Written by Access Health CT | Published August 17th, 2023 | Updated August 17th, 2023What is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people who are age 65 or older and for certain people with disabilities. Medicare offers broad coverage: Part A is insurance for hospitalization, home or skilled nursing, and hospice; Part B is medical insurance; Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans) is a private insurance option for covering hospital and medical costs; and Part D covers prescription medications. Part C can supplement Parts A, B, and sometimes D.
If you are currently eligible or enrolled in Medicare, you cannot enroll in a Qualified Health Plan through Access Health CT. Qualified Health Plans are not supplemental Medicare plans. If you become Medicare-eligible during the plan year, you may choose to stay enrolled in your Qualified Health Plan, but you are no longer eligible for financial help (Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) or Cost-Sharing Reductions) to lower your costs, and may notice an increase in your monthly premium payments. When you become eligible for Medicare, you must contact Access Health CT to update your application so that you do not continue to recieve APTCs you are no longer eligible to recieve. We want to help you avoid any issues when you file your next federal income tax return, as you may be required to pay back any APTCs that you received after you became eligible for Medicare.
You can cancel your Qualified Health Plan through Access Health CT at any time.
Can I enroll in a plan through Access Health CT if I am eligible or currently enrolled in Medicare?
- No, if you are currently eligible or enrolled in Medicare, you cannot enroll in a Qualified Health Plan. Qualified Health Plans are not supplemental Medicare plans.
However, if you are enrolled in a Qualified Health Plan and become eligible for Medicare during the plan year, you may choose to stay enrolled in your Qualified Health Plan, but you will no longer be eligible for APTCs or Cost-Sharing Reductions (i.e. you would not be eligible for any financial help towards the cost of your Qualified Health Plan).
Can I enroll in a dental plan through Access Health CT if I am eligible for or currently enrolled in Medicare?
- Yes, you can enroll in a Stand-Alone Dental Plan even if you are eligible for Medicare. To enroll in dental coverage while you are eligible for Medicare, you must call us at 1-855-805-4325.
Do I need to end my Qualified Health Plan (QHP) when enrolling in Medicare?
- Yes, you need to cancel your Qualified Health Plan through Access Health CT.
Will Access Health CT send me a notice to remind me about this coverage transition?
- Yes, Access Health CT will send you a notice two (2) months before your 65th birthday as a courtesy. This notice is not an eligibility determination but informs you that you may become eligible for Medicare and that you need to take action. Access Health CT does not send this reminder if you become eligible for Medicare before your 65th birthday— for example, at age 63.
- Access Health CT also periodically checks consumers' eligibility for Medicare and will send those consumers enrolled in a Qualified Health Plan a notice that they are no longer eligible for financial help.
How can I find out if I am eligible for Medicare?
You can find more information about your Medicare eligibility here:
- For assistance with Medicare enrollment decisions, contact the CHOICES Program: 1-800-994-9422