About a year ago, I could tell that there were some issues with our medical insurance. It seemed like whenever we went to the doctor, we were left wondering why the bill was so high, which really made me worry about the situation. I started focusing more carefully on what to do about the situation, and within a few short weeks, I was going through our policies to see where the problem was. I found out that my claims were being processed improperly, so working with my insurance company made things better. This blog is here to help anyone who has ever had to resolve medical insurance problems.
Wendy Bryant
If you are getting older, you may be wondering about Medicare and related plans like Medicare Advantage. While you don't have to get a plan, it often provides better health coverage than Original Medicare. If you would like to learn more, check out these three commonly asked questions.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for Medicare Advantage, you must first qualify for Medicare Part A and Part B. This usually means you need to be at least 65 years or older. If you have a disability or permanent kidney failure, you may qualify for Medicare and Medicare Advantage before the age of 65.
In addition, you must live within the service area of the Medicare Advantage plan you purchase. This is because there is usually a list of approved providers you can use. If you don't live anywhere near the providers, you'll have to go to out-of-network providers, which aren't covered.
What Does It Cover?
Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover all services in Original Medicare. Therefore, it includes Part A coverage for hospital stays, but it also includes Part B, which carries the crux of your insurance. Part B includes doctor visits, preventative services, mental health care, and much more.
The advantage to Medicare Advantage, however, is that it often includes services that are not included in Original Medicare. This includes vision, hearing, dental, and wellness programs. If you have a chronic condition, you may even be able to find a plan that is tailored to your unique needs.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of a Medicare Advantage plan depends on many factors. In some cases, you may qualify to have the premium waived, but you'll still have to pay your Part B premium. In other cases, the Part B premium may be included in the cost of your Medicare Advantage plan, so while you have a high premium, it's the only premium you pay.
The amount of coinsurance or copayment also plays a big role in how much your plan costs. Some people may only have to pay $10 for each visit, but others may have a coinsurance of 10 percent. Other factors include the types of services you need, whether you stay in-network, whether you have Medicaid, and much more.
If you qualify for Medicare Part A and Part B, you likely qualify for Medicare Advantage. Not only can these plans give you more control over your health, but they may provide more benefits like vision. If you would like to learn more, contact an insurance provider and ask about Medicare Advantage enrollment.