Transcript: Medicare Moment by Phil Moeller: Moving from employer health insurance to Medicare

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Caption: Medicare Moment

with Phil Moeller – author, journalist, and Medicare and retirement expert

Phil Moeller: Hi, I’m Phil Moeller.

Caption: Tips for moving from employer health insurance to Medicare

Phil Moeller: While employers typically offer limited health plan options to their employees, there may be dozens of choices for Part D prescription drug and Medicare Advantage health plans available to you.

Caption: When it comes time to switch

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Phil Moeller: So when it comes time to switch from employer coverage to Medicare, you should first take time to understand your choices.

Caption: First, understand your choices

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Phil Moeller: Second, enroll at the right time. If you get Medicare at age 65, follow rules for what’s called the initial enrollment period. If you don’t need Medicare until later, there are special enrollment periods.

Caption: Second, enroll at the right time.

Caption: If you enroll when you turn 65, follow the rules for the initial enrollment period.

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Caption: If you don’t need Medicare until later, there are special enrollment periods

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Phil Moeller: Next, decide between original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan.

Caption: Third, decide between Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan

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Caption: Original Medicare is offered by the government

Phil Moeller: Original Medicare is comprised of Parts A and B and is offered by the government. It lets you see any health provider who accepts Medicare.

Caption: It lets you see any health provider who accepts Medicare

Phil Moeller: Many people augment this coverage with a Medicare Supplement plan, which helps pay for out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare.

Caption: Medicare Supplement: Helps pay for out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare

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Phil Moeller: Many also enroll in a standalone Part D plan for prescription drug coverage.

Caption: Standalone Part D: Helps cover prescription drug costs

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Phil Moeller: Medicare Advantage plans are sold by private insurers.

Caption: Medicare Advantage plans are sold by private insurers

Caption: These plans typically include:

  • Part D prescription coverage
  • Dental
  • Hearing
  • Vision

Phil Moeller: These plans typically include Part D prescription drug coverage, and also cover dental, hearing, vision, and other things that original Medicare is does not cover. Medicare Advantage plans also have a network of providers, and it’s important to make sure your preferred plan’s network includes your doctors.

Caption: Medicare Advantage plans also have a network of providers

Caption: Make sure your preferred plan’s network includes your doctors

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Phil Moeller: Visit MedicareMadeClear.com to learn more about your options.

Caption: MedicareMadeClear.com

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