What Type of Medicare Coverage for Preventative Services is Available for Ruidoso Residents and Seniors?

As a senior or resident of Ruidoso, NM, understanding the types of Medicare coverage available for preventative services can help minimize financial strain and unexpected medical costs. If you’re living in Ruidoso, NM, Family Insurance Associates can walk you through the process of breaking down coverage options for preventative services with Medicare.

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)

With Medicare Part A in Ruidoso, NM, you can expect the following preventative services to be covered:

  • Screenings: Basic screenings such as mammograms may be covered annually or with baseline coverage, depending on age.
  • Bone Density: Bone density tests are also covered for individuals with an increased risk of osteoporosis.
  • Colon Screenings: Colorectal screenings can help prevent the onset of severe or life-threatening colon cancer and other gastrointestinal diseases.
  • Diabetes Monitoring and Screenings: People at high risk for diabetes may also receive ongoing diabetes screening and glucose monitoring services. 

Medicare Part B

Medicare Part B, or Medical Insurance, offers coverage for the following preventative services:

  • Wellness checkup: Blood work and checkups are included
  • Screenings: Screening for smoking, obesity, depression, HIV, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), infections, and even cardiovascular diseases.
  • Immunizations: Flu shots, hepatitis B shots, and pneumococcal shots are also covered.

Medicare Part C

Medicare Advantage Plans also provide the following:

  • Comprehensive Coverage: Comprehensive solutions may go beyond what is offered with standard Medicare Part A & B plans.
  • Additional Coverage: Additional coverage options may be available for dental and vision health needs.

For those living in the Ruidoso, NM region, Family Insurance Associates is here to help you find a Medicare plan that is right for you. To learn more about Medicare coverage for preventative services in and around Ruidoso, NM, contact Family Insurance Associates to schedule your consultation today.

What Every Senior Should Know About Medicare C Dental and Vision Insurance

Medicare A and B don’t offer the comprehensive dental and vision insurance you need to maintain good health and a high quality of life. That’s why Ruidoso, NM, seniors should seriously consider purchasing Medicare C. There are multiple plans to consider, which makes it easy for anyone to find one that meets their needs at a good price.

What’s Covered Under Medicare C

Coverage varies depending on the plan you pick. However, common dental services offered by Medicare C plans include oral exams, X-rays, regular cleanings, fillings, and extractions. Vision-related expenses covered by a Medicare C plan include annual routine vision exams and a set amount of compensation for purchasing eyeglasses. If you have a chronic eye condition, you can get coverage from Medicare B for cataract removal surgery and post-cataract surgery eyeglasses or contact lenses.  

How to Choose a Medicare C Plan

It’s important to make sure your chosen Medicare C plan offers the coverage you need to maintain good health. Check policy benefits and how often you can avail yourself of certain benefits. Some policies may limit the number of exams or procedures you can have in a set period. You’ll also want to ensure the doctors you see or intend to see can accept the plan you’re considering purchasing. Furthermore, read the policy fine print to see if you’ll need a referral in order to see a specialist.

Call Family Insurance Associates for Insurance Coverage

If you think Medicare C may be right for you, call Family Insurance Associates to learn more about your policy options. We take pride in helping Ruidoso, NM seniors assess the pros and cons of each policy to find the one that best meets their needs.

Stay strong, Ruidoso!

What should I think about when shopping for a medicare insurance plan?

Medicare Insurance Considerations: A Guide for Seniors in Ruidoso, NM

For seniors in Ruidoso, NM, and across the United States, enrolling in Medicare insurance when they reach the age of 65 is a common practice. Both new applicants and existing policyholders have numerous factors to consider when devising their plans. Here are some considerations that are vital when shopping for a Medicare insurance plan:

Network Limitations

If you choose a Medicare Advantage plan, you may encounter restrictions associated with physician, hospital, and specialist networks. It’s crucial to thoroughly review your new insurance plan’s network to ensure that it includes a doctor with whom you’re comfortable. If not, you might have to pay more for the same care or switch your primary care provider altogether.

Coverage Options

Another significant factor is your coverage options. While Medicare is useful in many cases, you might want to consider other types of insurance as well. This can include prescription coverage, supplemental and gap coverage, and even insurance that provides support if you need medical care while overseas. The kind of coverage you should obtain will vary according to your situation and personal needs, along with your budget for coverage.

It’s always a wise choice to opt for Medicare insurance when you are in the Ruidoso, NM area. When shopping for insurance, our team at Family Insurance Associates is available to help you create your plan. Our professionals will ensure you fully understand your options and guide you in building a plan that best suits your situation.

Top Three Things to Know About Signing up for Medicare

Whether you’re approaching retirement age or have a health condition that can significantly affect your future, signing up for Medicare is essential in preparing for your health-related needs. Understanding the enrollment process can help make the transition to Medicare smoother. Here are three critical things you should know about the Medicare enrollment process: 

  • Initial Enrollment Period: The first opportunity most people have to sign up for Medicare is the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). This period consists of six months, including the three before your 65th birthday and the three following that month. There’s also a General Employment Period, which begins on January 1st and goes through to March 31st each year. However, enrolling during this period can lead to delayed coverage, and you may face late enrollment penalties. 
  • Reliable Source: When you’re in the process of signing up for Medicare and you reside near Ruidoso, NM, you want to have a reliable source to turn to, such as Family Insurance Associates. This way, you can read about various topics that may fit your specific situation. Also, you can obtain information for those residing in your general area. 
  • Coverage Options: Medicare consists of several parts, each covering different healthcare aspects. Part A covers the hospital portion, and Part B covers the medical services. Part C combines Part A and Part B. Part D is the prescription drug coverage.

You’ll find detailed information on Family Insurance Associates that can break down each part for those near the Ruidoso, NM area. This way, you can enroll in the type of Medicare that will most meet your health-related needs.

How Old to You Need to be to Receive Medicare Insurance?

Health insurance is necessary for most individuals to ensure they can pay for routine and emergency medical treatment. Anyone currently interested in receiving Medicare can reach out to the experts at Family Insurance Associates, proudly serving the residents in and around the Ruidoso, NM, area.

Medicare Coverage 

Anyone wanting to sign up for Medicare coverage can begin the process three months before their 65th birthday. This coverage is designed for older adults 65 years of age and older. Anyone with questions related to Medicare coverage can consult with our Medicare experts to get more details. Our agents are highly trained to help customers learn more about the coverage this health insurance provides. They also review the fine print to ensure everyone understands the terms and conditions.

Medicare offers specific coverage for its individual parts. For example, Medicare has parts B and D. Some coverage covers regular medical expenses, while others cover pharmaceutical and similar health maintenance products. Medicare allows older Americans to get affordable coverage to help maintain their health and manage any health conditions.

Having Medicare is also an important financial planning tool to help manage expenses. Individuals who sign up for Medicare through our agency can access Top Notch customer service and ongoing customer care. Our team can assess each situation and submit any required documents for coverage or claims.

Reach Out Today 

Anyone interested in learning more about Medicare insurance coverage or wanting to sign up for a policy can contact us for a consultation. Call or stop by the office of Family Insurance Associates, proudly serving Ruidoso, NM. Get the quality medical coverage necessary to avoid difficulties and ensure peace of mind.

Help Finding the Right Medicare Insurance

Medicare covers persons over the age of 65, young people who are disabled, or persons requiring a kidney transplant or dialysis (End-Stage Renal Sickness). This is an insurance program by the federal government. Family Insurance Associate offers alternatives to the original plan by the national health (part A and B) for drugs and health coverage in Ruidoso, NM. Our services may include coverage for prescribed medications, or one may need to purchase part D cover separately. We also have Medigap plans B and N for Medicare supplements.

From our options, you can opt for a plan that caters to out-of-pocket expenses that Ruidoso’s original method doesn’t have, like deductibles and coinsurance. With us, you can buy part D as a standalone cover too. We follow the rules set by Medicare and dully notify our clients of any changes before starting the following enrollment period.

How Family Insurance Associates work with Medicare

Each entity (Us and the Primary payer) coordinates with each other to determine who pays for your services first. We pay for what our primary payer cannot pay or what is missing in the stated plan between our clients and their primary payer. The primary payer pays up to what the client has bargained for, and we pay the remaining costs that have no coverage on the latter’s plan.

We provide extensive research findings and sources for the best providers for vision, hearing fitness programs, routine dental checkups, and cleaning, among our exclusive Medicare drug plan coverage. All these come to ensure you get the best satisfaction.

Are you ready to purchase Medicare Insurance? Family Insurance Associate is your ultimate place of insurance in Ruidoso, NM. We strive to attend to all insurance queries you may have and help you source the best programs in New Mexico, among them Humana, Cigna, and United Healthcare Insurance. Call or visit us, and we will give you coverage that is perfect for you.

Does My Disability Qualify Me For Medicare?

In general, Medicare is available for anyone over the age of 65. However, some people with certain disabilities may be able to obtain coverage through Medicare at a younger age. If you think you have a qualifying disability, Family Insurance Associates of Ruidoso, NM is happy to discuss available options with you.

What Disabilities Qualify for Medicare?

In order to qualify for Medicare under the age of 65, a person must have been receiving Social Security Disability benefits for at least two years. In addition, someone with End-Stage Renal Disease or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis may also qualify for coverage.

It is important to note that there is a waiting period of five months for a person to begin collecting disability benefits once it has been determined that they are disabled. However, people with ALS or ESRD are not required to collect benefits for the two-year minimum in order to qualify for Medicare.

To qualify for Medicare with ESRD, the person must generally have completed three months of regular dialysis or have had a kidney transplant. People with ALS are eligible for Medicare as soon as they begin collecting disability benefits.

Enrolling in Medicare

Typically, once someone meets the criteria for Social Security Disability, they will be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B automatically. Anyone who meets the requirements but does not qualify for Social Security benefits will be able to purchase Medicare and pay a monthly premium for Part A and Part B.

Anyone qualified for disability benefits will receive a Medicare card via mail once the required time period passes. In the event they do not receive a card, they will need to contact the Social Security office directly.

If you need help in determining the benefits for which you qualify, contact Family Insurance Associates of Ruidoso, NM.

Do You Qualify for Medicare? Here’s How to Know

Medicare insurance is a powerful way of providing yourself with the coverage needed to handle your various healthcare needs. However, not everyone will qualify for this type of coverage. Do you know if you can get it? If not, you should read this article that we at Family Insurance Associates prepared for Ruidoso, NM area residents.

Do You Qualify for Medicare Insurance?

Medicare is set up for people who may not get other types of insurance or fall into specific categories. Most people who qualify are age 65 or older and need this type of insurance to pay for old-age treatments or to supplement what may be a potentially limited income situation. 

Likewise, younger people with some disabilities or end-stage renal disease may qualify for some types of Medicare. Two types exist, Part A and Part B. The first part is the most common type and is available to older people and those with disabilities. However, Part B can also supplement some of your payments.

If you aren’t sure if you qualify (due to either being too young or having been denied disability in the past), you might want to talk to your insurance agent to see what other factors may affect your qualification. Some people may even be over 65 and find that limitations (such as not paying Medicare taxes) may impact their policy. 

We Can Help You If You Want or Need Medicare 

If you qualify for Medicare or need help figuring out if this insurance option is suitable for your needs, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at Family Insurance Associates right away to learn more. Our team can help people in the Ruidoso, NM area understand their unique policy options and what kind of coverage is available to meet their needs as people.

Is a Medicare advantage plan right for me

Most people look forward to the day they move from private insurance to medicare because now they won’t have to go through the arduous task of choosing a health care plan every year. With the introduction of Medicare Advantage Plans and their expanding array of benefits, choosing has come back into the picture for retirees. At Family Insurance Associates in Ruidoso, NM, we are here to help with this important decision. 

Original Medicare

Original Medicare covers Americans how have reached the age of 65. It is a point of service plan. Any provider who accepts Medicare can be used. Medicare pays 80% of assigned fees and users responsible for the additional 20%. For that reason, about 40% of those who use original Medicare have a Medicare Supplement Policy. These can be pretty pricey depending on how much they cover. Original Medicare does not cover drugs, dental, vision, or hearing. You will need to get a Medicare Part D prescriptions drug plan. 

What is a Medicare Advantage Plan?

Medicare Advantage plans are insurance plans for seniors that take the place of traditional Medicare. They must cover the same thing original Medicare covers and everyone who is eligible for Medicare can opt to have one. One disadvantage of MA plans is they are managed care and you will need to choose your providers from within their network. Depending on the network you choose, this may not be a disadvantage at all. Many major insurance carriers have gotten into the MA business including Blue Cross, Aetna, and United Healthcare.  

Medicare Advantage Plans have many additional benefits that may be available to members. These include dental coverage, vision coverage, hearing aids, Silver Sneakers, rides to medical appointments, home meal delivery, and OTC medical supplies. Additionally, many plans also include prescription coverage. The biggest advantage is not having to deal with any paperwork to get services paid, it is all one carrier. 

Contact Family Insurance Associates in Ruidoso, NM to talk about whether a Medicare Advantage plan is right for you. 

Who Needs Medicare Insurance?

When you near 65, you need to begin considering Medicare. You need to sign up about three months before your 65th birthday, but you can plan ahead for which options you will choose. Medicare is a set of insurance plans designed specifically for older Americans, but many people with disabilities and some people who have experienced kidney failure qualify. 

The options bit refers to the parts of Medicare. The original plan includes Part A and Part B, but the updated Medicare also has Part C and Part D and Medigap (supplemental insurance). The latter comes from private insurance companies like Family Insurance Associates of Ruidoso, NM.

Through Social Security, you enroll in the original Medicare to obtain hospital and medical coverage. Part A covers hospital stays or short stays at a nursing home after a hospital stay. It also provides limited coverage for hospice or home health care. This comes free if you worked and paid Medicare taxes during your time as an employee. Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient and home health care, selected preventative services and some durable medical equipment. This you pay a premium to obtain.

Part C, also called Medicare Advantage, includes Part A and Part B coverages as well as dental, hearing, and vision insurance. It also provides prescription drug coverage. Everything comes in one bundle.
Part D provides prescription drug coverage. You might want to add D to A and B, but if you choose C, you do not also need A, B, and D because they are all in C.

The supplemental plans sold by private insurance companies still have to follow Medicare rules. The supplemental plans aka Medigap pay coinsurance, copays, and deductibles.
You only get a six-month window to apply. It begins three months before your 65th birthday and expires three months after it. If you do not jump on your registration for the coverage then, you must wait for a special enrollment period.

You can just accept the free Part A or apply for Parts A and B, but B comes with a premium. You can turn down B, then change your mind later, but you will pay more in premiums. For every 12-month period that you do not enroll in Part B, your premiums increase 10 percent. Each year, there is a general enrollment period from January 1 through March 31. Coverage does not start immediately but on July 1 of the same year. You can use Medicare with your employer’s insurance and your Health Savings Account (HSA).

So, Medicare is for those who have reached the age of 65 or have a disability. Part A comes free. All other parts cost money. Those who can afford Part C coverage obtain full medical coverage plus prescription medication coverage. You also add just Part B to get help with doctor visits or Part D to cover just prescription drugs. Your choices depend on your income.

Let Family Insurance Associates of Ruidoso, NM help you choose the Medicare plan that best suits your needs. While Medicare is eventually for everyone, the parts you need differ from those your neighbors might. Contact us today to make the right choice for your financial and medical future.