Understanding Senior Health Coverage
Finding the right health coverage is always important. However, as a senior eligible for Medicare the process of finding the right coverage can feel even more daunting. Luckily, if you're armed with some good information, finding the right coverage can be quite simple.
Finding the Right Senior Coverage
The easy part is that once you are eligible for Medicare Plan A, you are automatically enrolled. Plan A provides basic coverage for inpatient treatment. There are no monthly premiums for this service.
A lot of seniors find that the coverage in Plan A is not sufficient to cover them completely. That's where other Medicare plans can come into play. There are a variety of companies that offer these plans. But before you go shopping for companies it's important to understand what the different plans entail.
Choosing the Right Medicare Plan B or D
Medicare Plan B provides additional coverage to what is offered in Plan A. It includes coverage for things such as doctor's visits and outpatient care. Unlike Plan A you will have to actually enroll in Plan B. There are monthly premiums and deductibles, for which you will be responsible.
Medicare Plan D is a prescription drug benefit. Once again, it is elective coverage and you will have to enroll. There are monthly premiums and a yearly deductible that must be met. The good news about Plan D is: If you are eligible for Plan A, then you are automatically eligible for Plan D, regardless of the number of prescriptions you need or the cost of those prescriptions. Plan D covers both generic and brand-name prescription drugs.
Once you have decided which type of coverage you will need it's time to find heath care providers that offer these plans. Contacting the social security administration is a good place to begin in getting a list of participating companies.
*You may be able to get extra help to pay for your prescription drug premiums and costs. To see if you qualify for getting extra help, call:
- 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY/TDD users should call 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day/7 days a week;
OR
- The Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. TTY/TDD users should call, 1-800-325-0778; or Your State Medicaid Office.