Thursday 18 October 2018

Some Common Medicare Questions Answered

By Brian Turner


As people near retirement age, they start to think about what to do next. Most understand that they will begin to receive Social Security checks to supplement their income, or as their only income. Most seniors know something about the medical benefits they have earned and will receive when they reach sixty-five. The particulars of these benefits are sometimes confusing however. To make responsible, informed decisions about their health, older Americans need their Medicare questions answered.

Seniors want to know when they can enroll. You can sign up for your benefits anywhere from three months before you turn sixty-five to three months after you turn sixty-five. That includes the month of your birthday as well. If you're already receiving Social Security, you don't have to do anything. You'll be signed up automatically for Parts A and B on the first day of the month you turn sixty-five.

Seniors are concerned about long term health care and want to know if their benefits include it. The simplest answer is no. You will not be covered for things like custodial care and help with daily living, if that is the primary focus of your needs.

What is will pay for is long term care in a hospital and some nursing care in a qualifying facility. Your benefits will pay for certain home health services, hospice, and respite care. For more information about nursing home care, you should visit the government's website.

Why you would choose an Advantage Plan instead of Part A and B is confusing to many. One of the biggest reasons is that Advantage Plans will pay for prescription drugs. Advantage Plans pay all covered expenses after you have reached your out of pocket responsibility of $6700. If you are interested in having dental and vision care, you will need to sign up for an Advantage Plan.

HMOs and PPOs are another source of confusion. Many seniors are unsure what the difference is between these two. Health Maintenance Organization plans, or HMOs, cost less when it come to the money that comes out of your pocket. That's what makes them attractive to many seniors. You must use a physician in their network though. Many HMOs cover prescription drugs.

PPOs, Preferred Provider Organization, plans let you choose any doctor who accepts Medicare. You don't have to stay in their network, which is a big draw for seniors who love the doctors they have and don't want to have to make a change. You will pay more for monthly premiums with these plans. If you go outside the network for a doctor, it may cost more than if you had chosen a doctor in their network. These plans can cover prescription drugs.

Seniors want to know about the difference in supplemental and Medigap plans. Most of the difference comes from the carrier you choose. Each lettered plan has the same coverage no matter which carrier you choose or where you live. The price will vary according to the carrier.




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