Medicare coverage has long been a confusing prospect for people. If you are approaching retirement age, you need to understand what your options are to ensure that you get the coverage that you need. Here are a few things that you need to know as you start thinking about securing Medicare coverage.
Remember That It's Not Automatic
You may think that you'll be automatically enrolled in Medicare when you turn 65. This isn't true. If you want Medicare coverage, you'll have to actively enroll in the plan. To do this, you need to go to your local Social Security building or enroll online. If you're going to enroll in the office, make sure you call and make your appointment a few months before your birthday, because some offices have a long wait for appointments.
Once you do the application, you need to follow up with the office. Don't just assume that your enrollment is automatic. You need to follow up with them to confirm that your application has been processed and your coverage is in effect.
You Can Choose What Coverage You Want
The primary Medicare coverage comes in Parts A and B. You don't have to enroll in both when you sign up. If you still have any kind of health insurance through your employer, you can opt to sign up only for Part A and add Part B when you're ready.
You Need To Choose Your Supplements Early
When you enroll in your Medicare plan, you have six months to enroll in a supplement plan. During that six months, you're guaranteed enrollment in the supplement plans of your choice. After the six month period is over, you won't be guaranteed your enrollment. You may have to qualify based on your health, which means you might not qualify for the plan that you want. Contact companies like Senior Advisors to learn about Medicare supplements.
You May Want An Advantage Plan
Medicare Advantage plans are ideal for prescription drug coverage for many people, but they aren't the right fit for everyone. When you're ready to purchase your supplements, make sure to ask about what kind of Advantage plan may work for you as well. The more you know about your options, the easier it will be for you to choose the program that's the best fit for you. Take the time to compare the prices and coverage options for all of the plan choices before you choose one so that you know that you're getting the coverage that you need based on your health and your medical needs.
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