InTouch with Southern Kentucky January 2020 | Page 31

popular choice.
“You can keep Plan F if you
already have it,” Whitehead says.
“You won’t be kicked off your plan.”
“But if you are brand new to Medi-
care, you can no longer buy it,” he
continues. “It is one of the biggest
changes this year.”
Recurring Medicare recipients can
enroll in Plans C and F at later dates
if they want them. Once more, these
plans will not be available any lon-
ger to those just entering Medicare
in 2020 and beyond.
Another change affecting all
Medicare recipients this year is the
increasing cost for different plans.
The premiums, deductibles, and
coinsurance will rise for Part A (or
hospitalization costs) in 2020.
Most do not pay a Part A premi-
um if they (or a spouse) have 40
quarters of work history. If you do
pay one, they are now higher if you
have less than 40 quarters of work
history.
The Part A deductible is increas-
ing also to $1,408 in 2020. However,
many enrollees have supplemental
coverage paying all or some of Part
A.
Part A coinsurance is jumping up
too in 2020. From the 61st through
90th day of inpatient care, there will
be a $352 coinsurance charge daily.
“The Medicare Part B premium
is also changing,” Whitehead adds.
“The cost has gone up, and will
affect everybody that pays for it.”
In 2020, Part B will be increasing
to $144.60 per month. Additionally,
the deductible will rise to $198.
These Medicare adjustments men-
tioned are some of the key changes
that recipients will see this year. If
you have further questions, White-
head naturally invites all to come by
and see them at Greer and White-
head, 408 S. Main St., Somerset.
“We don’t claim to know every-
thing,” he says. “But we have a vast
amount of resources to help you
find the answer.”
Lastly, he encourages all com-
munity members on Medicare
to be cautious of telephone and
email scams that particularly like
to target seniors. Additionally,
he reminds Medicare recipients
to update any coverage changes
they have for the new year with
their doctors and pharmacy.
Your Independent Agency Working For You
J anuary 2020
I n T ouch with S outhern K entucky • 31