When it comes to healthcare for senior citizens, Medicare is a vital resource that offers several options to recipients. Medicare Advantage plans (also known as Part C) is one of the more popular options, and it offers a wide range of benefits that can be incredibly beneficial when utilized effectively. For those who are eligible, it’s essential to take advantage of everything a Medicare Advantage plans 2024 can offer to maximize your health benefits.
In the year 2022, Medicare Advantage plans are set to expand their coverage and benefits further. In this article, we’ll go over the ways you can take advantage of these improvements to get the most out of your plan in 2024.
1. Get Familiar with Your Plan
The first step to maximizing your benefits is to understand your plan in and out. The more you know about your plan, the better you can utilize your benefits. Review your Summary of Benefits to see what services are covered, what is excluded, and what your co-payment responsibilities are for certain services. Understanding the details of the plan will help you make informed decisions and take advantage of the benefits offered through it.
2. Take Advantage of Expanded Coverage
Starting in 2022, Medicare Advantage Plans will expand coverage to include additional benefits like home-based palliative care, adult daycare services, and in-home support services. This means that you may have access to additional services that can help you remain healthy and independent in your home. The new benefits also cover telehealth services that you can use to access medical consultations remotely.
3. Compare Plans Carefully
Each year, Medicare releases the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which allows Medicare recipients to reassess their current health care plan and consider switching to a new insurance plan. It’s crucial to use this opportunity to compare different plans carefully to ensure you’re getting the most out of your plan. Be sure to compare benefits, premiums, outpatient, and inpatient coverage and any other factors that could affect your health care. By taking the time to review different plans, you can make better-informed decisions and choose the plan that covers your specific needs more effectively.
4. Find Out About Prescription Coverage
Medicare Advantage plans may also offer prescription coverage, often-called Medicare Part D. It’s crucial to review this coverage if you have prescription medication costs. Some plans offer full coverage of prescription drugs, while others offer coverage only for generic prescriptions. Some may require you to purchase certain medications online or through a specific pharmacy. To find out how much you might need to cover out of pocket for medication, review your plan’s formulary and deductible. This will help you manage your costs effectively.
5. Keep Up with Preventative Care
An essential part of maximizing your benefits is to keep up with preventative care measures as recommended by your doctor. That might include flu shots, bone density screenings, cervical cancer testing, colonoscopies, and more. It is also vital to take advantage of wellness programs available to you. These help you follow healthy lifestyle habits that keep you healthy and reduce your medical bills over time. You will typically receive reminders by email, mail or phone for preventative screening tests offered through your Medicare Advantage plan, so make sure to follow up on those reminders.
At age 65, Medicare health policies most likely become more complicated, which is why it’s essential to ensure you maximize your benefits whether you go with Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans. By taking steps like reviewing your plan’s summary, comparing plans accurately, and keeping up with your preventative care, you can ensure you receive the maximum benefits your plan has to offer, making senior health care services more accessible and affordable for yourself or your loved ones.
