The Medicare Give Back Benefit is specific to certain Medicare Advantage plans. This benefit covers up to the entire Medicare Part B premium for the policyholder. Because of the way it’s structured, the benefit is provided by private insurance companies that offer Advantage plans and not through Medicare from the federal government.
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Also known as Medicare Advantage plans with Part B Premium Reduction, this benefit can be an excellent way for seniors to save, as the premium is deducted from their Social Security checks each month. However, not all Advantage plans offer this benefit.
Searching the Medicare Give Back Program by ZIP Code is the best way to determine plan availability. However, it’s also essential to understand if Medicare Advantage is right for you.
Seniors have plenty of options regarding healthcare coverage, which is great because everyone’s needs are different. Learn more about the Medicare Advantage Give Back Benefit, your coverage options, and how to enroll in the best benefits to suit your healthcare needs.
What Medicare Give Back Benefit?
The Medicare Give Back Benefit reduces your Part B premiums. This is a great way to lower your healthcare costs if you are a senior on Medicare. Enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers this benefit means your carriers pay either a part of or the entire premium for your Medicare Part B each month.
Is the Medicare Give Back Benefit the Same as the Medicare Part B Premium Reduction?
Yes, Medicare Part B Premium Reduction is another term for the Medicare Give Back Benefit. Depending on your region, you may see slightly different names for the program, but just know that they are all Medicare Advantage plans. The benefit functions the same across plans, no matter what it’s called.
What Medicare Advantage Plans Have the Give Back Benefit?
The Medicare Part B Give Back Program is only available through Medicare Advantage plans. Private insurance companies provide these plans, and their availability can change from carrier to carrier. The best way to identify which plans offer the benefit is to speak with a licensed Medicare agent about your healthcare needs.
Which ZIP Codes Are Eligible for the Give Back Benefit?
All ZIP Codes in the United States and its territories are eligible for the Give Back Benefit because they are all eligible for Medicare Advantage plans. But this doesn’t mean your ZIP Code will offer such plans. Although every ZIP Code has at least one Advantage plan available, there is no guarantee that it provides the Medicare Give Back Benefit.
Medicare Give Back Benefit Qualifications for Seniors
To be eligible for Medicare Advantage plans with Give Back Benefit, seniors must meet specific criteria. First, you must be enrolled in Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) and pay your premiums. You will not qualify if your premiums are currently covered by a state or local program, you will not qualify.
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Additionally, qualifications for Medicare Give Back Benefit include your location. You must live within the service area of a plan that offers a premium reduction plan. Currently, 48 states in the U.S. offer this benefit.
Remember that Medicare Part B Give Back Plans work directly with Social Security, and no direct payments are sent to you by the carrier.
Which Companies Offer Medicare Part B Premium Reduction?
Many companies offer the Medicare Give Back Benefit; however, this will vary depending on your location. Popular examples include Humana, Cigna, and Aetna, though many others exist.
In the summary of benefits or evidence of coverage, you’ll see a section that says “Part B premium buy-down.” Here, seniors can find how much of a reduction they receive from their specific plan. However, if you cannot locate this, you can still find out by calling the customer service number on the back of your card. You can also contact your licensed Medicare agent to receive assistance.
Reviewing the Give Back Benefit Medicare Advantage plans provide is a critical step in maximizing your coverage. It’s always recommended that seniors audit their healthcare needs and review Advantage plans and carriers to find out what is available in their areas.
How Much Do I Receive With the Medicare Give Back Benefit?
The amount you get back varies depending on your Medicare Advantage plan. Amounts can range from $0.10 in some areas and go up to the total standard premium for the year. In some cases, policies with the same name will provide a different amount depending on your location. This only furthers the importance of seniors understanding their Medicare Advantage plan before enrolling.
How long will Social Security need to adjust my give-back amount?
The time it takes to receive your adjustment may vary. It can take Social Security one to three months to begin your Medicare Part B premium rebate. Afterward, seniors can expect to see a regular increase in their checks.
How much does the Medicare Part B premium reduction plan cost?
Medicare Advantage plans with Part B Premium Reduction often cost $0 per month for seniors. However, this will vary. You’ll need to speak with a licensed Medicare agent to learn more about the costs for plans near you.
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How can Medicare Advantage plans give back some of your Part B premium money?
The federal government pays Medicare Advantage plans to handle your claims. Once you enroll, Medicare doesn’t pay the claim; the policy pays. These plans have a contract with Medicare and Social Security to provide this kind of benefit to seniors.
Do Medigap plans offer a Part B premium reduction?
No, Medigap plans don’t cover the Medicare Part B premium. This is because Medicare is required to pay its portion of medical costs before Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans kick in. Medigap plans work as supplemental coverage to Original Medicare.
How to Explore Medicare Give Back Program by ZIP Code
It’s essential to compare Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans before enrolling in either option. Many seniors are unaware of the limitations of Medicare Advantage plans, so a Medicare Part B premium reduction may not be worth the additional cost-sharing for some. Before deciding on a plan, you must fully understand your policy limitations.
If you want to keep Original Medicare but wish to save money on monthly premiums, you should consider the Medigap High Deductible Plan G or High Deductible Plan F. Another comprehensive yet affordable Medigap option is Plan N.
As you can see, plenty of options are available for your healthcare needs. Here at MedicareFAQ, we are committed to finding the best coverage for your needs, no matter how you enroll.
Speaking with a licensed Medicare agent is always helpful when comparing benefits. Call us today to compare your options, including the Medicare Give Back Benefit, other Medicare Advantage plans, and Medigap plans in your area. Can't call? No worries. You can also fill out our easy-to-follow online rate form today!
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I’m receiving SS. Benefits less than $1,000 monthly I live in KY I have no car are there any benefits in KY that can I apply for
Hi Marilyn, it is always a good idea to start at your local Medicaid office. From there, they will be able to let you know if you qualify for any low-income programs.