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vendredi 19 octobre 2018

Some Of The Most 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.

First of all seniors ask what they have to do to enroll. You can apply for benefits as early as three months before your sixty-fifth birthday, and as late as three months after it. Enrolling in the month you were born is fine too. If you're already retired and receiving Social Security, you are automatically enrolled in Parts A and B without doing anything. Your benefits will kick in on the first day of the month in which you turn sixty-five.

Seniors who are looking ahead want to know if the program pays for long term care. It really does not. It won't help you when you need assistance with daily activities or custodial care if that is the only type 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.

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.

The difference between Medigap and supplemental insurance is also a question. The main difference is going to be in the your choice of carrier. Every letter plan includes the same coverage regardless of the carrier you choose or where you are located. Prices vary according the carriers.




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