Medicare for Central New York

Central New York is a fantastic place for Medicare options! Who knows the are better than a local agent? Certainly not a telemarketer in some other part of the country.

We serve all CNY and Southern Tier Counties including Onondaga, Cayuga, Oswego, Chemung, Onieda, Madison, Tompkins, Broome, Tioga, Seneca, Wayne and many more!

Original Medicare is government run health insurance and is paid for through FICA taxes and beneficiary premiums (if applicable)

Part A is for hospital coverage. If you have paid FICA taxes for 10 years or 40 quarters, or are low income, there is no monthly premium. There is a deductible for each visit or service term, then a certain number of days are covered.  See the Medicare and You book, or visit www.medicare.gov for specific coverage details.

Part B is for Medical care and includes your doctor visits, labs, tests, MRIs and other outpatient covered services. There is a monthly premium due, unless you meet low income standards. After an annual deductible is met, you are responsible for 20% coinsurance with max out of pocket.

Prescription drug coverage for Medicare eligible recipients is called Part D and is run by private companies. There are monthly premiums, deductibles and copays due. These charges can be reduced or waived if you meet low income levels. 

You are not required to sign up for part d, however, delaying enrollment may result in a lifetime late enrollment penalty being assessed if you decide to enroll after your initial enrollment period.

Medicare Supplements, or Medigap insurance is additional coverage available for purchase from private companies. They do not include drug coverage and you must be enrolled in both parts A&B.

Depending on the plan you choose, your coinsurance or copays may be covered or lower. Plan Letters denote what will be covered by the plan and are the same no matter which company you enroll with, except the price.  So be sure to shop around!

Central New York Medicare Supplements are guaranteed issue and open enrollment, so that means enrollment is guaranteed at any point during the year. This is different than most other states in the US.

Medicare Advantage is a private alternative to Original Medicare. CMS requires the plans be as good or better than original Medicare, but can also include extra benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, over the counter, fitness, etc.  Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D Drug coverage, too.

Most Medicare Advantage Plans in Central New York are $0 Premium, meaning there is no additional premium due beyond any Part B premium you may be paying. You must stay enrolled in Original Medicare in order to be apart of an Advantage Plan.

You cannot be enrolled in both a Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage Plan

Central New Yorkers on both Medicare and Medicaid may qualify for a Special Needs Plan with benefits that may include transportation, expanded dental , vision and hearing, monthly food cards and OTC.