Mr. Patel is in good health and is preparing a budget in anticipation of his retirement when he turns 66.
He wants to understand the health care costs he might be exposed to under Medicare if he were to
require hospitalization as a result of an illness. In general terms, what could you tell him about his costs
for inpatient hospital services under Original Medicare?
b. Under Original Medicare, there is a single deductible amount due for the first 60 days of any inpatient
hospital stay, after which it converts into a per-day amount through day 90. After day 90, he would pay
a daily amount up to 60 days over his lifetime, after which he would be responsible for all costs
What impact, if any, have recent regulatory changes had upon Medigap plans?
The Part B deductible is no longer covered for individuals newly eligible for Medicare starting January 1,
2020.
Mrs. Duarte is enrolled in Original Medicare Parts A and B. She has recently reviewed her Medicare
Summary Notice (MSN) and disagrees with a determination that partially denied one of her claims for
services. What advice would you give her?
Mrs. Duarte should file an appeal of this initial determination within 120 days of the date she received
the MSN in the mail.
Mrs. Paterson is concerned about the deductibles and co-payments associated with Original Medicare.
What can you tell her about Medigap as an option to address this concern?
Medigap plans help beneficiaries cover coinsurance, co-payments, and/or deductibles for medically
necessary services.
Mrs. Quinn recently turned 66 and decided after many years of work to begin receiving Social Security
benefits. Shortly thereafter Mrs. Quinn received a letter informing her that she has been automatically
enrolled in Medicare Part B. She wants to understand what this means. What should you tell Mrs.
Quinn?