Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Is Railroad Medicare Better Than Regular Medicare

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Can I Use Medicare Everywhere In The Us

Medicare Advantage vs Medicare Supplement Plans in 2023! Whatâs best for you? ð¤

Medicare is widely accepted across the U.S., but its not universal. Original Medicare provides nationwide coverage, whereas Medicare Advantage plans have provider networks that can be limited to a local area. When reviewing plan options from private health insurers, pay close attention to which providers in your area accept Medicare to ensure that you have access to care when you need it.

When Can I Start Collecting Railroad And Social Security Benefits

When you can start drawing your railroad retirement benefits depends on your years of service. You can begin receiving your benefits:

  • At age 60, if you have 30 or more years of qualified work, or

Youll need to apply through your local RRB office when you decide to begin receiving your benefits. The agency will begin processing your application up to three months before your benefits start date, so make sure to plan.

Like Social Security, you may receive a reduced benefit amount if you start drawing from it before full retirement age. And like Social Security, that age is 67 for those born in 1960 or later.

What Is The Medicare Benefit Give

The Medicare Giveback Benefit, also known as The Part B Giveback, is a Part B premium reduction offered by some Medicare Part C plans.

If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan with this benefit, the plan carrier will pay some or all your Part B monthly premium. The amount covered can range from 10 cents to the total Part B premium cost .

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Disability & Medicare Eligibility And Enrollment What You Need To Know In 2022

Some people can qualify for Medicare due to disability. In this case, if you have a qualifying disability, you are eligible for Medicare even if you are not yet age 65. To find out if your disability qualifies for disability benefits or for Medicare, youll need to speak with Social Security directly, but in general, you become eligible the 25th month of receiving Social Security Disability Insurance benefits .

If you have a qualifying disability, you must first file for disability benefits through Social Security before you can even be considered eligible for Medicare due to disability. Approval of the request by Social Security is an important first step. It is also important to note that these benefits are different from Supplemental Security Income benefits, and that SSI benefits do not qualify you for Medicare.

When Does Medicare Coverage Start

John Paul Vidolin MD

Medicare coverage is dependent on when you have signed up and your sign-up period. Coverage always starts on the first of the month.

If you meet the criteria for Premium-free Part A, your coverage starts the month you turn 65-years old or the month before if your birthday is the first of the month.

Part B and Premium-free Part A start dates are dependent on sign-up:

You can also sign up for Premium-free Part A after your 65th birthday. Coverage starts 6 months back from sign-up or when you apply for benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.

After your IEP is over, you can only sign up for Part B and Premium-free Part A during the other periods of General Enrollment or Special Enrollment.

For Original Medicare, the General Enrollment Period is Jan. 1 March 31, with coverage beginning on July 1. You may have to pay a monthly late enrollment penalty if you do not qualify for Special Situations.

Under Special Situations or the SEP, you can sign up for Part B and Premium-free Part A without paying a late enrollment penalty. Your coverage will start next month. Access your situation and

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Questions And Answers For The Additional Medicare Tax

  • Tax Exempt Bonds
  • On November 26, 2013, the IRS issued final regulations implementing the Additional Medicare Tax as added by the Affordable Care Act . The Additional Medicare Tax applies to wages, railroad retirement compensation, and self-employment income over certain thresholds. Employers are responsible for withholding the tax on wages and RRTA compensation in certain circumstances.

    What Is The Average Cost Of Medicare Supplement Insurance

    The estimated average monthly premium for a Medicare Supplement plan can range from $150 to around $200, depending on the state you live in and your insurer.

    Just like Medicare Advantage plans, its good to shop around65-year-olds stand to save an average of $840 a year with Medicare Supplement Plan G or $648 a year with Plan N if they enroll in the lowest-cost option available in their areas, according to a price comparison analysis by eHealth, Inc.

    We continue looking at how private plans and Medicare can be more efficient, effective and equitable for people, says Jacobson. The good story here is in the data. Weve seen pretty consistently that inequities are much smaller in Medicare than any other source of coverage.

    Confused About Medicare Supplement Insurance Options?

    Find committed, licensed agents who work to understand your coverage needs and find you the best Medicare option. Click Get A Quote or call 866-402-0504 to speak with a licensed insurance agent today.

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    Can I Choose My Healthcare Provider

    With Original Medicare, a primary care provider is not required. You can healthcare provider who accepts Medicare.

    With a Medicare Advantage plan, your choice of doctor depends on whether you select a health maintenance organization or preferred provider organization plan.

    With an HMO plan, you can choose your primary care doctor from any doctor in the plans network. If you opt for a PPO plan, generally, choosing a primary care doctor is optional. With both types of plans, youll usually save money by visiting an in-network provider.

    Its important to note that Medicare Advantage plans must offer emergency coverage outside the plans service area, anywhere in the U.S.

    Care Management Appears Somewhat Better For Beneficiaries In Medicare Advantage Plans Than For Beneficiaries In Traditional Medicare

    Why I Would Never Choose Medicare Advantage

    Self-management of conditions. Across both types of Medicare coverage, most people age 65 and older said they felt confident they could manage and control their own health conditions . A somewhat larger share of people with diabetes in Medicare Advantage plans than people with diabetes in traditional Medicare felt confident they could manage their health conditions.

    Among people age 65 and older with a health condition, a somewhat larger, though not statistically significantly different, share of those in Medicare Advantage plans than those in traditional Medicare that said they had a treatment plan for their condition. A larger share of Medicare Advantage enrollees said that a health care professional had given them clear instructions about symptoms to monitor and had discussed their priorities in caring for the condition .

    Self-care among people with diabetes. Among beneficiaries with diabetes, no significant difference was observed by type of Medicare coverage in the proportion reporting their blood sugar was under control .9 While a larger share of SNP enrollees with diabetes engaged in self-care behaviors than their counterparts in other Medicare Advantage plans or traditional Medicare, the differences did not meet the statistical test for significance .

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    What Are The Benefits Of Medicare Advantage

    Medicare Advantage plans provide all the same benefits provided by Original Medicare, plus coverage for items and services not covered by Original Medicare, including some vision, some dental, hearing and wellness programs like gym memberships.

    Some plans even provide transportation to doctor visits and adult day care services, says Amanda Baethke, director of corporate development at Aeroflow Healthcare in North Carolina, referring to newly expanded supplemental benefits. Plans can also tailor their benefit packages to offer benefits to those who are chronically ill.

    Cigna, for example, launched free COVID-19 vaccination transportation for its Medicare Advantage customers. Over 500,000 customers in 23 states are eligible for four one-way trips, up to 60 miles each way, to get a vaccine.

    Another bonus to consider is that coverage is expanding. According to a new report commissioned by the Better Medicare Alliance, the number of Medicare Advantage plans offering Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill rose from 245 plans in 2020 to 845 in 2021. Some of the top new non-medical benefits offered includeNORC at the University of Chicago. Innovative Approaches to Addressing Social Determinants of Health for Medicare Advantage Beneficiaries. Better Medical Alliance. Accessed 9/6/21. :

    Who Is Eligible For Medicare

    depends on factors such as:

    • Age: You must be 65 years or older to enroll in a Medicare plan. You can receive Part A without a premium if you are receiving or eligible to receive benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board. In addition, you can qualify for a premium-free Part A, if you or your spouse had Medicare-covered government employment.
    • Disability: If you are under 65 years old and have a disability, you qualify for Medicare.
    • End Stage Renal Disease: With this disease, you are experiencing permanent kidney failure and require dialysis or a transplant. You qualify for Medicare.

    If you have not been paying for Medicare taxes while you worked, are older than 65 and are a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S., you may have to purchase Part A.

    If you are younger than 65, you can receive Part A without a premium if:

    • You have been granted Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits for at least 24 months.
    • You are a patient that requires a kidney transplant or dialysis.

    Most people do not have to pay for Part A. However, if you want Medicare Part B, you must pay for it. The premium is deducted monthly from your Social Security, Railroad Retirement or Civil Service Retirement check. If you do not receive these types of payments, you will receive a bill every 3 months from Medicare.

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    How Much Is The Medicare Deductible

    In addition to premiums, plan members are also responsible for paying a deductible and coinsurance with Original Medicare. The 2023 deductible for inpatient hospital stays is $1,600 per benefit period. The 2023 annual deductible for Part B is $226. After your deductible is met, you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for most doctor services.

    What Happens When You Turn 65

    When you turn 65, you essentially lose your entitlement to Medicare based on disability and become entitled based on age. In short, you get another chance to enroll, a second Initial Enrollment Period if you will.6

    If you decided not to take Part B when you were eligible for disability under 65, when you do turn 65, youll now be automatically enrolled in Part B. Your Medicare card will then be mailed to you about 3 months before your 65th birthday.

    You can also decide during this time to enroll in a Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan. Additionally, once you have Part B, you can enroll in a Medigap plan if you so wish.

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    Which Is Better: Original Medicare Or Medicare Advantage

    Medicare Advantage plans must offer coverage at least to the standard of Medicare Part A and Part B. Yet, Original Medicare tends to have more flexibility.

    Most insurance agents agree that some coverage is better than none. So, this makes enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan a tad better than only having Medicare Part A and Part B. Yet, not as good as enrolling in a Medicare Supplement, which pair with your Original Medicare coverage to extend benefits.

    Find Medicare Plans in 3 Easy Steps

    We can help find the right Medicare plans for you today

    Keep in mind that you cannot have both a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medicare Supplement plan at the same time. So, youll need to decide which plan works best for your needs.

    Medicare Advantage plans work for some individuals, but they do not work well for all seniors. They are a good option for those who cannot get a Medicare Supplement plan due to health or for those under 65 on disability.

    Ultimately, the best choice for seniors comparing Medicare Part A and Part B vs. Medicare Advantage is dependent on the needs of the individual.

    Do You Qualify For Railroad Retirement Benefits

    The high-level criteria for receiving railroad retirement from the RRB is relatively simple. You qualify for railroad retirement benefits if you:

    • performed creditable railroad service for 10 years.
    • performed creditable railroad service for five years, if that work occurred after 1995.

    The RRB also breaks down the benefits into tiers and awards them based on employee and employer tax withholdings. All qualified beneficiaries enter Tier I, but not all Tier I recipients have enough creditable earnings to receive Tier II benefits.

    Benefits arent limited to full-time, daily employees workers get credit for a months worth of railroad service for any amount of time worked within that month, even if its a single days work. If you have any questions about your eligibility or benefits, contact your local RRB field office.

    Find a local Medicare plan that fits your needs

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    The Future Funding Outlook

    According to RRB reports to Congress, the financial outlook for RRB remains stable for the next 25 years. However, the decline in railroad employment is a potential concern. The number of individuals in RRB-covered employment fell from 640,000 in 1970 to 236,000 in 2007, a shift that presents a sizable demographic obstacle for a pay-as-you-go system. The current beneficiary-to-worker ratio for those covered under the Railroad Retirement Act is about 2.4 to 1. However, between 2000 and 2007, railroad employment has held fairly constant in the low- to mid-two hundred thousands .

    Current projections make it reasonable to expect that RRB will remain solvent, at least in the near term. Nevertheless, RRB notes “nder the current financing structure, actual levels of railroad employment and investment returns over the coming years will largely determine whether corrective action is necessary” .

    Medicare Vs Medicare Advantage: Which Should I Choose

    Medicare Advantage vs Medicare Supplement Plans (Updated Review and Important Tips)

    Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list ofour partnersandhere’s how we make money.

    When its time to sign up for Medicare, one of the first and most substantial decisions you face is whether to choose Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage. In 2022, 45% of Medicare beneficiaries have a Medicare Advantage plan, according to data from The Chartis Group. The decision will depend on several factors, including where you live, your current and potential health care needs and your financial situation.

    Both options provide coverage for your major medical needs. But your out-of-pocket costs and choices for doctors and hospitals will depend on the program you choose.

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    Wages Rrta Compensation And Self

    Will an individual owe Additional Medicare Tax on all wages, RRTA compensation and self-employment income or just the wages, RRTA compensation and self-employment income in excess of the threshold for the individuals filing status?

    An individual will owe Additional Medicare Tax on wages, compensation and self-employment income that exceed the applicable threshold for the individuals filing status. Medicare wages and self-employment income are combined to determine if income exceeds the threshold. A self-employment loss is not considered for purposes of this tax. RRTA compensation is separately compared to the threshold.

    Is remuneration not paid in cash, such as fringe benefits, subject to Additional Medicare Tax?

    Yes. All wages not paid in cash, such as noncash fringe benefits, that are subject to Medicare tax are subject to Additional Medicare Tax, if, in combination with other wages subject to Medicare tax , they exceed the individual’s applicable threshold. Similarly, all RRTA compensation not paid in cash that is subject to Medicare tax is subject to Additional Medicare Tax, if, in combination with other RRTA compensation, it exceeds the individual’s applicable threshold . Noncash wages and RRTA compensation are subject to Additional Medicare Tax withholding, if, in combination with other wages, or with other compensation in the case of RRTA compensation, they exceed the $200,000 withholding threshold.

    Are tips subject to Additional Medicare Tax?

    What Is The Difference Between Regular Medicare And A Medicare Advantage Plan

    Regular Medicare, formally referred to as Original Medicare, is made up of Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. These coverages are administered by the federal government. Medicare Part A covers hospital benefits, and Medicare Part B is your outpatient medical coverage. Seniors pay into Original Medicare throughout their working career in the form of Medicare taxes.

    On the other hand, with Medicare Advantage, private insurance companies manage your benefits, not the government. Medicare pays the carrier to administer your benefits under Medicare Part C .

    These private insurance companies must follow the guidelines the federal government sets. However, the companies can set their own prices, deductibles, and additional benefits.

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    Railroad Retirement Board Benefits And Medicare

    Before the Social Security Administration was formed, the Railroad Retirement Board developed retirement, disability, and unemployment benefits for railroad workers who were hit hard by the Great Depression. Today, the RRB offers railroad workers a similar safety net.

    RRB beneficiaries can tap into Medicare benefits, much like Social Security beneficiaries, with a few differences. If you are a railroad worker, learn what you can expect from Medicare in terms of eligibility, enrollment, costs, and health benefitsand how your RRB benefits differ from Social Security benefits.

    How Do Railroad And Social Security Benefits Work With Medicare

    One of the enormous benefits of receiving railroad retirement is how well it works with Social Security and Medicare. Quick history lesson: The Railroad Retirement Act of 1934 didnt just protect railroad workersit laid the groundwork for Social Security the following year. Because of this, the Social Security and the Railroad Retirement Board work together to administer benefits and track earning credits.

    When it comes to Medicare Parts A and B, railroad retirement beneficiaries receive the same benefits as other Americans, but there are some significant differences to know. They are:

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