How To Use Medicare
Starting at age 65, you can enroll in Medicare, but that doesn’t mean that your healthcare is free. Your income in retirement is used to determine how much your premiums are for Medicare Parts B and D.
Even with Medicare, you’ll still need to pay some out-of-pocket expenses, and you may want to add coverage for care such as dental, vision, and hearing aids. Let’s get you started with some info on the different parts of Medicare, how you might use them, and how much you should budget for.
How to Get Ready for Medicare
Understand when you can enroll, how much it could cost, and what type of coverage you can get with Medicare.
If you’re close to age 65, you can take your Medicare planning to the next level by visiting the Fidelity Medicare Services page. You can:
-Talk to a licensed Fidelity Medicare advisor,
-Compare prices for different health plans,
-And enroll in a plan.
The Ins and Outs of Medicare
How the different parts of Medicare can create a whole coverage plan.
Part A
Hospital Insurance
- Inpatient hospital care
- Skilled nursing facility care
- Hospice
- Home healthcare
Most people don’t pay a monthly premium for Part A
Part B
Medical Insurance
- Services from doctors and other healthcare providers
- Outpatient care
- Home healthcare
- Durable medical equipment
2024 Part B standard monthly premium is $174.70*
Part C
Medicare Advantage
- Includes all benefits and services covered under Part A and Part B
- Narrow network of providers
- Usually includes Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) as part of the plan
- Administered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies that follow rules set by Medicare
Premium varies by plan
Part D
Prescription Drug
- Administered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies that follow rules set by Medicare
- Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs
- Enroll in creditable prescription drug coverage to avoid a penalty of higher premiums
Premium varies by plan
Plan to work past age 65? Learn how Delta’s health insurance works with Medicare.
If you plan to work at Delta after you turn age 65, understand how that could affect your options and timing for Social Security and Medicare. Learn more in this fact sheet.
Medicare Supplement Plan for Active Employees Over Age 65 and Retirees
The Insurance Trust for Delta Retirees sponsors a Medicare Supplement Plan that Delta retirees and Medicare-eligible employees (age 65 or older) may consider. This plan is administered by Mercer and is not associated with or controlled by Delta.
Here’s how it works: You can use this plan as secondary coverage if you are an active employee over age 65 with health insurance through Delta or if you’re a retiree with Medicare. If you or one of your eligible dependents are age 65 or older, you will receive an enrollment package from the Insurance Trust for Delta Retirees for medical, dental, prescription drug and vision coverage. To enroll, follow the instructions in the package from the Retiree Service Center at Mercer.
Remember, the My Delta Service Center (MDSC) will not be able to enroll you in the Insurance Trust for Delta Retirees Medical Plan or answer questions regarding the Insurance Trust for Delta Retirees plan coverages. You can find out more information in the materials that will be mailed to your home or contact the Retiree Service Center through Mercer at 1-877-325-7265.
Learn More About Medicare
- For specific coverage and cost information, visit mymedicare.gov
- Explore Delta’s Alex tool to learn more about your Medicare options and for help making the right choice for you
- Consider options for long-term care.
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* Medicare Part B monthly premiums are based on Monthly Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) and may change over time.