Getting Started with Medicare
Making the most of your Medicare benefits can be a little confusing. Rocky Mountain Health Plans (RMHP) is here to help you understand your benefits, receive the health care you deserve and get the most for your money!
To view a full Rocky Mountain Health Plans Special Medicare Benefits Report, click here.
Original Medicare Coverage
Original Medicare comes in three parts — Part A, Part B and Part D.
- Medicare Part A helps pay for such services as hospital stays, home health care, extended care, and hospice.
- Medicare Part B helps pay for physician services, laboratory tests, outpatient hospital services, and medical equipment. Part B is optional, but most Medicare beneficiaries receive both Parts A and B. Medicare doesn’t cover everything such as health care outside of the US, prescription drugs, annual physicals, and routine screenings.
- Part D is offered through private insurance companies, like RMHP, and it helps pay for prescription drugs you receive at the pharmacy. You choose the drug plan and pay a monthly premium.
- Like other insurance, if you decide not to enroll in a drug plan when you are first eligible, you may pay a penalty if you choose to join at a later time.
When to Enroll
Enrollment into Medicare is done through the Social Security Administration. RMHP is available to help you understand Medicare so you are fully aware of your choices and options. You can enroll:
- When you first become eligible for Medicare, during the period that starts the three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after the month you turn 65.
- If you get Medicare due to a disability, you can join three months before and after your 24th month of cash disability benefits.
- During the annual Medicare open enrollment period, if you already have Medicare. Open enrollment is November 15th through December 31st to be eligible for January 1st of the next year.
- During other times, due to special circumstances.
Coverage Options to Consider
Original Medicare helps with many health care costs. However, it does not cover everything. That’s why many people also purchase supplemental insurance or look for other options to cover their out-of-pocket hospital and doctor bills.
A Cost-Saving Alternative
An option to help you save money and still get the care you are entitled to is through a Medicare Health Plan like RMHP. RMHP has contracted with Medicare since 1977, and Medicare beneficiaries may apply regardless of age.
RMHP Medicare Health Plans not only provide all services covered by Medicare Parts A, B, and D, but also offer additional coverage and benefits.
- RMHP covers benefits such as preventive care. This can provide substantial savings.
- Choose from an extensive network of doctors, specialists and hospitals. You also have the choice to see any doctor outside of our network for Medicare-covered services. In this case, Medicare will pay for its share of the charges, and you will pay the beneficiary share of the charges.
Call Rocky Mountain Health Plans now, 888-251-1330 for more information about the benefits of choosing one of our Medicare Health Plans. For medical benefit questions, we are open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Mountain Time, Monday through Friday.
- If you are hearing impaired and use TTY equipment, call 800-704-6370.
- Para asistencia en español llame al 800-346-4643.
For Part D prescription drug benefit questions, please call between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Mountain Time, Monday through Friday. From November 15 through March 1, we are also available 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Mountain Time, on weekends and most holidays.
Sorry, RMHP does not offer a plan in Baca county. RMHP does offer Part D coverage in this county.
Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap)
- Medicare supplemental policies or Medigap plans are offered by private insurance companies. Some supplemental policies will pay for all of the Medicare coinsurance amounts. Some plans may also cover Medicare’s deductibles.
- Certain plans will also pay for preventive care and emergency medical care in a foreign country.
- Part D benefits are not covered by a Supplemental Medigap Plan. If you plan on receiving Medicare Part D prescription drug benefits, you will have to sign up for a separate drug plan if you choose this option.
- Medigap plans may have requirements for you to qualify for acceptance by taking a physical. The premiums may increase as your age increases on these plans.
- RMHP offers Medigap plans A, C, F, & G.
Medicare Advantage Plans
Another option is to choose a Medicare Advantage plan.
- These plans provide care under a contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
- They may offer such services as coordination of care or reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
- In many cases you must see only the plan’s contracted doctors, specialists, and hospitals for all your health care needs. Often, these plans require a referral to see specialist doctors.
- Some plans may offer Part D prescription coverage as part of their medical plans.
Information is current as of 11/14/08, Please call to confirm you have the most up to date information about our Medicare Plans. Click here for a full list of Medicare Disclaimers. Pending CMS Approval. CMS110708 S5860 H0602 1037007 MC150WEB MEDIGAP-2008-AD-MC150WEB-1107