Better Understand Your Medicare Options

August 19 01:00 2014 by ushadmin

If you are new to Medicare or have been on Medicare for a while, you may find it difficult to figure out what all the plans mean and what the best options are for your evolving health care needs and financial situation.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program. Unlike other health insurance, Medicare coverage is divided into four parts: A, B, C and D. Medicare Part A and B together make up what is called Original Medicare. Here is the breakdown of your Medicare Options:

Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and home health services.

Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventative services.

Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans): Medicare Part C has to do with Medicare Advantage Plans. These plans are offered by a private company that contracts with Medicare to provide you with all your Part A and Part B benefits.

Take caution if considering a Medicare Advantage Plan. These plans may look good on the surface, but they do have many limitations, such as restrictions on your choice of health care provider.

TIP: Stay enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and have a Medigap policy to cover any gaps in Medicare coverage.

Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Adds prescription drug coverage to Original Medicare, which helps to lower your prescription drug costs and protect against higher costs.

TIP: The plan finder on Medicare’s website automatically does the math to find your best deal.
Medigap (Supplemental Insurance): Medigap is supplemental insurance to cover some of the out-of-pocket expenses in your original Medicare coverage, such as coinsurance and deductibles.

TIP: Premiums may vary for the same benefits plan, so shop around for the best deal.

When choosing your Medicare options, it is in your best interest to do as much research as you can. For more information, use the Medicare Plan Finder at www.Medicare.gov or call the Medicare helpline for assistance at 1-800-633-4227. For more information on the benefits of home health service, please contact Angels Care Home Health, a Medicare-certified agency, at 340-1088 or visit www.angelscarehealth.com/Emporia.