Health Insurance and Medicare
Medicare
Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) Partner
K-State Research and Extension partners with the Department of Aging and Disability Services to bring free, confidential, unbiased assistance to Medicare beneficiaries and their families. If you need help with Medicare issues, long-term care, or other health insurance subjects contact the Salina office at 785-309-5850.
Contact information for Extension SHICK Counselors in KS
Resources:
Medicare Basics: New to Medicare program recording
New to Medicare Checklist and Medicare Resources
Checklist and information on applying for Medicare and finding a Senior Health Insurance Counselor for Kansas (SHICK) counselor.
Medicare Overview
This document illustrates what is covered by Medicare Parts A and B, deductibles and co-insurance.
Medicare Premiums, Deductibles and Co-Pays
This document contains deductible and co-pay amounts for Medicare Part A and Part B, as well as current premiums, including premium amounts for higher-income beneficiaries.
When to Enroll in Part B
If you are still working and have active employer health coverage you may be able to delay Medicare Part B until you retire and lose this coverage. There are other instances when you may not need to pick up Part B. Prescription drug coverage can also be delayed without the future penalty if you currently have creditable prescription drug coverage. If you have questions about enrolling in Medicare, please call the extension office at 785-309-5850.
- Enroll in Medicare Part A and/or B
- Application for Enrollment in Part B (CMS 40-B )
- Request for Employer Information (CMS L564)
The two forms above are returned to the Social Security Administration. Medicare beneficiaries can now fax Medicare Part B form, CMS-40B and CMS L564- Request for Employment Information, along with proof of employment, Group Health Plan (GHP), or Large Group Health Plan (LGHP) to 1-785-825-1211, if unable to mail the forms directly to your local Social Security office. To find your local office mailing address, please use the Social Security Office Locator.
Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA)
Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, or IRMAA, is the premium charged by Medicare Part B and Part D to Medicare beneficiaries with higher incomes. In 2023, individuals who earn more than $97,000, and couples who are married filing jointly with a MAGI of $194,000 or more will pay a higher premium for Part B and Part D. Income is determined based on the most recent tax return and is calculated every fall.
IRMAA Video
Life Changing Event Form to appeal IRMAA:
If you had a major life-changing event (marriage, divorce, death of a spouse, work stoppage or reduction) and your income has gone down, you may appeal the IRMAA decision by completing the form at https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-44.pdf
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans
Medicare supplement insurance wraps around your Medicare Part A and B coverage, picking up deductibles and co-pays for services covered by Medicare and performed by a Medicare provider.
Standardized Medicare Supplement Plans
Comparison table of 10 standardized Medicare supplement plans.
Buying a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan
Questions to think about when comparing a Medicare Supplement plan.
Kansas Insurance Department Medicare Supplement Shopper's Guide
Click on the Online Shopper's Guide link to obtain a cost estimate for Medicare supplement plans in your area.
Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage
Medicare beneficiaries are encouraged to review their prescription drug plan annually using the free online Medicare Plan Finder. The Annual Enrollment Period is October 15 - December 7 each year. Help from SHICK Counselors is available to assist with this process.
Inflation Reduction Act Changes Coming to Medicare Part D
Creating a MyMedicare Account
Step-by-step instructions to create a MyMedicare account to perform a personalized search on the Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov to select a Medicare prescription drug plan. This account can also be used to access your Medicare Summary Notices, view past drug plan and supplement coverage
2024 Part D Plans
List of prescription drug plans for the current year.
Low-Income Subsidy and Medicare Savings Program
Income and asset limits to qualify for assistance with Medicare prescription drugs and other medical costs.
- Apply online for Extra Help
- Apply for the Medicare Savings Program
Dental and Vision Options
Insurance plans for dental and vision care. We recommend you make sure your doctor is in the plan network before enrolling in a plan.
Health Insurance
K-State Research and Extension provides reliable, fact-based information to help consumers understand and select health insurance coverage. Extension agents are available to provide programs and courses in this area, and the following fact sheets are available for download. Additional resources are available by contacting our office.
Fact Sheets:
Health Insurance Smarts
Understanding Enrollment Periods
The North Central Flint Hills-Area Agency on Aging has trained Navigators available to assist with Marketplace health insurance enrollment. They can be reached at 785-823-1277.
Resources to assist those with limited incomes:
Salina Family Healthcare Center
Salina Family Healthcare Center (SFHC) receives federal grant funds to assist qualifying individuals in obtaining medical/dental care. SFHC is not a free clinic. Charges for services received are based on a client's ability to pay. This is determined by using Federal Poverty Level Guidelines.