Choosing the right Medicare plan can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re enrolling for the first time or considering switching plans, it’s important to take a step back and ask yourself a few key questions. What are your current health needs? How often do you visit the doctor? Do you take any regular medications? And ultimately—does your current plan support the lifestyle and health goals you have?
Health Plans of America offers helpful tools and resources to guide you in making informed decisions. Before selecting a Medicare plan, here are some important factors to consider:
1. Do You Need Extra Benefits That Match Your Health Goals?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) provides solid coverage, but it doesn’t include services like vision, dental, or hearing. If those are important to you, a Medicare Advantage plan may be a better fit. These plans are offered by private insurers and often include these additional benefits—but keep in mind, coverage and costs can vary. Alternatively, a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan can also help fill in coverage gaps.
2. Do You Want to Keep Seeing Your Current Doctor?
For many, having access to their preferred doctors and specialists is non-negotiable. Some Medicare Advantage plans have provider networks that require you to choose doctors within that network. If staying with your current healthcare providers is important to you, be sure to double-check if they’re included in the plan’s network before enrolling.
3. Do You Plan to Travel Internationally?
If you travel outside the U.S. frequently, you’ll want to ensure you’re covered in case of a medical emergency. Medicare Supplement plans typically offer some level of international coverage, while Original Medicare does not. It’s a smart move to speak with your insurance provider to confirm what’s covered before you travel.
4. What About Prescription Drug Coverage?
Even if you’re healthy now, it’s a good idea to plan for the unexpected. Prescription medications can be costly without coverage. Medicare Part D (or drug coverage included in some Medicare Advantage plans) can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs if you ever need medication suddenly.
Need Help Choosing the Right Plan?
If you’re unsure which Medicare plan is right for you, you’re not alone. Now is a great time to speak with a licensed insurance agent at Medicare Info. They make the process easy by walking you through your options and helping you find a plan that fits your unique needs.
Connect with a licensed insurance agent today—your future self will thank you.