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
Are you approaching retirement? Retirement is a big accomplishment. It's your opportunity to leave the working world and live the life you've always imagined. However, there are some big issues you'll need to manage as you transition into retirement. Healthcare is one of the most important. You'll no longer have your employer coverage. If you're like most retirees, you'll use Medicare. When you enroll in Medicare, you can choose between two options - traditional Medicare, which consists of multiple parts, or Medicare Advantage. Medicare Advantage policies are offered by private insurers with a wide range of different benefits, cost structures, and services. Below are a few reasons to consider a Medicare Advantage policy for your retirement.
Care. Original Medicare is a valuable tool that provides healthcare coverage for many types of care and treatments. However, there are many types of care not covered by Medicare, including dental care, vision, certain types of rehab and therapy, and much more. Many Medicare Advantage policies cover not only traditionally covered treatment, like doctor visits and hospitalization, but also other types of care like dental, vision, and wellness. You may find that you have more sufficient and robust coverage with a Medicare Advantage policy than you would have with an original Medicare policy.
Cost. The costs for original Medicare are very straightforward. You pay a flat premium and then a standard deductible or copay for certain types of care. With Medicare Advantage policies, you have more choice and flexibility. Some plans may have higher premiums and lower deductibles. Others could have higher deductibles, but much lower premiums. You can choose the type of policy and cost structure that best fits your needs and budget. If your situation changes, you have the flexibility to move to a different plan during the annual open enrollment period.
Convenience. Original Medicare is a helpful resource, but it can also be confusing. You choose from multiple "parts," and each provides coverage for different types of care. Your care is billed through each individual part, which means you could have multiple bills and records for one visit to a provider. With Medicare Advantage, all of your care is managed under one umbrella. There is one point of contact for all questions and concerns. You have one bill and one statement. Your out-of-pocket payments go to one carrier. It makes it much simpler and more convenient to manage your healthcare costs in retirement.
Ready to explore your Medicare Advantage options? Contact a medical insurance agent in your area today to start the conversation.