2013 Medicare Rates and How They Affect You

Is there anything else that’s important to know about Medicare coverage in 2013?

You bet there is. See if you notice a trend here:

You’ll pay the increased 2013 Medicare Part A deductible out of pocket unless you have a Medicare supplement (or Medigap) insurance plan that covers those charges. The Medicare Part A deductible is fully covered under Medigap plans.

You’ll have to cover the 2013 increase in Part A co-payments if you undergo an extended hospital stay and don’t have Medigap protection. But your Part A co-payments will be fully covered if you’re enrolled in Medicare Supplement Plan A, B, C, D, F, G, M, or N.

If you require skilled nursing care in 2013, Medicare will cover your first 20 days in a skilled nursing facility. After that you’ll be responsible for paying the $148 daily co-payment—unless your co-payment charges are fully covered by Medigap Plans C, D, F, G, M, or N.

You’ll have to pay the 2013 Medicare Part B deductible for services including doctor visits, lab tests, surgeon’s fees, ambulance rides, and speech therapy—unless your deductible is fully covered by Medigap Plan F or Medigap Plan C.

Medigap Protection Against Rate Increases 

Without a doubt, you’ve noticed the trend. Simply put, you don’t have to pay many of the 2013 premiums and deductibles if you’re enrolled in a Medicare supplement plan. Medigap plans go far in helping eliminate Medicare out-of-pocket costs that seem to go up year after year.

If you’re determined to stay within your healthcare budget, you’ll definitely want to check out Medicare supplement plans, and especially Medicare Supplement Plan F. Plan F covers all Medicare-approved costs not covered by Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. With fixed premiums that can easily fit into your budget, Plan F covers all Medicare Part A and Part B deductibles along with “excess charges” you’d otherwise have to pay out of pocket. Excess charges are the difference between what Medicare pays and what your medical provider charges—and they can add up fast if you don’t have the protection Plan F provides!

It’s also important to keep up on any changes in Medicare from year to year. For the latest Medicare information, check out the 2013 edition of Medicare & You, the US government’s official Medicare handbook. Medicare & You is a comprehensive, up-to-date guide to Medicare services and a valuable resource to help you understand all that Medicare has to offer.

If you have questions about senior healthcare including Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B), Medicare supplement plans, or Medicare Advantage, contact a licensed, bonded MedicareMall representative who can help save you money and lead you with confidence through the Medicare maze!

Please leave a comment letting us know your reaction to any changes in your 2013 Medicare rates!

2013 Medicare Rates And How They Affect You © 2012 MedicareMall.com