The Basics of Medicare

If you are a Medicare beneficiary, please keep in mind that Medicare Part B pays for preventative care to help Medicare beneficiaries stay healthy. Medicare beneficiaries who are new to Medicare may take advantage of one’s “Welcome to Medicare” physical, and this physical may take place within 12 months of enrollment into Part B. Also for Medicare beneficiaries who are not new to Medicare taking advantage of your annual wellness visit with your health care provider may positively impact your health. If you receive your health care coverage through a Medicare Advantage Plan (i.e., Medicare Part C), call your plan for more information on preventative services.
Also if you are a Medicare beneficiary and have questions about Medicare, local SHIP counselors are available to assist you. SHIP counselors provide one on one FREE confidential help to Medicare beneficiaries who may have questions regarding Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage plans (Part C), Medicare Supplement Coverage (Medigap) or Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D). SHIP counselors may provide Medicare beneficiaries with information and assistance that will allow one to make their own health care decisions.
Medicare Savings Programs are also available to Medicare beneficiaries who are 65 years old and older, and to individuals who are receiving social security disability benefits. These programs are offered by the State of New Jersey which includes the Pharmaceutical Assistance Program for the Aged & Disabled Program (PAAD) & the Senior Gold Program. Both programs are income eligible programs & the income limits for PAAD for a single individual are $25,743 gross income per year and $31,563 gross income per year for a married couple. The income limits for Senior Gold for a single individual are between $25,743-$35,743 gross income per year & between $31,563-$41,563 gross income per year for a married couple. Neither program considers assets.
If you are a Medicare beneficiary, you may also benefit from assistance with your Medicare Part B premium of $104.90 per month. The State of New Jersey offers assistance through the SLMB program also known as Specified Low-income Medicare Beneficiary program. The income limits for this program for a single individual must be between $11,490-$15,511 gross income per year and one’s assets cannot exceed $7,080. The income limits for this program for a married couple must be between $15,510-$20,939 gross income per year and assets cannot exceed $10,620.
To find out more information on any of these programs, please feel free to contact your local SHIP counselors. SHIP counselors are available on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays without an appointment, and if you would like to schedule an appointment with a counselor, appointment days are on Tuesdays.