Medicare Parts A and B Don’t Always Meet Your Needs

Most people enroll in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B around the time they turn 65 years old. However, these free and low-cost insurance plans for seniors can leave many gaps in coverage. That’s why we offer other types of Medicare insurance so you can fully meet your needs or the needs of your spouse. Having this additional Medicare insurance can save you money in the long run because you won’t have to pay out of pocket for things not covered by Medicare A and B.

Medicare Supplement Plans (aka Medigap Insurance)

This insurance fills holes in basic Medicare coverage, including things you may otherwise have to pay out of pocket. Some examples are:

• Deductibles
• Coinsurance
• Copays
• Hospital expenses
• Skilled nursing facility costs
• Charges for emergency medical services outside the United States

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Medicare Part C extends the coverage given by Medicare A and B. It includes lab tests, outpatient and hospital care, skilled nursing, home health, surgery, and medical equipment, as well as other benefits like:

• Dental
• Prescription Drug Coverage (depending on the plan) 
• Vision
• Hearing
• Nutrition
• Over-the-counter medications
• Transportation to the doctor’s office
• Fitness memberships
• Wellness programs
• Adult day care

You can usually only sign up for Medicare Part C during special enrollment periods:

• The annual enrollment period in the autumn months – October 15^th – December 7th
• Your initial Medicare enrollment period, which is three months before and three months after turning 65
• Special election periods you qualify for due to life events
• The Medicare Advantage open enrollment period (January 1^st – March 31^st)

Medicare Part D Insurance (Drug Plans)

Drug coverage is covered by Medicare Part D. This offers considerable savings to people 65 and older because they do not have to pay the full price of medications, even expensive ones. Some folks purchase Medicare Part D insurance as a stand-alone plan.

There are a few rules you need to be aware of with Medicare Part D:

• You still have to satisfy a deductible before your coverage kicks in, just like with other types of health insurance.
• Your plan’s formulary, or preferred drug list, determines which drugs are available, including both name brand and generic drugs.
• If you take many expensive medications, you may be eligible for catastrophic coverage, which picks up once your out-of-pocket expenses and your Part D plan’s coverage have been exceeded.

Our Independent Agents Can Help You Navigate Extra Medicare Coverage

We understand that Medicare coverage can be confusing and that the rules and costs change each year. As well as helping you enroll in the different plans described above, we can help you understand Medicare limitations and opportunities so you get the fullest coverage available to you and don’t miss any enrollment periods.

To learn more about extra Medicare insurance or to start a policy, contact Davidson & Associates Insurance at 360-514-9550 today. Have questions? We’re happy to answer them. Reach out online any time using our easy contact form.