10 Things You'll Want To Know
1. Original Medicare doesn't cover all expenses
Original Medicare (Parts A and B together) only covers about 80% of hospital and medical expenses. You might have to pay the remaining 20% out of pocket and purchase a stand-alone prescription drug plan.
2. Kaiser Permanente offers Medicare Advantage plans that deliver more value than Original Medicare
With Kaiser Permanente's Medicare Advantage plans, you get Parts A and B, plus Part D prescription drug coverage, and additional optional benefits, such as vision, dental, and hearing.
3. You get convenient all-in-one plans with Kaiser Permanente
We offer hospital care, medical services, and prescription drug coverage, all in one plan.
4. Medicare Star Quality Ratings help you compare Medicare plans
Each year Medicare assigns ratings to Medicare Advantage and stand-alone Prescription Drug plans nationwide based on plan performance in categories such as preventive care, prescription drug services, and member satisfaction.*
5. You need information on your Medicare card to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan
Once you're eligible, sign up as soon as you can for Medicare Parts A and B so you can get your Medicare card. It may take up to two months. You'll need information on your card to enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) health plan.
6. Know your Initial Enrollment Period
Your initial enrollment period begins 3 months before your 65th birthday and ends 3 months after.
7. Be aware of Late Enrollment Penalties
You may have to pay a late enrollment penalty if you enroll beyond 3 months after your 65th birthday.
8. You can get premium-free Medicare Part A through your spouse
If your spouse worked for at least 10 years and had Social Security taxes withheld, you may be able to get premium-free Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance). If you aren't eligible for premium-free Part A, you may be able to buy Part A.
9. You may qualify for Medicare if you have a disability
If you have a disability that qualifies for Medicare, such as end-stage renal disease (ESRD), you may qualify for Medicare, even if you're under 65.
10. Avoid being billed twice
As soon as your enrollment in a Kaiser Permanente Medicare health plan is approved, cancel the non-Medicare plan you were previously enrolled in. If you don't, you'll have to pay the premiums for both plans.
