The Ins and Outs of Medicare Insurance
If you’re nearing the age of sixty-five or have just turned 65 years old, you have no doubt been bombarded with various literature advising you to enroll in Medicare Advantage and/or choose a Medicare supplemental insurance plan. Navigating the maze of Medicare Advantage and Medicare supplemental insurance can seem overwhelming, but with the following simple pointers, you’ll be able to choose the correct plan for your individual needs and head off into your golden years well-prepared and worry-free. Remember, you’re never too young to start researching and learning about your many Medicare insurance options.
When searching for Medicare insurance for seniors, it is important to keep in mind there are many options to choose from, and with many seniors living on fixed budgets, costs do matter. While Medicare supplemental plans are standardized and regulated by the federal government, some variations occur due to additional state regulations.
Similarly, there are multiple types of Medicare Advantage plans each having unique characteristics, benefits, and bonuses.
Double Check for the Best Deal
It may seem easy to just reach out and sign up for the first Medicare insurance plan you find, but patience will pay off here. It is impossible to over-emphasize how important it is to compare Medicare plans before choosing the best one for you. There are quite a few resources readily available both on the Ashford Insurance website and in person. The good thing about databases like these is that they contain a wealth of information. The not-so-good thing about databases is that they sometimes contain so much information it can be a bit overwhelming and may take a little while to find the answer to your exact question. In circumstances like this, our next tip is essential.
When in Doubt, Give an Ashford Insurance Agent a shout
In addition to the Ashford Insurance website, there is a wide variety of human resources just a phone call or email away. To get the best answer to your question it is recommended that you consult one of the Ashford Insurance Agents that specialize in Medicare insurance. Ashford Insurance Agents are an excellent resource. The Ashford Insurance agency deals exclusively with Medicare supplemental, Medicare Part D, and Medicare Advantage plans. Because of our expertise, our agents quickly and (more importantly!) correctly answer any query whether it’s about Medicare Advantage, choosing the best Medicare supplemental insurance plan, or even questions about Medicare Part D (Medicare’s prescription plan). So next time you’re confused about your options, just pick up the phone and make a call! 817-952-3153
Do I Need Medicare Supplemental Insurance?
Yes! So how does this relate to Medicare’s coverage? There is a general rule of thumb that is called the “80/20 rule.” Outside of some of the preventative items like mammograms, colorectal screenings, and some psychiatric care, Medicare covers the first 80 percent of medical bills, leaving you to cover the last 20 percent. Medicare will also cover certain medically necessary pieces of equipment like seat lift mechanisms and diabetic shoes. It doesn’t seem too bad at first, especially if you’re a healthy individual, but if something happens that requires you to need urgent medical care or even an operation, you may have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Unfortunately, Original Medicare has no Maximum Out of Pocket amount. Therefore, supplemental Medicare insurance is a necessity for every senior. Not only do you need Medicare supplemental insurance, but you also need it before something happens to you, and you won’t use it much until the last 5 years of your life. So, two points to keep in mind 1) If you wait until a procedure is needed or something unexpected happens to you, you’ve waited too long, and 2) Don’t make the mistake of canceling your Medicare supplement policy because you’ve paid in more than you use. It’s health insurance and in this case, it works best if it’s held in place. And let us not forget, there are also penalties in place for not having a Medicare Prescription Drug plan in place.
So, What Is the Best Medicare Supplement Plan for Me?
If you’re still wondering which Medicare insurance plan is the best plan for you, the answer is: it depends on your specific needs and preferences! Therefore, you need to compare Medicare supplement plans, Medicare Advantage plans, and Medicare Part D plans thoroughly before deciding. Depending on your specific needs there is a variety of choices that could fit. As some say, sometimes a good offense is to have a good defense, so don’t wait until the last minute to take care of finding a Medicare insurance plan. Pick up the phone, call Ashford Insurance and start to compare Medicare plans today and you’ll be sure to have many happy, healthy tomorrows.
Photo by Mikhail Nilov
