Seniors have been bombarded with ads for Medicare health insurance plans whose open enrollment begins October 15th and runs through December 7th.
Each year, Medicare health and drug plans can change policies to obtain better coverages for things like cost, copays, and prescription coverages. Many of these plans include free dental, vision, and over the counter benefit cards. These extra benefits can change by plan annually.
The options are endless and can become very overwhelming. From the constant mailers, and commercials claiming you should get the benefits you deserve. These ads are very deceiving as they typically have spokespeople who are beloved characters from past shows, and athletes. And generally, don’t work in your area (not knowing which carriers work best in your region) or are sold by high pressure salespeople selling based on commission instead of your individual needs.
DO NOT fall pray to these commercials or mailers. These plans are not local based, and you will not have a local agent to assist you with questions or if issues arise.
If you are newly eligible to Medicare, then we highly recommend you speak with a local agent in your community or by personal referral from friends and family. These agents live and work in your community, will be there for you when a need arises, and do not charge any fees to work with. They know the plans that work best in your region and listen to what needs are most important to you.
What’s the difference between original Medicare and Medicare advantage?
Original Medicare-
- Includes Medicare Part A, which covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care and some home health care.
- Includes Part B, which covers certain doctors’ visits, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventative services.
- You would need to purchase in addition a Part D prescription drug plan at an additional premium and copays. If you do not purchase a drug plan within 63 days of becoming Medicare eligible or losing your employer/retiree benefits you will be imposed a penalty for life.
- You would also need to purchase supplemental coverage (also called Medigap), to fill the gaps in A & B coverage (like your 20% co-insurance). The supplement is a one-time enrollment, and if you don’t buy it within 6 months of having Part B coverage, you won’t be able to add it on later, or you’ll have to pay more for it.
- Optionally, dental and vison as the above plans have no coverage for these services.
Medicare Advantage (also known as Part C)
- A Bundles plan that includes Part A, Parts B and usually Part D.
- Many plans offer robust network coverage in state as well as out of state coverage/network.
- Plans typically have low to no cost monthly compared to monthly premiums for each plan on Original Medicare.
- Plans typically have no deductible and, low to no copays on services, and include dental. Vision, hearing, and other extra benefits as gym memberships and over the counter card benefits to pay for non-prescription products.
- Plans may offer nonemergency coverage out of network, but at a higher cost.
- Most do NOT require referrals to see a specialist.
Don’t get lost in the Medicare maze. Contact Freeland Insurance Solutions in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and let a local agent guide you through the process, ensuring you get the benefits you truly deserve. Say no to deceptive ads, and say yes to personalized, local assistance today! Call 269.910.2758 or Schedule a Consultation.
