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Monday, 3 December 2018

Some Common Medicare Questions Answered

By Brian Turner


As seniors get close to the age they can retire, they begin to take stock of the assets they are going to have. The majority understand how Social Security works and know it will be there to supplement their income. Many are less sure about their health benefits, and what the government will and won't do for them once they reach sixty-five. In order to make informed, responsible decisions in regard to their health, seniors need to have 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.

Older citizens who are anticipating the future are interested in whether or not their benefits will cover long term care. The short answer is no. You can't depend on it if help with daily living activities and or custodial care are the only kinds of care you need.

It will pay for long term hospital situations and some of the nursing care necessary in a facility that qualifies. The benefits will cover some home health services, respite care, and hospice. For more information about the specifics of nursing home care, visit the official Medicare 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 confusing to seniors. Most don't understand the difference between the two. HMOs, Health Maintenance Organization, plans have lower out of pocket expenses, which is the reason many seniors opt for them. You are required to find a doctor in their network however. A lot of them include prescription drugs.

Preferred Provider Organization plans, or PPOs, allow the senior to choose any physician who accepts Medicare. These plans don't require you to stay inside their network. This is a big plus for retirees who have a doctor they trust, but who isn't in the PPOs network. The monthly premiums are higher with PPOs. If you decide to go outside the network for a physician, it could cost more. Prescription drugs are covered.

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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