Four Things to Know Before you Select a Medicare Plan

Navigating Medicare plans can be tricky. Your health plan is highly personal, and it must meet your unique needs while providing access to the caregivers you trust. When selecting a plan during the annual open enrollment period this fall, it is crucial to remember that not all Medicare plans are created equal. Medicare Advantage differs from traditional Medicare in that it may impose different restrictions on care and limit the providers you can access in network.  That’s why research is so important to ensure that the Medicare plan you select works best for you. 

At St. Elizabeth, we want our patients to be knowledgeable in their healthcare options and confident in their decision-making. One of the most important things seniors can do is to educate themselves on the different types of Medicare plans available. When selecting a plan, consider the following: 

1. Your First Decision Matters 

Hopefully, you are in good health and have minimal medical care needs now at 65, making Medicare Advantage a perfectly appropriate choice. However, many patients report significant delays and barriers to care due to barriers in their Medicare Advantage plan when their health needs evolve. Consider your lifestyle, family history and overall priorities when selecting a plan. 

2. Medigap Coverage 

At 65, you have guaranteed eligibility for a Medicap plan to complement your traditional Medicare coverage. If you opt for Medicare Advantage now but want to switch to traditional Medicare later, it’s possible you may no longer qualify or that it will be much more expensive. 

3. Travel and Out-of-State Needs 

If you travel often or live out of the state for part of the year, you may find yourself out of network of your Medicare Advantage plan, often increasing the costs of your care. Traditional Medicare includes nearly every provider, whereas Medicare Advantage has more limitations to a specific geographic area.

4. Scams are Rampant 

In exploring your options, be extremely cautious of the source of your information. Never give out your information unless you’re confident that you’re speaking with a reputable individual. When in doubt, always refer to government websites (ending in .gov) for reliable Medicare information. 

While all the options may be overwhelming, there are plenty of resources to help you make the choice that fits your unique needs. For overall information on plans, visit www.medicare.gov.  You can also visit our site at www.stelizabeth.com/medicare.