Will My Social Security Benefits Be Affected by My Zip Code?

By NATE GARTRELL On Dec 3, 2021

State-by-state, you can get different Medicare benefits depending on where you live in the United State of America.

The differences in prices, rules, and availability are determined in part by the state or even by a zip code.

What Services are Available to Me under Medicare, and Am I Eligible?

Medicare is only available to those who meet certain eligibility requirements.

First, applicants must be 65 or older and receive either Social Security disability income or Railroad Retirement Board disability income for two years.

Medicare consists of two plans: Medicare Advantage and Medigap.

Supplemental Medicare is another name for Medigap and is available to those with Original Medicare.

The scope of the policy covers the difference between what you owe and what is covered under the original policy.

Private insurance companies operate these plans, so their availability is determined by where you live.

Original Medicare is being replaced by Medicare Advantage, which offers a variety of plans.

There are four main types under this plan: Health Maintenance Organization Plans, Preferred Provider Organization Plans, Private Fee-for-Service Plans, and Special Needs Plans.

Advantage Plans are also offered by private insurers, so the plan may also differ by location.

Again, Medicare is typically available to people when they turn 65 years of age.

You should automatically be enrolled in both Medicare Parts A and B if you receive Social Security retirement benefits or Railroad Retirement benefits.

Most Americans who pay payroll taxes for a long time and worked in the U.S. can receive part of their Medicare coverage, Part A, for free.

Those who qualify for Social Security will be eligible for Part A, which is known as “hospital insurance.”

Part B, which covers medical expenses, is not free.