As open enrollment rolls around, aging patients may be concerned about applying for the right Medicare plan. Many questions are surrounding the subject that can make the process overwhelming. By following the tips we’ve outlined below, you can successfully get enrolled in a Medicare plan that is right for you.
Understand The Different Parts
Medicare comes with many different parts, called plans. Part A Medicare covers inpatient healthcare services like hospital stays and hospice care. Part B is all about preventative healthcare services and receiving medical treatments. Part C is a combination of both Parts A and B. This plan can also include additional coverage for things like vision, dental, and hearing. Part D is all about prescription drug coverage.
Assess Your Needs
Each person’s health is different from the next. It’s vital to think about what you really need in a healthcare policy. If you’re taking prescriptions on a daily basis, then you’re going to want to include Part D in your coverage. If you’re healthy and are just looking for a basic plan to cover the cost of preventative care, then Part B may be right for you. There are many Medicare advantage solution software programs available online that will ask you questions about your needs and provide you with the right coverage.
Determine Your Primary Care Physician
Most people have a primary care physician who they deal with throughout their life. It’s very likely that you may want to retain your same PCP under your Medicare coverage. For this reason, you should be checking that your PCP is an in-network provider for any plan that you consider signing up for. This process will ensure that you can keep your same PCP with your new Medicare insurance plan.
Figure Out Your Budget
While it would be nice to have all the luxuries that Medicare has to offer, that’s not always financially feasible. You should think about your budget and determine how much you can comfortably afford to pay each month for Medicare. When considering your budget, you’ll also want to take into account what the average copay will be for certain plans.
Getting enrolled in Medicare as an aging patient can help to ease the stressful burden of dealing with medical costs. The above tips should point you in the right direction during your search. Be sure to take your time to ensure that you’re picking the appropriate plan to fit your needs.
