FAQs: Medicare Plan Enrollment with Humana

Medicare Plan Enrollment with Humana

Enrolling

• How do I enroll in a plan?
• What information do I need to have ready before I enroll?
• Can a child or guardian enroll a parent in a Medicare Advantage, Medicare prescription drug, or Medicare Supplement insurance plan?
• What happens to my Medicare card?

Enrolling in Humana's Medicare Advantage Plans

• I will be turning 65 in a few months. When can I enroll in one of Humana's Medicare Advantage plans?
• What factors should I consider when choosing a Medicare health plan?
• When will Humana's Medicare Advantage plan coverage begin?
• I currently have a Medicare Supplement insurance plan. Can I enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan?
• I have Medicare Parts A and B. Can I enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan?

Enrolling in Humana's Prescription Drug Plans

• Do I need to sign up for Medicare prescription drug coverage?
• Can I enroll in a prescription drug plan? I have a Medicare Supplement insurance plan.
• Can I enroll in a prescription drug plan? I have Medicare Part A and B.

Enrolling in Humana's Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans

• When will my Medicare Supplement insurance plan coverage begin?
• Can I apply for a Medicare Supplement insurance plan? I have a Medicare Advantage plan.
• Can I apply for a Medicare Supplement insurance plan? I have a Medicare prescription drug plan.

Enrolling

Q. How do I enroll in a plan?

Once you have entered your Zip Code you can view available plans in your area. You can enroll in Humana's Medicare Advantage, prescription drug or Medicare Supplement Plans by clicking on the "Enroll" button next to the plan you'd like to enroll in. Once you enter the online enrollment section, you will confirm your selection and answer additional questions before reviewing and submitting your enrollment form.

Q. What information do I need to have ready before I enroll?

You'll need your Medicare card or your letter from the Social Security Administration or Railroad Retirement Board. Also, depending on the payment method you choose, you may want to have your bank account or credit card number handy

Q. Can a child or guardian enroll a parent in a Medicare Advantage, Medicare Prescription Drug, or Medicare Supplement insurance plan?

Yes. Our Website allows someone serving as Power of Attorney (POA), translator, or witness to fill out the online enrollment form. If a Power of Attorney is enrolling someone for our Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plans, the POA must cover the ability to make healthcare decisions and is usually referred to as a "Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare" or "Healthcare Power of Attorney." If a Power of Attorney is enrolling someone for our Medicare Supplement Plans, the POA must cover the ability to make insurance decisions and is usually referred to as a "Durable Power of Attorney" or "Power of Attorney."

Q. What happens to my Original Medicare card?

If you have Medicare Parts A and B, you'll need to show your Original Medicare card when you receive healthcare services.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you should keep your Medicare card in a safe place – but you don't have to carry it with you. Instead, present your Humana member ID card to doctor's offices, pharmacies, and other healthcare providers.

If you have a separate Medicare Supplement insurance or Medicare prescription drug plan, you'll receive additional cards that you should keep with you at all times.

Enrolling in Humana's Medicare Advantage Plans

Q. I will be turning 65 in a few months. When can I enroll in one of Humana's Medicare Advantage plans?

You may enroll anytime during the first three months immediately preceding the month your enrollment in Medicare Parts A and B becomes effective. This time is called your Initial Coverage Election Period. It generally coincides with the month you turn 65 years old; however, some people choose to delay Part B coverage for a while if they have other coverage through their employer. In that case, it would be the month that your Part B coverage goes into effect, assuming you already have Part A.

Q. What factors should I consider when choosing a Medicare Advantage plan?

Before you select a plan, carefully consider the following questions. Your answers will help guide you to the plan that's right for you.

• Do you already have a doctor you like?
• Are you choosing a new doctor?
• Is freedom to choose doctors and hospitals very important to you?
• Do you need a prescription drug plan?
• Do you have health problems today or old problems that may recur?
• What drugs does the plan cover?
• Does your doctor feel comfortable with the plan's guidelines for your treatment?

Q. When will Humana's Medicare Advantage plan coverage begin?

Coverage is usually effective on the first day of the month after Humana receives your completed and signed enrollment form. We'll send you a letter confirming your coverage after the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approves your enrollment. Please continue your current coverage until you receive our confirmation letter. If you are scheduled for surgery or another medical treatment, you might want to delay your enrollment until after the procedure, simply to eliminate billing confusion for you and your providers.

Q. I currently have a Medicare Supplement insurance plan. Can I enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan?

Yes, but there's no need to have both. You would have to pay both plan premiums and you get no benefit from your supplement while you are in a Medicare Advantage plan. If you join a Medicare Advantage plan, your Medicare supplement policy can't pay any deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance under your Medicare plan.

Q. I have Medicare Parts A and B. Can I enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan?

If you're enrolled in Medicare Part A and B, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan between October 15 and December 7.

Enrolling in Humana's Prescription Drug Plans

Q. Do I need to sign up for Medicare prescription drug coverage?

The answer depends on your medical and financial situation. Think about your needs and what's important to you. The costs of prescriptions continue to increase, so a prescription drug plan may help control your costs. Remember, if you were eligible to join Medicare Part D by May 15, 2006, and did not do so, you will have to pay a penalty for joining the plan later and that penalty increases each month.

Q. Can I enroll in a prescription drug plan? I have a Medicare Supplement plan.

Yes, but if the Medicare Supplement policy covers prescription drugs, the drug coverage must be removed from the Medicare Supplement policy. Humana's Medicare Supplement insurance plans do not come with drug coverage, so you can enroll in one of Humana's prescription drug plans and Humana's Medicare Supplement insurance plans.

Q. Can I enroll in a prescription drug plan? I have Medicare Parts A and B.

If you're entitled to Part A and/or enrolled in Part B of Medicare, you're eligible to join a prescription drug plan.

Enrolling in Humana's Medicare Supplement Plans

Q. When will my Medicare Supplement insurance plan coverage begin?

Your coverage is usually effective on the first day of the month after Humana receives your completed and signed application form. Please continue your current coverage until you receive your policy.

Q. Can I apply for a Medicare Supplement insurance plan? I have a Medicare Advantage plan.

Unless you indicate that your Medicare Advantage coverage is ending, it is illegal for anyone to sell you a Medicare Supplement insurance plan.

Q.Can I apply for a Medicare Supplement insurance plan? I have a Medicare prescription drug plan.

Yes, you can apply for a Medicare Supplement insurance plan if you're already enrolled in a Prescription drug plan.

If you have more questions, you may want to see:

• Selecting your Medicare plan
• Estimate your Medicare prescription drug costs
• How to enroll
• After you enroll

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