Today, we provide more useful information about your Medicare insurance.
- Medicare Advantage plans are offered by individual insurance companies that are paid for by you and partially by the government. They are usually less expensive than paying for a Medicare supplemental plan (offered by companies like United Healthcare, Blue Cross and others). Having your own supplemental plan gives you access to a larger choice of doctors and specialists.
- Some Advantage plans provide some coverage for eye glasses and hearing aids.
- Before deciding between a Medicare supplemental plan or an Advantage plan, discuss it with an insurance agent, a Medicare representative, or friends/relatives familiar with the advantages/disadvantages of each.
- If you can afford it, it’s wise to obtain a supplemental or Advantage plan. It’s been estimated that a couple over age 65 without a supplemental plan may spend over $250,000 out-of-pocket by the time they reach their late 80’s.
For more information about Medicare, please refer to pgs. 51-54, 203-219 in our newly published best-seller, Insider’s Guide to Quality, Affordable Healthcare, available from Amazon.com and bookstores throughout the U.S.
Next time we’ll discuss the important factors to consider when you’re eligible for Medicare.