Medicare

The following websites and contact information are resources to assist you with questions or concerns that you have about Medicare.  If you cannot find the information you are looking for or need further assistance, please contact Senator Bayh's Indianapolis office at 317-554-0750 or through the contact form.  If you would like to comment on Medicare policy, please click here. 

Who's Eligible

Medicare is the nation's largest health insurance program and covers:

• People age 65 or older.
• Some people with disabilities under age 65.
• People with end-stage renal disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant).

You can check your eligibility and enroll here.

Medicare Components

Part A - Hospital Insurance
Usually people do not pay a premium for Part A Medicare coverage because they or their spouse has paid through payroll taxes while they were working.  It helps cover inpatient care in hospitals (including critical access hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities). 

Part B - Medical Insurance
Most people pay a monthly premium for Medicare coverage.  It helps cover doctors' services and outpatient care. It also covers some medical services that are not covered by Part A, such as physical and occupational therapy.

Part D - Prescription Drug Insurance
Most people will pay a monthly premium for this coverage.  Everyone with Medicare can get receive coverage that helps to lower prescription drug costs.  Private companies provide the coverage; beneficiaries choose the drug plan, and pay the monthly premium. 

Medicare Resources

Medicare Website
Medicare and You 2008 (a summary of benefits and frequently asked questions)
Medicare Plans
Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder
General Medicare Information Phone Line
1-800-MEDICARE (available 24 hours a day)

Frequently Asked Questions about Medicare

• What is the Medicare premium for 2008?
• When is the general enrollment period for Medicare Part B?
• How do I obtain a new Medicare card if it is lost or stolen?
• What if I am a Railroad Retiree?
• When should I apply if I turn 65 this year?
• I already have prescription drug coverage through an employer or retiree plan. Do I still need to enroll?
• I do not have prescription coverage. Will I be penalized if I do not enroll in Part D?
• Is there help for me if I can't afford prescription drug costs?
• I currently receive Medicaid and Medicare coverage. Do I need to enroll?

What is the Medicare premium for 2008?

Beginning January 2008, the standard premium is $96.40 per month for Medicare Part B.

When is the general enrollment period for Medicare Part B?

The general enrollment period is from January 1 through March 31 each year. If you did not sign up for Medicare Part B when you first became eligible, you may do so during this period. You may be assessed a 10 percent surcharge for each year you were eligible but did not enroll.  You can sign up at your local Social Security Administration office; find the nearest one here.

How do I obtain a new Medicare card if it is lost or stolen?

To obtain a replacement Medicare card online click here.  You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement.

What if I am a Railroad Retiree?

If you are a Railroad Retiree and are trying to obtain Medicare benefits, you will need to contact the Railroad Retirement Board Helpline at (800) 808-0772 or visit the Railroad Retirees website.

When should I apply if I turn 65 this year?

You may apply up to three months before and up to three months after your 65th birthday.  Please note that delaying enrollment past your birthday will delay the start of your coverage.

I already have prescription drug coverage through an employer or retiree plan. Do I still need to enroll?

If you have coverage that is equivalent to or better than the standard Part D benefit, you may choose not to enroll.  If you have prescription coverage and are Medicare eligible, you should have received a notice from your plan's administrator explaining how current coverage compares to Part D and whether you need to enroll in Part D.  If your coverage is eliminated once you become eligible for Part D, you will be able to enroll in it during a 63 day special enrollment period, which begins the day after your coverage expires.

I do not have prescription coverage. Will I be penalized if I do not enroll in Part D?

Medicare beneficiaries who do not enroll in Part D when they first become eligible will face a 1 percent per month premium surcharge and will not be able to enroll until the yearly Annual Coordinated Election Period, between November 15 and December 15 of each year.

Is there help for me if I can't afford prescription drug costs?

Assistance is available for people who have trouble paying their Medicare premiums and have limited resources.  You can find more information here or by calling the Social Security information line at 1-800-772-1213.

I currently receive Medicaid and Medicare coverage. Do I need to enroll in Part D?

If you are covered by Medicaid and Medicare, you were automatically enrolled in a Part D plan.  You are able to switch plans if the plan you were enrolled in does not meet your prescription needs.