Taking Advantage of Medicare

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New healthcare reform has everyone thinking about the future of their current plans, and with the economy still in chaos, you may be considering your options for the future. With the net currently buzzing with news about Medicare Advantage plans, you may be wondering if this plan is really right for you or a loved one approaching that wonderful (or dreadful, depending on how you see it) age of Medicare eligibility .

Here are some details on Medicare Advantage plans:

Plans included under Medicare Advantage are part of the current Medicare program, sponsored by the U.S. Government for people age 65 or older, some disabled people under age 65, and others with specific medical conditions. If you join one of these plans, you generally get all of your Medicare-covered health care through it.

With a variety of options, Medicare Advantage may provide extra benefits and lower copayments than what is included in what is called the “Original Medicare Plan.” Of course, every plan is different and, depending on your current needs, can provide range of services.

According to Medicare.gov, the U.S. Government’s official website on Medicare, Medicare Advantage includes:

Medicare Health Maintenance Organization (HMOs)
Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO)
Private Fee-for-Service Plans
Medicare Special Needs Plans

As with any healthcare plan, the details do depend on your individual situation. If you’re thinking about entering this kind of plan, make sure to do your research both online and on the phone to make sure if Medicare Advantage is right for you.

If you or someone you know currently has a plan under Medicare Advantage, your plan may have changed in the last month and it may be time to reevaluate your options, even if your premium is still the same.

Make sure to stay up to date on your plan’s details. That means reading those pesky “Important Information Change” mailers whenever they come out. It may be long and boring, but it may be the best way to make sure you are getting the best coverage.

There are many websites, like Medicare.gov, that compare Medicare plans and can help you understand option changes or help you with making the decision to enroll in a plan. Make sure to check the facts on any website before counting it as a credible source, especially if details are too good to be true.