Are you looking to make the most of your Medicare coverage? With a little bit of planning and organization, you can get the most out of your Medicare benefits and ensure that you have the healthcare coverage you need. Here are 10 tips to help you get the most out of Medicare:
Review Your Coverage Options
Medicare consists of several different parts, including Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance), Part C (Medicare Advantage plans), and Part D (prescription drug coverage). It's important to understand what each part covers and how it works, so you can choose the coverage that's right for you.
Understand Your Out-Of-Pocket Costs
Medicare doesn't cover everything, so you'll likely have some out-of-pocket costs for things like copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance. Familiarize yourself with these costs and budget accordingly.
Take Advantage of Preventive Services
Medicare covers a wide range of preventive services, such as screenings, immunizations, and preventive care visits, at no cost to you. Taking advantage of these services can help you stay healthy and catch potential health problems early on.
Consider a Medicare Advantage Plan
If you have Medicare Part A and Part B, you can choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan instead. These plans, also known as Part C, provide the same coverage as Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and may also offer additional benefits, such as prescription drug coverage and vision, dental, and hearing coverage.
Enroll in a Part D Plan
If you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan that doesn't include prescription drug coverage, you can enroll in a Part D plan to get coverage for your medications.
Shop Around For Healthcare Providers
Medicare allows you to see any healthcare provider who accepts Medicare patients. This means you can shop around to find providers who offer high-quality care at a reasonable cost.
Stay Up To Date With Your Coverage
Medicare rules and coverage can change from year to year, so it's important to stay up to date with your coverage. You'll receive annual notices from Medicare about any changes to your coverage or premiums, and you'll have the opportunity to make changes during the annual enrollment period.
Use Medicare's Resources
Medicare has a variety of resources available to help you understand your coverage and make the most of your benefits. These resources include the Medicare website, the Medicare & You handbook, and the Medicare hotline.
Get Extra Help If You Need
If you have limited income and resources, you may be eligible for Extra Help with your Medicare prescription drug costs. You can apply for Extra Help online or by contacting the Social Security Administration.
Stay Healthy
Finally, the best way to get the most out of your Medicare coverage is to stay as healthy as possible. This means getting regular check-ups, following a healthy diet and exercise routine, and managing any chronic conditions you may have.
Summary
There are many ways to get the most out of your Medicare coverage. By understanding your options, staying up to date with your coverage, and using available resources, you can ensure that you have the healthcare coverage you need. If you'd like to learn more about Medicare and find the coverage that's right for you, click on the offers below to get started.
Updated January 10, 2023