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subject: Health Insurance Options For Seniors [print this page]


Health Insurance Options For Seniors

As a senior, it is extremely important to have health insurance. As we get older the likelihood of illness and injury increases drastically. Our bones and muscles get weaker and our bodies just require more maintenance and attention. It can be difficult to afford all of this upkeep at the retirement age, but there are several health insurance options available out there specifically designed for this group of people. Many private insurance companies provide health insurance for seniors in some of their plans. There is such a broad range of companies providing such services that it is hard to pinpoint any that stand out over the others. It's important to examine the options in order to choose the plan that's best for you.

Medicare: If you are over 65 years old, Medicare may be right for you. Medicare has several programs that you may be eligible for. There are four parts to Medicare:

Part A Medicare includes coverage for inpatient hospital care, hospice care, some healthcare, and nursing home care. For most eligible recipients, Medicare is free due to the fact that it was paid through taxes while you or your spouse were working. If Medicare was paid for for less than 10 years in yours or your spouse's taxes, you might have to pay a monthly fee which would depend on your work history.

Part B Medicare covers medically necessary services such as outpatient care, medical services at home, doctor's visits, and other medical services. The majority of people pay $90 - $115 a month for Part B Medicare, which is typically taken out of their social security check.
Health Insurance Options For Seniors


Part C Medicare Advantage is usually more costly than Part A and B, but offers a wider variety of health insurance plans. These plans are normally sold by insurance companies but overseen by Medicare. To qualify for Plan C coverage, you must first have plan A and B. The costs vary depending on the plan you desire.

Part D is Prescription drug coverage. You must pay a monthly fee and an annual deductible to receive this service. There are lots of different plans and costs vary.

PACE: PACE, or Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, is for individuals that are 55 or older who live in PACE service areas. One must also be certified as qualified to be in nursing home care by an appropriate state agency. This program provides supportive and medical services, adult day care, nursing, and therapies such as recreational, physical, and occupational. Meals and nutritional counseling are also part of the plan. They offer social work and personal and home healthcare. They also provide many types of medical specialist care.

Before purchasing a plan or signing papers with an insurance company, always make sure you read the fine print or have someone like a family member that is already enrolled help you make a good choice. Search the internet or ask friends what they are using and the kinds of services that are provided and make sure to have a clear understanding of all fees.

by: Casey Trillbar




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