Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Policies 

The state of Georgia requires insurers to sell Medicare Supplement policies to people under sixty-five—inclusive of people with ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease).

 

Mini-COBRA Policies (Small Group) 
Federal Law requires large businesses to provide health insurance for their former employees up to eighteen months after a split. In most cases, smaller businesses (2-19 employees) are required to cover their employees—mini-Cobra policies. However each state has different eligibility for “mini-Cobra” companies. In Georgia, the law requires smaller businesses to cover past employees for three months after termination of employment.

 

Medicare Savings Program 
Most states have a form of premium support for low-income Medicare beneficiaries; the amount of support is directly correlated to the beneficiary’s income as a percentage of the Federal poverty level. 

In Georgia,

• Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries—individuals are covered who have a monthly income under $903 and couples with a monthly income under $1,215, The state pays all premiums for Part B, co-pays and deductibles for Medicare Part A and Part B;

• Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries—individuals are covered who have a monthly income under $1,083 and couples with a monthly income under $1,457, the state pays premium for Part B;

• Qualified Individuals—individuals are covered with a monthly income under $1,219 and for couples with a monthly income under $1,640 and the state pays premium for part B.

Please note that for all types of beneficiaries there is an asset limit of $6,600 for individuals and $9,900 for couples.

 

State Health Insurance Assistance Program 
GeorgiaCares is administered through the Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Aging Services. GeorgiaCares is a volunteer-based program that provides free, unbiased and factual information and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers.  GerogiaCares is run alongside the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).  GeorgiaCares volunteer counselors are waiting to hear your questions about:

• Prescription Drug Plan Coverage

• Medicare Advantage Plans

• Medicare Supplemental Policies (Medigap)

• Medicare Savings Programs and,

• Long Term Care Insurance

 

State Tax Credits for Health Insurance 
Georgia has a tax credit for small employers (50 or fewer employees) amounting to $250/ employee enrolled in a high-deductible plan. The employee must be enrolled for twelve consecutive months.  The credit is unlimited and non-refundable.

 

Low-Income Subsidy (“extra-help”) for Prescription Drugs
This program is a subsidy for Part D recipients with resources under $13,070 (or $26,120 for a couple) to receive money towards a Medicare prescription drug plan. The benchmark of support is different depending on which region of the country you live in.  In Georgia in 2012, the low-income subsidy was $31.18.

 

If you live in Georgia, and you are interested in getting a Medicare Plan, please contact the Medicare experts at eAmeriFamily Insurance.  They are industry veterans and will guide you through the process of getting the right Medicare, Medicare Advantage, MediGap, or Medicare Supplement Plan for you.