Surprisingly, less than 15% of adults needing hearing aids actually use them, and it takes nearly nine years, on average, to purchase them after a diagnosis, according to a 2019 study. Kathleen Cameron from the National Council on Aging emphasizes that some older adults underestimate the impact of untreated hearing loss on overall health, viewing it as a normal part of aging.

Hearing exams and aids rank among the top five most postponed healthcare expenditures. A 2023 survey by the Senior Citizens League reveals that a quarter of respondents aged 65 and older delayed getting hearing exams and aids.

Medicare and Hearing Aids: Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn’t cover hearing aids or related exams. Medicare Part B covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams but not hearing aids.

Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) offer alternatives, with coverage varying by plan and state. Some plans cover hearing exams and aids, and from 2018 to 2020, the percentage of plans offering hearing benefits increased from 83% to 93%.

Medicaid and Hearing Aids: Dual-eligible individuals with both Medicare and Medicaid may have coverage for hearing aids, but specifics vary by state. Medicaid coverage details can be found in the Hearing Loss Association of America’s state-by-state guide.

Options for Hearing Aid Costs:

• Private health insurance may cover hearing tests and aids.
• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) can offset costs.
• Some insurers like Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, and United Healthcare offer hearing aid benefits.
• Veterans Administration (VA) benefits may provide free or low-cost hearing aids for eligible veterans.
• Community-specific resources and charitable foundations, like the Miracle-Ear Foundation, offer assistance.

Alternative Options:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, created in 2017, aim to be more accessible and affordable for mild to moderate hearing loss without a prescription.
• Insurers may cover OTC options like Audien Atom Pro, Eargo, Go Hearing, MDHearing, and Otofonix.

When choosing hearing aids, consider factors like customer service, return policies, warranty coverage, and alternative options like OTC devices. Overall, addressing hearing loss promptly is crucial for overall health, even if Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of hearing aids.

Source: https://health.usnews.com/medicare/articles/does-medicare-cover-hearing-aids#expert-sources

Understanding Medicare eligibility and enrollment doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s break it down in a friendly, easy-to-understand way so you know what to expect and when to start preparing.

When Should You Start Researching Medicare?

You should start researching Medicare a few months before your 65th birthday. This gives you plenty of time to understand your options and make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage. It’s never too early to learn about Medicare and what it can do for you. You can request help from Helgerman Insurance Solutions at this time, we will provide you with all the information you need to get started and explain everything to you.

Who is Eligible for Medicare?

Most people become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65. You are eligible for Medicare if:

• You are 65 or older.
• You are under 65 and have a qualifying disability.
• You have End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant).
• You have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

   

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a seven-month window that begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after. For example, if your birthday is in July, your IEP runs from April 1st to October 31st. This is the best time to enroll in Medicare to avoid any late enrollment penalties. Don’t worry, Helgerman Insurance Solutions is here to guide you and help you enroll.

How to Enroll in Medicare

1. 
   1. Automatic Enrollment:
• If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B when you turn 65. You will receive your Medicare card in the mail three months before your 65th birthday.
2. Manual Enrollment:
• If you are not receiving Social Security benefits, you will need to sign up for Medicare. You can do this online at the Social Security Administration’s website, by phone, or by visiting your local Social Security office.

General Enrollment Period (GEP)

If you miss your IEP, you can enroll during the General Enrollment Period (GEP) from January 1st to March 31st each year. However, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty, and your coverage will start on July 1st of that year.

Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you have a qualifying life event, such as losing your employer-sponsored health insurance. This allows you to enroll in Medicare without facing a late enrollment penalty.

Getting Help with Medicare Enrollment

Navigating Medicare enrollment can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Hilgerman Insurance Solutions, is here to help you understand all the moving parts of Medicare. Deborah Hilgerman will provide you with all the information and help you find the best plan for your needs. At Hilgerman Insurance Solutions, we do all the work researching the plans, so you can choose the right one without overspending or being underinsured.

Visit our website https://hilgermanins.com/ to request assistance. Let’s make Medicare simple and stress-free together!

Hilgerman Insurance Solutions of Camarillo is an independent insurance agency that specializes in the senior market, while offering health insurance solutions for small businesses and individuals. We are contracted with most of the top insurance providers to offer you plans that best suit your needs, all with personal hands-on service and support. 

Our commitment is to provide expertise, friendly service along with a timely response. Please feel free to contact us today for a quote and/or no-cost consultation.   

Hilgerman Insurance Solutions
(805) 279-5482
deb@hilgermanins.com  
www.hilgermanins.com

Medicare is a critical program that provides health insurance to millions of Americans aged 65 and older, as well as to younger individuals with certain disabilities. Medicare Part B is a key component of this program, offering coverage for essential medical services and preventive care. Let’s delve into the details of what Medicare Part B covers and why it’s important for beneficiaries to understand this coverage.

Understanding Medicare Part B

Medicare is divided into different parts, each covering specific healthcare services. Part B, often referred to as medical insurance, focuses on medically necessary services and preventive care to help maintain your health and treat medical conditions. Unlike Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), which covers inpatient hospital stays, Part B primarily addresses outpatient services.

Services Covered by Medicare Part B

Here’s a breakdown of what Medicare Part B typically covers:

1. Doctor’s Services: Part B covers visits to doctors and other healthcare providers for medically necessary services, including office visits, specialist consultations, and certain outpatient care.
   
   
2. Outpatient Care: This includes a wide range of services and supplies needed as part of treatment on an outpatient basis, such as lab tests, X-rays, durable medical equipment (like wheelchairs or walkers), and some prescription drugs administered in a doctor’s office.
   
   
3. Preventive Services: Medicare Part B emphasizes preventive care to help catch health issues early or prevent them altogether. This includes screenings for conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer, as well as vaccinations like flu shots.
   
   
4. Ambulance Services: Part B covers medically necessary ambulance transportation to a hospital or other medical facility when other transportation could endanger health.
   
   
5. Mental Health Services: Coverage includes outpatient mental health services like counseling and therapy from licensed professionals.
   
   
6. Some Prescription Drugs: Part B covers specific prescription drugs, such as those used with durable medical equipment (like insulin for diabetes), certain vaccines (like flu shots), and certain medications administered in a clinical setting.
   
   
7. Other Services: Part B also covers a range of other services deemed medically necessary, like physical therapy, occupational therapy, and some home healthcare services.

Costs and Enrollment

Understanding the costs associated with Medicare Part B is crucial for beneficiaries. While most people do pay a standard premium for Part B coverage, the amount can vary depending on income. Additionally, Part B typically requires beneficiaries to pay an annual deductible and coinsurance or copayments for covered services.

Enrollment in Medicare Part B usually occurs automatically if you’re receiving Social Security benefits when you turn 65. However, if you’re not automatically enrolled, you’ll need to sign up during specific enrollment periods to avoid late enrollment penalties.

The Importance of Supplemental Coverage

Despite its comprehensive coverage, Medicare Part B does not cover all medical expenses. Many beneficiaries choose to complement their Part B coverage with additional insurance plans, such as Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies or Medicare Advantage plans, to help cover deductibles, copayments, and services not covered by Medicare.

Medicare Part B plays a crucial role in providing essential medical coverage to older adults and individuals with disabilities. By understanding what Part B covers and how it fits into the broader Medicare program, beneficiaries can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. If you have specific questions about Medicare Part B or need guidance on choosing additional coverage options, contact us at Hilgerman Insurance Solutions where we can guide you through every step of the way.

Hilgerman Insurance Solutions of Camarillo is an independent insurance agency that specializes in the senior market, while offering health insurance solutions for small businesses and individuals. We are contracted with most of the top insurance providers to offer you plans that best suit your needs, all with personal hands-on service and support. 

Our commitment is to provide expertise, friendly service along with a timely response. Please feel free to contact us today for a quote and/or no-cost consultation.   

Hilgerman Insurance Solutions
(805) 279-5482
deb@hilgermanins.com  
www.hilgermanins.com