A couple decades ago, there weren’t a lot of choices when you became eligible for Medicare. Most U.S. citizens enrolled in Original Medicare, the health plan that’s provided by the U.S. government. The decision-making process was pretty easy.
Those days are long gone. In recent years, the Medicare marketplace has exploded with choices. Most people now have a wide selection of private Medicare Advantage and Part D drug plans to choose from—in addition to Original Medicare and Medicare supplement (Medigap) plans.
How do you decide which plan best meets your health care needs, preferences, and budget? Here are 6 things to consider: what’s covered, cost, provider network, prescription drugs, other benefits, and care when you travel. These Medicare tips will help answer some of these questions.
1. Decide how much health care coverage you want.
If you’re only looking for basic, no-frills coverage, Original Medicare takes care of that. It’s the combination of Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). To get help paying for prescription medications, you’ll also need to enroll in a stand-alone Part D (prescription drug) plan.
A Medigap (supplemental) plan is another way to help pay for out-of-pocket hospital and medical expenses that aren’t covered by Original Medicare.
Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, combine Parts A and B, and often Part D (also known as Medicare Advantage Prescription drug plans). These plans may include vision, hearing, and dental benefits, and health and wellness programs that aren’t offered by Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are an alternative to Original Medicare, not a supplement to it.
Even if you don’t use many health care services or prescription medications at the moment, keep in mind that even the healthiest person can experience an unexpected illness or accident, and costs can add up fast. Prepare for the unknown as you choose a plan, just in case.
2. Review plan costs.
Look carefully at the costs of each plan, including premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Then look a little further.
How much will you pay for X-rays, outpatient surgery, inpatient hospital care, and other services you may need? Is there a yearly limit on what you pay out-of-pocket?
What makes the most sense given your health and financial situation?
3. Find out if your doctors are on the plan’s network.
With Original Medicare, you can see any doctor who accepts Medicare. With most Medicare Advantage plans, you’ll need to use doctors, hospitals, and other facilities in the plan’s network.
If you’re considering a Medicare Advantage plan, check the provider directory to see if your doctor is in the plan’s network, or consider whether you’re willing to switch doctors. Also find out if you can see a non-network doctor if you choose, and how much you’ll pay if you do so.
4. Check out prescription drug coverage.
Each health plan that offers prescription drug coverage will include a drug formulary, which is the list of medications the plan covers. Are the medications you’re currently taking listed on the formulary?
How much will you pay for brand-name drugs, and how much for generic drugs? Does the plan require that you get prior authorization, or meet other requirements, before your medications are covered?
And are network pharmacies conveniently located for you?
5. Notice if extra benefits are included.
Check to see if the plan provides fitness or dental benefits, vision care, or hearing-aid coverage. You won’t find that coverage with Original Medicare, but it’s often included as part of Medicare Advantage plans or is an optional add-on.
6. Consider what’s covered when you travel.
With Original Medicare, you can travel anywhere in the United States and its territories and get the medical care you need from any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans may not cover your care in the United States outside of the plan’s service area, with the exception of emergency and urgently needed care.
Outside of the United States, Original Medicare covers services in a few, limited instances.
Many Medicare Advantage plans provide broader coverage, such as emergency and urgent care worldwide. Also, some supplemental insurance, such as Medigap plans, provides coverage for foreign travel.
Check each plan carefully to see what rules and costs apply.
By David Lasman – “Ask Medicare Dave” | President – Senior Healthcare Team
wwww.SeniorHealthcareTeam.com | 866-333-7340
Selecting the right healthcare plan through Medicare can be overwhelming and downright stressful. Senior Healthcare Team is a nationwide resource that provides guidance and support about Medicare to seniors at no cost to them and helps them to choose the most suitable insurance plan tailored to their specific needs and budget. Our goal is to educate and empower our clients to make the best decisions regarding their healthcare and clear up the confusion of Medicare. At Senior Healthcare Team, we aren’t partial to any one insurance company. Our loyalty is to our clients and our mission is to provide them with the best healthcare options at the very lowest cost.