Nearly 940,000 Medicare beneficiaries live in Kentucky. Although Medicare provides excellent health care for some older Americans, it’s often insufficient without additional coverage. In this article, we will explore the fundamentals of the Kentucky Medicare plans available to beneficiaries in the state.

Kentucky Medicare Facts & Figures

  • Around 612,000 beneficiaries in Kentucky hold Part A and B coverage.
  • Of these, nearly 480,000 aged into the program.
  • Over 200,000 beneficiaries in the state participate in Medicare Advantage.
  • In Kentucky, over 700,000 beneficiaries participate in Part D plans.

Medicare Costs in Kentucky for 2024

Medicare Part A covers emergency medical services such as hospital visits and life-saving treatment. Beneficiaries with a ten-year work history receive this coverage for free.

Medicare Part B covers doctor visits and other routine medical care and costs a standard premium.

Medicare Part A Costs in 2023 Medicare Part B Costs in 2023
  • Part A is premium-free for most
  • Part A deductible is $1,600 per benefit period
  • Inpatient hospital stay days 61-90 is $400
  • The standard Part B premium is $164.90
  • The annual deductible for Part B is $226
  • Medicare pays 80%, you pay 20% out-of-pocket

Original Medicare Coverage

There are around 600,000 beneficiaries enrolled in the Part A portion of Medicare in Kentucky. Part B covers a slightly smaller number, with approximately 550,000 enrolled residents. Of the state’s total beneficiaries, over 130,000 qualify due to disability, with the rest aging into the program upon reaching 65.

Medicare Part A (Hospital Coverage)

  • Inpatient care in hospitals
  • Skilled nursing facility care
  • Hospice care
  • Home health care
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

  • Services from doctors and health providers
  • Outpatient care
  • Home health care
  • Durable medical equipment
  • Some preventive services

Supplemental Medicare Plans in Kentucky

To avoid high healthcare costs, choosing healthcare coverage wisely is vital. A supplemental coverage plan can be an essential tool for Medicare beneficiaries to maximize their coverage.

Although Medicare provides adequate coverage for most medical conditions, many beneficiaries opt for a supplemental plan. Supplemental Medicare insurance provides additional benefits beyond what Parts A and B offer and is an integral part of coverage for many beneficiaries.

Some private insurance providers offer Medicare Supplement plans that provide benefits not available under Original Medicare. Also known as Medicare Part C, these plans are essential for protecting beneficiaries from high costs. However, Medicare Advantage plans can also benefit beneficiaries with tighter budgets.

Another crucial supplemental plan is Part D, which covers prescription medication. Medicare does not cover the cost of these medications, but they are essential for treating many conditions and illnesses. Due to this, most beneficiaries across the country choose Part D coverage as an element of their coverage.

Kentucky Medicare Resources

The Medicare system can be overwhelming, but the government offers several resources to help you enroll and adjust your coverage. The SHIP or State Health Insurance Assistance Program is an excellent start. Each state has a different SHIP site, so visit the Kentucky website to find out more.

As part of its efforts to assist Americans with health care, the United States government also offers Medicaid. Medicare and Medicaid are separate systems, but many beneficiaries combine both to expand their coverage. To learn more about whether Medicaid suits you, visiting the Kentucky Medicaid website is an excellent starting point.

The state insurance department is another resource to consider when dealing with health insurance. The Kentucky Department of Insurance is responsible for protecting consumers and upholding best practices in the state’s insurance industry. If you believe an insurance company has mistreated you, you should contact them immediately.

You can learn more about Medicare Supplements and Medigap plans at Medigap.com. Our staff helps beneficiaries enroll in Kentucky Medicare and find the perfect plan.

Cities in Kentucky with Medicare Supplement Coverage Estimated Premiums

The following charts have estimated premiums for Medicare Supplement coverage for some of the biggest cities in Kentucky:

FAQs

What does it mean to have Original Medicare in Kentucky?

Original Medicare refers to Part A and B coverage. These two aspects of Medicare cover hospital visits and routine medical care but leave significant gaps in coverage. Beneficiaries must seek supplemental Medicare coverage to cover expenses like medications, dental care, or vision services.

What did Original Medicare cover in Kentucky?

Original Medicare coverage is limited to Part A and B. Medicare Part A and B apply to specific types of healthcare and offer different types of coverage. For example, while Part A covers in-patient treatment like hospital stays, Part B covers services such as doctor visits and vaccinations.

Who is eligible for Original Medicare in Kentucky?

To qualify for Medicare, a Kentucky resident must reach age 65, except in the case of specific qualifying disabilities. Citizenship or permanent legal residency is another requirement of the program. While no income cap exists for Medicare in Kentucky, low-income beneficiaries may qualify for assistance to reduce the costs of premiums and deductibles.

How do I qualify for dual Medicare and Medicaid in Kentucky?

Medicare and Medicaid are separate programs that provide services in different ways. While Medicare is a federal program in which the government provides healthcare to retirees, state governments offer Medicaid coverage to residents in need of financial assistance.

It’s possible to qualify for both programs, so Medicare beneficiaries should explore the requirements for Medicaid in Kentucky to find out if they can save money.

Is Medicare Part A free at age 65 in Kentucky?

Medicare Part A is free at age 65 to most beneficiaries in Kentucky, although some restrictions apply. Any Kentucky beneficiaries receiving retirement benefits from Social Security qualify for Part A coverage with zero premiums. Residents who don’t qualify for free Part A coverage can still purchase the coverage for a reasonable fee.

How to Sign Up for Supplemental Medicare in Kentucky

Interacting with the Medicare system can be frustrating due to its complexity. Fortunately, the experts at Medigap.com can help simplify the process and ensure you have the right coverage. With our assistance, you can identify the best plan and provider for your needs at no cost.

The cost of healthcare is a significant concern, and if your coverage is inadequate, you may wind up with high medical bills. Fortunately, Medigap.com is here to help beneficiaries struggling to choose a supplemental plan in Kentucky.

Call us or fill out our web form to get rates for Kentucky Medicare plans today.

Written By:
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Lindsay Malzone, Lindsay Malzone is the Medicare editor for Medigap.com. She's been contributing to many well-known publications since 2017. Her passion is educating Medicare beneficiaries on all their supplemental Medicare options so they can make an informed decision on their healthcare coverage.
Reviewed By:
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Rodolfo Marrero, Rodolfo Marrero is one of the co-founders at Medigap.com. He has been helping consumers find the right coverage since the site was founded in 2013. Rodolfo is a licensed insurance agent that works hand-in-hand with the team to ensure the accuracy of the content.