The Most important questions to ask when deciding on a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage Plan
The Most Important Questions to ask about Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage Plan.
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to Medicare Supplement Medicare Advantage Plan. It’s crucial you have all the information you need when selecting your initial Medicare coverage.
Did you know that once you make a decision about your Medicare Supplement of Medicare Advantage insurance, most people don’t ( or may not be ever able to change ) change?
There are a series of questions you should know the answers to before you make that decision. Take some time to compare Medicare Advantage programs versus Medicare Supplement programs in advance so you get the right plan for you.
When you’re interviewing your broker about Medicare you should ask these questions. If they don’t know the answers to these questions then you really should find somebody that does.
These questions are basic, but they are of critical importance for you. If you don’t get these answered, you could end up selecting the wrong Medicare plan.
If you want a copy of this as a checklist that you can print out and record the answers for yourself, call me at 877-549-12 12. I’ll just e-mail it to you!
Is my doctor or hospital in the network?
This changes rapidly. Some of these networks are shrinking and you need to know whether your doctor or hospital is included. Are you interested in a Select Plan? What do I do if I travel? Can I see any Doctor nationwide or even countywide?
What if I need care at a different facility, is it in the network?
This is important because if you go to your local hospital and they need to send you to a specialist at a different facility, you need to know if that facility and doctor will be in the network.
Do I need a referral to see a specialist?
So many people think that their primary care can do it all, but you may need a specialist one day, such as a cardiologist. In some plans, you need a referral to go see a cardiologist ( or any specialist ) and it may not be the cardiologist of your choice.
Which Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans do you offer?
Make sure you get 3-5 quotes and ask these questions on all the programs. If you call up some of the folks you see advertising on TV, they will only offer you one option. That is simply not a good idea. Same for the many many call centers. You need to get a variety of carrier quotes from different companies so you know you are getting the right Medicare plan for you.
Is there a premium charge, and if so, what is covered in dental and vision?
Don’t just take ‘yes, we cover dental and vision’ for an answer! It might just be a yearly eye exam or dental cleaning, or it might include glasses, contact lenses and further dental procedures. There can be a big difference in coverage, so find out what exactly is covered under dental and vision.
Do you offer Silver Sneakers?
Silver Sneakers is a nationwide program specifically for senior citizens that offers free gym memberships around the country. If you are currently paying for a gym membership, look at whether your insurance/Medicare carrier offers this.
Is there a household discount?
A lot of times you can get a substantial discount—sometimes up to 7% of the premium forever—if you and your spouse take a Medicare policy with the same insurance company. That kind of saving can really add up!
Are my prescription medications covered?
Again, don’t just take “yes, we cover prescription drugs” for an answer. Get a list from your pharmacy of your medications, including the exact medication name, dosage and frequency. Find out if your particular drugs will be covered.
Who will answer any questions or service related issues I might have?
There will come a time in the future that you will have questions about your policy. If you call a call center, you’re probably going to be out of luck. Find out who can answer your policy and service related questions.
If I don’t like my plan, when can I change it?
In Medicare Advantage programs, you can only change once per year, whereas you might be able to change Medicare Supplement plans as often as you wish if you stay healthy or don’t have anything major. It’s important to find out what your options are for changing plans if you want or need to.
Will I have access to doctors and hospitals if I travel?
This doesn’t just apply to travel within the U.S. Find out what type of coverage you will have if you go to Mexico, Canada or Europe for example. Will you have any coverage whatsoever? You need to know.
What are the premiums, copayments, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums?
This is an important one! You need to know how much you are going to be responsible for, how much Part B will cost you and whether there are going to be any Medicare deductibles that you need to be concerned about. Know what you will have to pay so you don’t get a big surprise later.
How much will my plan pay if I get seriously injured or get really, really sick?
There may be a limit to how much your plan will pay, or to how much you might have to pay out of pocket. However, on some plans, you will have significant out-of-pocket expenses if you get seriously ill or injured. You need to be aware of that and factor it into your decision-making process.
These are the most important questions you need to get answered when comparing Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans. Go through them in great detail with your broker so you ensure you are on the right Medicare plan for you.
Believe me, I understand how confusing Medicare can be. It truly can be overwhelming.
My passion as a Medicare Expert is to help you navigate, educate, and understand and to you enroll in the best plan for you. I am NOT a call center and will likely answer your call when you call me directly at 877-549-1212. I set aside time every day to help you avoid choosing the wrong Medicare Plan. My consultation is completely free, for a limited time only. I invite you to contact me personally to discuss your situation, while I still have the time. I have 29 years of expertise in Medicare and I look forward to helping you with your insurance needs.
Call me today at 877-549-1212
