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Medicare Health Insurance Choices

By Marilyn Katz

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 14Jan2010
Word count: 541
Viewed: 211 time(s)

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Do you understand Medicare? This is the US public health insurance plan for seniors and disabled people. The basic plan, also called original Medicare, provides medical and hospital benefits for millions of qualified American recipients. Established in the early 1960's, it has become a core part of our society.

Most US seniors, and some disabled people, qualify for this benefit. Part A does not usually a require a premium, but insured people must only pay a fairly low Part B premium. Most social security recipients have this premium taken out of their social security check every month.

However, the original plan does not cover all medical services. In addition, recipients will have to pay deductibles and copays for some services. This is why private health insurers are also in the market.

They provide Medicare supplements which offer more coverage or benefits. These are called Medicare supplements, medsups, or medigap policies. A person who selects on of these supplements will pay a premium to a private insurer, and they will use this coverage in addition to original Medicare.

These medigap plans are standardized with names like Plan A, Plan B, etc. Private insurers may compete on cost, and this will vary by location, but they must issue the standard plans.

More recently, another type of plan has been allowed on the market. These are called Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. Sometimes these are also called Part C plans. These are also issued by private companies.

Rather than supplementing original coverage, the insured person will only use the MA plan when they seek medical services. The plans are strictly regulated and must provide coverage that is equal to, or better than, the original plan.

Some MA plans may have deductibles and copays, but these are usually much lower. Some also require additional premiums, but some can operate off of the tax contribution, and do not require an additional premium. Some plans will even refund some of the Part B premium that most recipients pay from their social security check.

It is important to understand that supplements and MA plans are very different. One supplements the original plan, while the other replaces it. MA members are still Medicare members, but while they belong to the plan they will use their Advantage plan card for health services, and not their goernment issued card.

Even more recently, Part D plans started providing prescription benefits. These plans do charge a premium, but it still subsidized by tax money. Some MA plans include the prescription coverage. Others require a member to purchase a another Part D plan. Part D plans also can include deductibles and copayments, so a member should not expect to totally eliminate prescription drug costs. But they still help keep the cost of medication under control.

Which is the best senior health plan for you, or for somebody you help care for? It is impossible to give one right answer to this question.

The individual's expectations, health, and location will affect the choice. The budget that an indiivdual has to pay premiums, or to pay copays and deductibles, will also affect the choice. It is important to look for the best plan for an individual, and not to try to find the best plan for everybody.

Do you need to make Medicare health insurance choices for yourself, or for somebody you care for? We would like to help you understand Medicare health insurance. We can also help you compare Medicare Health plans with our fast, safe and free online quote forms.

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