Kansas Senior Health Insurance

Explore Your Options

Kansas, also known as “The Sunflower State,” consists of 105 counties. About 17.2% of the Kansas population is the age 65 or older. It’s important to know that once you turn 65 or become eligible for Medicare what your options are. Residents of Kansas can enroll into a Medicare Supplement Plan, Prescription Drug Plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan once they are eligible for Medicare.

Medicare Supplements also known as Medigap Plans are available statewide. This type of plan is standardized by the government and is designed to cover gaps in Medicare Parts A and B. This coverage includes deductibles and copays. Depending on the policy type you choose, you will have different benefits and coverage. Medigap policies range from 10 different standardized polices for example “Plan F” to “Plan N” that will have different levels of coverage. Though benefits won’t change between carriers, customer service, premiums and rate increases will. It may not always be the best choose to go with a carrier with the lowest rate at the time you sign up but one you know has a history of smaller rate increases and great customer service. A specialist at MySeniorHealthPlan.com can help you make an informed decision.

Medicare Supplements don’t include prescription drug coverage, so they are often paired with a stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan (Part D). Prescriptions are covered based on their tier level, which is located in each plan’s formulary. It is important to understand if your prescriptions are covered by the plan you sign up for and their associated costs. Not taking any prescriptions? Most people still obtain Prescription Drug coverage to avoid getting the Part D penalty. To learn more about the penalty click here. Another reason that it is important to have prescription drug coverage is to ensure that you are covered should you need prescriptions in the future. Click here if you need Extra Help paying for your prescriptions.

Kansas has multiple different options for Medicare Advantage Plans. However, it’s extremely important to note that these plans are county specific. Many people like enroll into the same plan a loved one has, however if they reside in a different county, it may not be available. These are network-based plans and depending on plan type you may need to obtain a referral from your Primary Care Physician in order to see a specialist. Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) are managed health plans approved by Medicare. You will still have Medicare however Medicare benefits will be covered by your plan. To learn about the Medicare Advantage plans in your area contact a specialist at MySeniorHealthPlan.com.

Some Kansas residents also have coverage through Indian Health Services. The relationship between the Federal Government and Native American tribes constitutes various rules to follow. However, CMS has made Medicare & Medicaid healthcare services accessible to all Native Americans who are eligible. For more information visit http://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/American-Indian-Alaska-Native/AIAN/

Senior Resources:
Indian Health Services: http://www.ihs.gov
Medicare: www.Medicare.gov
State Site: www.kansas.gov
Social Security: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/medicare/prescriptionhelp