medicare advantage plans

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If one has the patience to shop, these advantage plans offer the most

services for the least price compared to any other medicare combination

plan. Most provide the entire range of usual coverage including medical

and hospital and medication. Most offer a wide network of providers and

hospitals from which to choose. In my experience just about any provider

accepts most of them, but ask before deciding.

I have always used them. If one has ever used a private h m o plan these

are very much like them. Here are some pointers to consider.

One should start by finding which insurance companies participate where you

live. This can even within a state vary county by county. Calling

medicare will get one on one help for this or there is an online system to

do the same. After finding which are in your area, find the phone number

and call each company, this provides much better information then the

medicare or online system.

Consider what your realistic needs will likely be. Then determine by the

services offered and the monthly and co pays which one fits your needs.

Most companies offer more then one plan and vary in price and other

factors, which is a reason to speak to the company directly. They will

offer to send printed information, it is quite complex and things are often

hard to find and understand and obviously requires sighted help. Get the

direct company person to person service instead. They can help you wade

through all the options and what it costs and what fits your anticipated

needs.

It is often helpful to work backwards. You know what you will need except

for emergency situations in the way of services and medication. Have a

list of these in mind and go through it first to determine which of each

companies plan is best. This will allow you to find which one is similar

to what others offer. Then for similar plans one can by monthly cost shop

between companies.

The monthly cost can be from zero to well ovr a hundred per month. Mine is

zero, all come under the usual social security deducted charge regardless

of which medicare plan one uses. Some have yearly caps on how much will be

covered in each area of coverage.

All will have a system of co pays for all services. Most include

medications and equipment. Some offer dental and vision and free health

club plans. Mine even has free transportation to medical appointments.

Glucose strips either have a co pay or are free. Some are covered as a

prescription and others as a durable medical equipment item. Mine are

free.

Most all medications are covered and vary in co pay usually based on how

new they are. There is no donut hole. Medical and hospital costs have co

pays.

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