
- Part A is usually premium-free if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters (or 10 years)
- Part B is a standard premium plan. The base rate for 2024 is $174.70 monthly but may be higher based on your income.
- Part C and D costs vary by plan, income, and other factors.
What is covered under Medicare Part A and Part B?
- Part A covers skilled nursing facility care, hospital care, nursing home care (provided that custodial care isn’t your sole requirement), hospice, and home health services.
- Part B covers needed medical services like doctors’ services, outpatient care, and medical services that Part A does not cover. Part B also covers preventive services, like flu shots and screening tests.
What is a Medicare Advantage Plan?
Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as “Part C” or “M.A. Plans,” are offered by private companies approved by Medicare. These popular plans provide all Part A and Part B services and typically offer extra benefits, including vision, hearing, dental, and/or health and wellness programs. Most also include Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D).
Can I get prescription drug coverage?
Yes, you can add prescription drug coverage (Part D) by enrolling in a stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) or joining a Medicare Advantage Plan with drug coverage. Enrolling in a drug plan when you are first eligible is important to avoid paying late enrollment penalties unless there is other credible prescription drug coverage.
Let Allied Benefits Solutions Be Your Partner in Getting Your Medicare
With Medicare’s different parts, plans, and rules, you should only work with a reliable insurance agency like Allied Benefits Solutions. We have licensed agents who will work tirelessly to give you a variety of Medicare options and specific details for each one. If you want to talk to our team today, you can request a Medicare quote so that we can better understand your needs.