A & B is original Medicare. Part A is your hospital in insurance and Part B is your outpatient insurance. Most people do not have to pay for Part A, however there is a premium for Part B.
From 2021 to 2022 there was a very large monthly premium increase for Part B. This was largely due to the coverage of an Alzheimer’s drug. In 2023, it’s actually expected that premiums for Medicare part B will decrease. Exact numbers will be release in the fall so make sure to subscribe to stay up to date.

There are other potential changes coming to Original Medicare. For part A & B, your first opportunity to enroll is during your IEP. This a 7 month window surrounding your 65th birthday. You have the 3 months before, the month of and th three months thereafter to enroll. However, coverage start dates vary depending upon when you enroll.

Additionally, in the past if you missed your IEP you would have to wait until the Medicare GEP. This is every year from Jan. 1-March 31. Then your coverage wouldn’t begin until July 1! This proposed change could fix this in two ways:

Those who miss their IEP may be eligible for a SEP if they can prove their company (for employer sponsored group health insurance) misled them or did not provide clear information regarding their insurance.

Those enrolling in Medicare during the GEP would have active insurance the 1st of the month after enrolling as opposed to July.

This could also affect the Medicare Part B late enrollment penalties which you should strive to avoid.

Telehealth was also covered during the public emergency of the pandemic and may be extended through 2023 or possibly indefinitely.

Medicare Part C & Medicare Part D

Medicare Part C and Part D are optional parts of Medicare. They are offered by private carriers. Part C (MA) actually replaces Original Medicare entirely. There are many different plans to choose from with different benefits and associated costs. You can expect plans to increase slightly, but the amount depends upon the plan that you choose.

Medicare Part D is offered by private carriers but regulated by the federal government. Carriers can offer better benefits if they so choose, but they must at least adhere to the guidelines as set by the federal government.

Make sure not to miss the Medicare AEP Oct. 15-Dec. 7

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