Healthcare
Seven questions to ask before getting Medicare
Posted
From Florida Blue
Are you getting ready to make the move to Medicare? If you’re getting close to age 65 or if retirement is right around the corner, there’s a lot you need to know about Medicare before you choose a plan.
Here are seven questions to ask before you shop for a plan:
- How much does it cost? Find out if the plan has a monthly premium and how much out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance will cost.
- Do you want extra benefits like vision, dental and hearing? Also, check for other benefits like fitness programs, wellness incentives or ways to save money.
- Do you want to be able to choose your preferred doctors? Make sure your doctors are part of the plan’s network.
- Do you want a primary care doctor coordinating your care? Some plans require you to have a primary care doctor. A primary care doctor can help coordinate your care with your other providers.
- Does the plan cover prescription drugs? Make sure your prescriptions are on the plan’s formulary.
- Do you travel often or have a home in another state? If so, you may need a larger provider network to cover you.
- Are providers who accept Medicare located nearby? Make sure your plan includes doctors located near you.
Now that you know what questions to ask, here’s all the different parts of Medicare, what they cover and how much they cost:
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Medicare Type
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Covers
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Cost
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Part A
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Hospital stays and other related care, such as lab tests and surgery, skilled nursing facility stays
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If you or your spouse contributed to Medicare through payroll deductions for at least 10 years or 40 quarters, then Medicare Part A will be premium-free.
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Part B
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Outpatient procedures and doctor visits
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Depending on your income, there is typically a premium.
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Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
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Coupled together, Parts A and B are called Original Medicare and include coverage for inpatient (Part A) and outpatient care (Part B).
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There is typically a premium for Part B.
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Medicare Advantage
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Includes the same coverage as Parts A and B, often with Part D prescription drug coverage and extra hearing, dental and vision benefits.
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The premium depends on the plan you choose. Many plans are offered at a $0 premium (although you will still have to pay a Part B premium).
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Part D prescription drug plans
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Prescription drugs
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The premium depends on the plan you choose. Prescription drug plans can be purchased as standalone plans or can be included as part of a Medicare Advantage plan.
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Medicare Supplement
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Covers out-of-pocket costs not paid by Original Medicare
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The premium depends on the plan you choose. Medicare Supplement plans are often purchased with a Part D prescription drug plan.
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Have more questions about Medicare? Visit FloridaBlue.com/medicare.
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