Moving Back To The Us,and I'm Pretty Much Lost And Confused..part B..d?

[SierraMadreMe]

I qualified for Medicare in 2015,I did not enroll in Part B (or any other supplement) because I couldn't use it here in the Philippines anyway.

I was under the assumption that the enrollment period was in January to enroll in Part B,but we won't likely be able to return to the US until March or April.I hate to wait another entire year,as I am going to have to do something about my vision.

Will I be able to enroll in April when we return to the States,or do I need to contact the Embassy here in the PI to get things started?

I would maybe prefer to put off enrolling in Part D,for another year or so...but I really have NO idea whatsoever as to what Part B would cost per month..and obviously,no clue as to what Part D would cost.I'm in the dark here with regards to what monthly premiums will be.

So.I probably need to enroll on Part B as a minimum.I am confused tho as to what Part B actually covers.I have a light case of COPD and use light inhalers.I could probably bring enough back with me to last a year or 2.I don't suppose Part B covers inhalers.Right?

Part B states "durable Medical Equipment.Does that include CPAP machines and masks etc? Does it also cover sleep studies?I am sure I have sleep apnea,but probably would need a prescription for a cpap machine and to purchase masks etc?

Does either Part A or B cover cataract surgery? No dental coverage?I did read somewhere that dentistry is not medically necessary..or something to that effect?

Thanks for any help getting this issue sorted out.

SMM

 

[SierraMadreMe]

I qualified for Medicare in 2015,I did not enroll in Part B (or any other supplement) because I couldn't use it here in the Philippines anyway.

I was under the assumption that the enrollment period was in January to enroll in Part B,but we won't likely be able to return to the US until March or April.I hate to wait another entire year,as I am going to have to do something about my vision.

Will I be able to enroll in April when we return to the States,or do I need to contact the Embassy here in the PI to get things started?

I would maybe prefer to put off enrolling in Part D,for another year or so...but I really have NO idea whatsoever as to what Part B would cost per month..and obviously,no clue as to what Part D would cost.I'm in the dark here with regards to what monthly premiums will be.

So.I probably need to enroll on Part B as a minimum.I am confused tho as to what Part B actually covers.I have a light case of COPD and use light inhalers.I could probably bring enough back with me to last a year or 2.I don't suppose Part B covers inhalers.Right?

Part B states "durable Medical Equipment.Does that include CPAP machines and masks etc? Does it also cover sleep studies?I am sure I have sleep apnea,but probably would need a prescription for a cpap machine and to purchase masks etc?

Does either Part A or B cover cataract surgery? No dental coverage?I did read somewhere that dentistry is not medically necessary..or something to that effect?

Thanks for any help getting this issue sorted out.

SMM

Anyone?...Please?

 

[MBSC]

The Part B General Enrollment Period is from January 1 - March 31 each year with an effective date of July 1. There is a 10% premium penalty for each year you delayed enrollment from your initial eligibility. The standard Part B premium for 2017 is $134/month. The 10% per year penalty would be added to this amount. Your premium is higher if you are subject to the IRMAA adjustment for high income households.

COPD inhalers are covered under the separate Part D drug plans. You have a Special Enrollment Period of two months to enroll in a Part D plan without penalty upon return. You can go to Medicare.gov and enter your medications to find the best plan and premiums.

Part B covers sleep studies and cataract surgery when medically necessary. It also covers CPAP equipment under the DME benefit when medically necessary. Part B covers 80% of the Medicare allowed amounts, so you may want to consider a Medigap (Medicare supplement) to help cover the eligible costs not covered by Medicare.

Routine vision and dental are not covered by Medicare. You may want to order a copy of the "Medicare for Dummies" book. Many people have found it to be a valuable resource.