Medicare is a health insurance program for seniors, and it covers a wide variety of services. It consists of Parts A and B, which cover inpatient and outpatient expenses. You can also choose to add Medicare Part D for prescription drug coverage. Medicare Advantage plans are bundled with Original Medicare and include dental, hearing, and vision benefits.
The state of Nebraska offers a number of Medicare supplement and Advantage plans. These options fill in the gaps left by Medicare. In addition, many Medigap plans are community rated, meaning that your premium will not increase as you age.
Nebraska Medicare beneficiaries can get help with costs through the State Health Insurance Program (SHIP). SHIP counselors are located throughout the state and work closely with local nonprofits and Area Agencies on Aging. You can also contact the National Council on Aging to find a local SHIP office.
The first enrollment period begins three months before your 65th birthday and lasts for three months after. It is important to enroll at this time, since it will prevent you from paying a late fee later on. You can also purchase a Medicare Supplement plan, sometimes called Medigap, to pay for out-of-pocket costs like copays and deductibles.
Nebraska Medicare Asset and Income Limit
Applicants must meet an asset limit and income limit to qualify for Nebraska Medicaid. The asset limits vary by the program, including Nursing Home Medicaid, Home and Community Based Services Waivers and Aged Blind and Disabled (ABD). Countable assets include cash, investments, certificates of deposit, stocks and bonds, and more. However, some assets, like the applicant’s home and Irrevocable Funeral Trusts, are exempt from consideration.
In addition, the home is not exempt from a Medicaid estate recovery program, which attempts to reimburse Medicaid for care costs through whatever assets remain in the beneficiary’s estate after their death. This can include the person’s home, so careful planning is essential.
Medicare Advantage plans are available in 87 of the state’s 93 counties. These plans provide coverage in addition to Original Medicare and can cover copays, deductibles, and coverage gaps.
Nebraska Medicare Advantage Plans
The state of Nebraska offers a variety of resources to help seniors understand their Medicare coverage options and get enrolled in the right plan. These resources include local Area Agencies on Aging, which have trained counselors available to advise seniors on their options. They can also refer seniors to other organizations that offer supplemental Medicare plans.
Private insurance companies offer Medicare Advantage (MA) plans and provide the same benefits as Original Medicare in a managed care model. Many of these plans also offer additional benefits, such as dental and vision coverage. Choosing the right plan can be difficult, and it is important for Nebraska residents to understand their choices.
The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) are government programs that can help you navigate the Medicare maze. They are free and available nationwide. Their trained counselors can answer your questions and help you identify potential fraud, error, or abuse. They can even help you file a complaint against an insurance company or agent.
In addition, Nebraska has 10 standardized Medicare Supplement plans, called Medigap, from which to choose. These plans cover some of the gaps in Original Medicare coverage, including the Part D drug deductibles. Some of these plans also include benefits like vision, dental and hearing coverage.
