Top 3 Medicare Myths Debunked
“I do not understand why I need to enroll in Medicare since I have excellent company retirement health insurance.”
Healthcare plays a pivotal role in our lives, and understanding the ins and outs of Medicare is essential for making informed decisions about our well-being. However, amidst the sea of information, misinformation often lurks, leading to misconceptions that can impact our choices. In this article, we’re debunking the top 3 most prevalent myths surrounding Medicare! Let’s unravel the truth.
1. “A person can enroll in Medicare any time after they turn 65, without penalty.”
This is so FALSE!! This idea is wrong. If you are not working full-time for a company with true group benefits or if you have an individual health insurance plan and wait later than 65 years old (and 90 days) to enroll in Part B, then you can receive the famous Medicare Part B penalty. This penalty is 10% for each 12-month period that you did not enroll in Part B. It lasts for the rest of your Medicare life. (John since you are not working full-time for the company but have retirement benefits when turning 65, I would advise you to enroll in both Medicare Parts A and B for both to begin the 1st day of the month you turn 65.)
Toni Says®: If you or your spouse are not working full-time with true employer benefits be sure to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B by the time you turn 65. If you wait 90 days past turning 65, you will get a penalty.
2. “Medicare is free. “
Nope! The Medicare payroll tax that you have been paying for years is for Medicare Part A only! Part B and Part D have premiums that are “means-tested,” or based upon your income and your spouse’s (if you filed jointly). Most people on Medicare are paying the minimum required each month for Part B; but 10-15% of Medicare beneficiaries meet the means-tested income amount and must pay more for their Parts B and D premiums each month. If you do not pay the premiums, you will not have any of the Part B or D benefits.
Toni Says®: Nothing is free!! You worked and paid taxes into the Social Security/Medicare systems.
3. Medicare is just like group or individual health insurance plans.
It’s NOT! Original Medicare is completely different from group or individual health insurance. Medicare has two parts; Part A & B. Part A has a deductible that can be used up to 6 times a year for an inpatient hospital stay. Medicare Part B includes doctor’s office visits and doctors performing surgery, outpatient services and surgery, scans, x-rays, chemotherapy and radiation, wheelchairs, walkers, and the list goes on. Medicare Part B has a once-per-year deductible, with Medicare picking up 80% and you paying 20% of the Medicare-approved charges, with no stop loss. Unlike the typical 80/20 to $5,000 with a stop loss for employer benefits, with Medicare, the 20% just keeps on going!!? That’s correct, no stop loss!
Toni Says®: Original Medicare is completely different from health insurance, as we know it. The out-of-pocket costs can be huge.
Don’t Fall for the Medicare Myths!
You could pay a penalty for the rest of your Medicare life if you believe the Medicare myths. Remember with Medicare, “It’s what you DON’T know that will HURT You!”
Need Medicare help? Toni’s new Confused about Medicare video series is now available for purchase at www.tonisays.com and the Medicare Survival Guide discounted bundle package.
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Originally published May 06, 2024
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