About
Ashford Insurance is an Independent Marketing Organization working with United HealthCare Medicare Solutions.
Welcome To
Arlington Medicare Plans
Ashford Insurance
Medicare Insurance Made Easy
Arlington Medicare Plans
Original Medicare
• Includes Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance).
• If you have a work history, you most likely will not pay a premium for Medicare Part A because of Medicare taxes you paid while working.
• You will pay monthly premiums for Medicare Parts B and D, and Medigap, unless you qualify for a low-income subsidy.
• If you want drug coverage, you can join a separate Medicare drug plan (Part D).
• To help pay your out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare (like your 20% coinsurance), you can also shop for and buy supplemental coverage, like Medigap or insurance from a private company.
• You can use any doctor or hospital that takes Medicare, anywhere in the U.S.
• The cost of the Part B late enrollment penalty increases the longer you go without Part B coverage or employer group health insurance. Your Part B monthly premium will go up 10% for each 12-month period you were eligible but did not enroll. If you have group health insurance and work for an employer with 20 or more employees, you can delay Medicare Part B without penalty.
• The cost of the Part D late enrollment penalty depends on how long you went without Part D or creditable prescription drug coverage. Your Part D late enrollment penalty is 1% of the national base beneficiary premium multiplied by the number of months you were eligible but didn’t join a Medicare drug plan. Usually, you don’t pay a penalty if you had other creditable prescription drug coverage. To be creditable, the coverage must pay, on average, at least as much as Medicare’s standard prescription coverage.
• Learn more about Original Medicare at www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare.
Types of Medicare Plans
Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans are two different types of insurance plans that can help people with Medicare cover healthcare costs that are not covered by Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Here’s an explanation of each:
1. Medicare Advantage: Medicare Advantage (MA) is a type of health insurance plan offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. MA plans combine all the benefits of Original Medicare (Parts A and B) into one plan and often include additional benefits like prescription drug coverage, vision, and dental care. MA plans have an annual limit on out-of-pocket costs, which means that once you reach the limit, the plan pays for all covered services for the rest of the year. However, MA plans typically have a restricted network of providers, and you may need a referral to see a specialist.
2. Medigap: Medigap, also known as Medicare Supplement Insurance, is a type of private health insurance that helps pay for some of the costs that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Medigap plans are sold by private insurance companies and work alongside Original Medicare. Unlike MA plans, Medigap plans don’t have a restricted network of providers, and you don’t need a referral to see a specialist. Medigap plans generally have higher monthly premiums than MA plans but can offer more flexibility and predictability in healthcare costs.
In summary, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans and Medigap plans are two different types of insurance plans that can help people with Medicare cover healthcare costs that are not covered by Original Medicare. MA plans combine all the benefits of Original Medicare into one plan and often include additional benefits, while Medigap plans work alongside Original Medicare to cover some of the out-of-pocket costs. It’s important to understand the differences between these two plans to choose the coverage that best meets your healthcare needs and budget.