Why would someone have Medicare Part A only?

Asked by: Donnell Friesen  |  Last update: August 30, 2023
Score: 4.3/5 (5 votes)

For most people, Part A is premium-free. Although permissible to sign up for Medicare Part A only, this only comes recommended when group insurance provides medical coverage equal to Part B, or better. Some retirees continue under insurance from an employer or union when first becoming eligible for Medicare.

Can someone only have Medicare Part A?

No. If you aren't eligible for free Part A, you don't have to enroll. However, if you want to buy Medicare coverage and you want Part A, you also have to buy Part B.

What if I have Medicare Part A but not B?

If you have Medicare Part A, but you did not enroll in Medicare Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), you may sign up during the General Enrollment Period (GEP), or you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).

When would you have to pay for Medicare Part A?

Part A (Hospital Insurance) costs. $0 for most people (because they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes long enough while working - generally at least 10 years). If you get Medicare earlier than age 65, you won't pay a Part A premium. This is sometimes called “premium-free Part A.”

Does everyone pay the same for Medicare Part A and B?

If you have higher income, you'll pay an additional premium amount for Medicare Part B and Medicare prescription drug coverage. We call the additional amount the “income-related monthly adjustment amount.”

Medicare Part A | How to Enroll in Part A (Plus What It Covers and Avoiding Penalties)

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Does a person really need Medicare Part B?

Part B is optional. Part B helps pay for covered medical services and items when they are medically necessary. Part B also covers some preventive services like exams, lab tests, and screening shots to help prevent, find, or manage a medical problem. Cost: If you have Part B, you pay a Part B premium each month.

What are the basic differences between Medicare Part A and B?

Part A (Hospital Insurance): Helps cover inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and home health care. Part B (Medical Insurance): Helps cover: Services from doctors and other health care providers. Outpatient care.

Who needs Medicare Part A?

If you're eligible for premium-free Part A, you should enroll in Part A and Part B when you turn 65. If you have Marketplace coverage and you are getting the reduced premium or tax credit, it will stop once your Medicare Part A starts. You won't need this coverage once Medicare begins.

What makes someone ineligible for Medicare?

As previously mentioned, Medicare eligibility is based on age, certain disabilities and conditions like End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), not on employment status. Beneficiaries can continue to receive Medicare benefits even if they are working.

Can you enroll in Medicare Part A anytime?

You can sign up for Part A any time after you turn 65. Your Part A coverage starts 6 months back from when you sign up or when you apply for benefits from Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board). Coverage can't start earlier than the month you turned 65. I have a Health Savings Account (HSA).

Do you need more than Medicare Part A and B?

It depends. The automatic and traditional type of Medicare (Part A and Part B) will not cover long-term care, routine dental or eye care, dentures, or hearing aids. 11 In order to have fuller coverage, it is important to look into additional options like Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Medigap coverage.

Do you need Part A and B for Medicare Advantage?

You must have Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) to join a Medicare Advantage Plan.

How much is Medicare Part B?

Most people pay the standard Part B monthly premium amount ($164.90 in 2023). Social Security will tell you the exact amount you'll pay for Part B in 2023. You pay the standard premium amount if you: Enroll in Part B for the first time in 2023.

Why is Medicare Part B so expensive?

Medicare costs, including Part B premiums, deductibles and copays, are adjusted based on the Social Security Act. And in recent years Part B costs have risen. Why? According to CMS.gov, “The increase in the Part B premiums and deductible is largely due to rising spending on physician-administered drugs.

Why do so many older adults choose Medicare Advantage?

Many Medicare Advantage plans offer additional benefits, such as money toward dental or vision care, which isn't covered by original Medicare. About 1 in 4 people say extra benefits pushed them to choose Medicare Advantage, according to a survey by the Commonwealth Fund, a health care think tank.

What is the best Medicare insurance to get?

Best Medicare Advantage Plans of 2023
  • Best Overall: AARP / UnitedHealthcare.
  • Best for Additional Drug Coverage in the Gap: Aetna.
  • Best Value Plans: Blue Cross Blue Shield.
  • Great for Nationwide Coverage: Humana.
  • Best for Customer Satisfaction: Kaiser Permanente.
  • Lowest Cost: Cigna.

What happens if you don't enroll in Medicare Part A at 65?

Part A late enrollment penalty

If you have to buy Part A, and you don't buy it when you're first eligible for Medicare, your monthly premium may go up 10%. You'll have to pay the penalty for twice the number of years you didn't sign up.

How much will Part B go up in 2023?

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that the standard monthly Part B premium will be $164.90 in 2023, a decrease of $5.20 from $170.10 in 2022.

Do you automatically get A and B Medicare?

You get Part A automatically. If you want Part B, you need to sign up for it. If you don't sign up for Part B within 3 months after your Part A starts, you might have to wait to sign up and pay a monthly late enrollment penalty.

Is Medicare Part B based on income?

The Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) is an amount you may pay in addition to your Part B or Part D premium if your income is above a certain level. The Social Security Administration (SSA) sets four income brackets that determine your (or you and your spouse's) IRMAA.

How do you qualify for $144 back from Medicare?

To qualify for the giveback, you must:
  1. Be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.
  2. Pay your own premiums (if a state or local program is covering your premiums, you're not eligible).
  3. Live in a service area of a plan that offers a Part B giveback.

How much is taken out of Social Security for Medicare in 2023?

Medicare Deduction From Social Security 2023

In 2023, most individuals enrolled in Medicare and receiving Social Security benefits will have $164.90 deducted from their Social Security check each month. This amount covers the monthly premium specifically assigned to Medicare Part B.

Is Medicare Part A and B good enough?

Original Medicare — Medicare Part A and Part B — covers basic medical and hospitalization costs. These include doctor visits, hospitalization and several related services and items. But Original Medicare doesn't cover every health care need and requires you to share the cost of the care you receive.