
Medicare in 2022 and How it Works with Social Security
If you are receiving social security and are on Medicare, you might have some questions about some of the changes to these programs for 2022. So, what should you know?
What You Need to Know
First, you should be aware that from January 1st to March 31st in 2022, you have the ability to switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan if that better fits your needs. You can do so at www.Medicare.gov.
Second, if you are just starting Medicare, you should know that it doesn’t cover all your medical expenses.
If you have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), you will most likely want to buy supplemental insurance (Medigap) from a private insurance provider or purchase other Medicare plans. Medigap policies will cover out-of-pocket copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
How Do I Qualify for and Enroll in Medicare?
So, how does this interact with your social security?
Your social security plan enrolls you in Original Medicare, and Part A helps pay for hospital care and stays while Part B pays for normal doctor visits and outpatient care.
Most people over 65 get Part A for free, while part B requires paying a monthly premium.
The amount you pay is dependent on your income. In short, the more income you have, the more you can expect to pay for Part B and supplemental Medicare insurance plans.
Alternatively, you can choose to use the Medicare Advantage Plan, which includes everything in Parts A and B with additional coverage of prescriptions (Part D), vision, hearing, and dental care.
If you choose a Medicare Advantage Plan, you will not be able to purchase a supplementary Medigap plan.
Just to review:
- Part A (Free) covers hospital care
- Part B (income-based monthly premium) covers outpatient care
- Medicare Advantage Plan (additional cost) covers vision, hearing, and dental care, and often includes part D (covers prescriptions)
- Medigap are supplemental plans that can be purchased and used with Part A and B.
How and Why Medicare Costs Have Changed
The cost of regular medical expenses has risen, especially during the Pandemic, and this affects those with Medicare, too. Part B has become more expensive to help cover these costs.
Doctor bills aren’t the only costs that have increased, either. Prescriptions have become much more expensive, raising the cost of other Medicare plans. However, it is still less expensive to pay for supplemental insurance that will cover the cost of prescriptions than to pay out of pocket.
In 2022, many Medicare recipients will receive a 5.9% increase in Social Security benefits to adjust for the cost of living. As the cost of Part B of Medicare has increased from about $148.50 to $170.10, this increase in benefits should help to offset that cost.
Many other Medicare costs have increased this year. Take a look at the 2022 Medicare Parts A & B premiums and deductibles, and the Part D income-related monthly adjustment amounts to see what to expect.
We’re Here to Help
If you are having trouble getting the social security benefits needed to pay for your Medicare expenses, we can help!
Contact Lowery Law Group at info@lowerylegal.com or call (843) 991-0733. There is no fee for a free consultation regarding your claim. Lowery Law Group is experienced in handling cases in South Carolina as well as Georgia.