Choosing a Medicare Plan
If you’re nearing the age of 65, it may be time to start thinking about your Medicare options. Choosing a Medicare plan doesn’t have to be a stressful process, as long as you have the right guidance. At Medicare Plans Direct, we help our clients navigate the seemingly countless Medicare options that are out there.
Reach out to us today to discuss your plan options and find the coverage that’s right for you.
Original Medicare Options
Original Medicare consists of Part A (inpatient care) and Part B (outpatient care). Original Medicare will provide you with basic coverage for your hospital visits, doctor’s visits, and medically necessary equipment.
Part A also provides some coverage for Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) care, nursing home care, hospice care, and home health care. Part B covers both medically necessary and preventative services, mental health care, ambulance services, and more.
Most people are automatically enrolled in Part A at no cost to them, though some people have to pay a premium for their coverage. When it comes to Part B, most people have to pay a premium, and if you don’t enroll when you are first eligible, you may be subject to a late enrollment penalty.
You should be aware that Original Medicare alone does not limit out-of-pocket costs. You can minimize these potential expenses by enrolling in Medicare Supplement Insurance or a Medicare Advantage plan.
Drug Coverage With Original Medicare
Original Medicare doesn’t offer coverage for your prescription medications. You can get help with the costs of your prescription drugs if you enroll in Medicare Part D.
Part D plans are sold by third-party insurance companies. They can be combined with Original Medicare to assist you in covering drug-related expenses.
As is the case with Part B, if you don’t sign up for Part D when you are first eligible, you may be required to pay a late enrollment fee if you choose to do so at a later date.
Comparing Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage, or Part C, plans are another way to get Medicare coverage. There are various factors that you will want to consider when comparing Medicare Advantage plans.
First off, plans vary by ZIP Code and county, so you will want to make sure that a plan is available where you live before getting your heart set on it.
Some Part C plans may offer additional coverage options that you can’t get through Original Medicare alone. Some examples are vision, hearing, dental, and prescription drug coverage.
There are various types of Medicare Advantage plans, all of which come with unique coverage options, restrictions, and regulations. Because of this, it is always best to consult with an experienced insurance agent before deciding on a policy.
Comparing Medicare Supplement Plans
Medicare Supplement Insurance, also referred to as Medigap, provides you with coverage that helps to fill in the gaps left over by Original Medicare.
Each different Medigap plan offers its own array of benefits. These can include coverage for your Part A and Part B deductibles, coinsurance and copayments, foreign travel emergency expenses, and more.
Choosing between the seemingly endless Medicare coverage options available can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Get in touch with an experienced insurance agent here at Medicare Plans Direct if you would like to take the stress out of choosing a Medicare policy.
