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Tag: Medicare

2023 Extra Help Limits

Posted on by djbechard

The Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy, sometimes referred to as Extra Help, assists people with limited income and resources with paying for their prescriptions.

Extra Help is administered by the Social Security Administration and is estimated to have an average value of $5,300 per year per beneficiary.

Income limits are set based on the federal poverty guidelines which were updated in January. The Extra Help income limit for partial help for a single individual is $22,110 per year or $1,843 per month. The income limit for a couple is $29,820 per year, or $2,485 per month.

Resources or asset limits to receive full Extra Help are $9,090 for an individual and $13,630 for a couple. Partial help limits are $15,160 for an individual and $30,240 for a couple. These limits do not include a $1,500 burial allowance.

Beneficiaries must meet both income and asset guidelines. If you or someone you know thinks they might qualify or have questions, contact Brenda at 785-346-2521 or bklangdon@ksu.edu.

By: Brenda Langdon

Medicare Changes for 2023

Posted on by djbechard

The social security administration announced an 8.7% increase to Social Security benefits for 2023.   Each year the Medicare Part B premium, deductible, and coinsurance rates are determined according to the Social Security Act.

The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B will be $164.90 for 2023, a decrease of $5.20 from $170.10 in 2022. The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries is $226 in 2023, a decrease of $7 from the annual deductible of $233 in 2022.

Medicare Part D open enrollment will soon be coming to an end. December 7th is the last day to make changes to your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan for 2023. If you are still needing your plan looked at please call the Osborne Post Rock Extension District office to make an appointment.

By: Brenda Langdon

Medicare Open Enrollment

Posted on by djbechard

If you haven’t reviewed your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan for the upcoming year, there is still time. The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is from October 15th to December 7th.  If you take this time to shop and compare plans, you may be able to lower your co-pays and out-of-pocket costs for 2023 by switching to a different plan.

Even if you aren’t changing plans, make sure your pharmacy is still in your plans network next year.  Plans may change their network pharmacies each year.

Call your local Post Rock Extension District Office to set up an appointment.  Meetings can be scheduled in the county in the Post Rock District that is most convenient for you.

By: Brenda Langdon

Medicare Open Enrollment

Posted on by djbechard

It’s the time of year to begin thinking about Medicare Open Enrollment.  Open enrollment runs from October 15 – December 7, with coverage beginning January 1. This is the time of year when you should review your Medicare prescription drug coverage and make changes if your current plan no longer meets your needs or if you could lower your out-of-pocket expenses.

During your appointment we will make sure all your prescription medications are on the plan formulary in 2023, and that your pharmacy is still in the plan network. Costs such as deductibles and copays can change from year to year.  Using the plan finder, we can identify whether your current plan will best meet your needs for 2023 and compare it to other options that are available. The goal is to make sure you understand how your plan works and to make an informed decision.

The extension office will be helping beneficiaries with comparison, selection and enrollment in drug plans again this year. Email Brenda at bklangdon@ksu.edu or call 785-346-2521 to schedule an appointment. Brenda will be scheduling appointments in all five counties in the Post Rock District (Osborne, Smith, Jewell, Mitchell and Lincoln).

By: Brenda Langdon

Reporting Medicare Fraud

Posted on by djbechard

If you think there is something wrong with a bill for a Medicare service call your doctor, provider or the facility first to check if there was an error. You may want to speak to the billing department as well.

If you are still concerned and have Original Medicare, you can contact the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC).  The MAC is the company that processed your Medicare claim, and their information can be found on your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN). Alternatively, you can call 1-800-633-4227.

If you are still concerned and have a Medicare Advantage Plan, contact your plan directly. Your plan’s phone number should be listed on the back of your benefit card and on your Explanation of Benefits (EOB).

To report fraud, contact Medicare at 1-800-633-4227, the Senior Medicare Patrol Resource Center 877-808-2468, or the Inspector Generals fraud  hotline at 1-800-447-8477. Medicare will not use your name while investigating if you do not want them to.

By: Brenda Langdon

Medicare Changes for 2022

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

The social security administration announced a 5.9% increase to Social Security benefits for 2022.   Each year the Medicare Part B premium, deductible, and coinsurance rates are determined according to the Social Security Act.

The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B will be $170.10 for 2022, an increase of $21.60 from $148.50 in 2021.  The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries is $233 in 2022, an increase of $30 from the annual deductible of $203 in 2021.

Medicare Part D open enrollment will soon be coming to an end. December 7th is the last day to make changes to your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan for 2022. If you are still needing your plan looked at, please call the Osborne Post Rock District Extension office to make an appointment.

By: Brenda Langdon

Medicare Open Enrollment

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

If you haven’t reviewed your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan for the upcoming year, there is still time. The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is from October 15th to December 7th.  If you take this time to shop and compare plans, you may be able to lower your co-pays and out-of-pocket costs for 2022 by switching to a different plan.

Even if you aren’t changing plans, make sure your pharmacy is still in your plans network next year.  Plans may change their network pharmacies each year.

Call the Post Rock District Extension Office to set up an appointment.  Meetings can be scheduled in the county in the Post Rock District that is most convenient for you.

By: Brenda Langdon