Which Medicare plan should you choose?
It's that time of year again...when mailers for Medicare plans start filling mailboxes everywhere. While it may feel like an inconvenience, it's actually really smart to take a look at those mailings and shop around during Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). That way, you can be sure you're getting all the benefits and savings you're entitled to. To help you decide which Medicare plan is best for you this AEP, we're recycling one of our very first Day 2 posts, and re-sharing a quiz that offers a lot of insight into your Medicare needs.
Which Medicare Plan is Right for You?
The best part about Medicare is that you get to choose the kind of healthcare coverage you want. Generally, Original Medicare covers 80 percent of your medical costs. However, there’s no limit on the amount you will have to spend out of your own pocket, and that 20 percent can add up quickly if you should get seriously sick or injured. That’s why many people choose a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare supplement. Both plans help cover what Original Medicare does not, but one may better fit your lifestyle and personal preferences. To find out which kind of plan best meets your needs, circle your answers below and add up your points at the end.
My family and friends are:
1. Within a couple hour’s drive.
2. Mostly local with a few in distant areas.
3. I have no relatives nearby.
I plan to spend my retirement:
1. Generally staying close to home and family.
2. Vacationing in Europe.
3. On the beach November through March.
I want my primary care physician to:
1. Serve as my primary doctor and help manage my health.
2. Serve as my primary doctor and educate me on what’s best for my health when needed.
3. Write my prescriptions and see me for the basics (ear infections, strep throat etc).
Referrals are:
1. My doctor’s way of making sure I see a good specialist.
2. Okay, as long as I get the care I need.
3. A hassle.
I feel a primary care physician is:
1. Essential to my health and well being.
2. Necessary.
3. Unnecessary. I’ll see one if I need to, but I prefer to see specialists.
I prefer to pay for my healthcare:
1. Only if I use it.
2. However I need to in order to get great coverage.
3. Through multiple, up-front monthly premiums that I pay whether or not I seek medical attention.
When it comes to my healthcare I like to:
1. Work closely with my primary care physician.
2. Do some independent research and work collaboratively with my doctors.
3. Manage my own care, do my own research and lead my physicians.
Extra benefits like dental and vision are:
1. Extremely important.
2. Nice to have, but not a deal breaker.
3. Not needed.
1. On a regular basis.
2. For one or two small issues.
3. Hardly ever.
If my doctor encourages preventive screenings:
1. I feel like they are doing their job.
2. I’m fine with it if it keeps me healthy.
3. I prefer to keep track of things on my end.
My financial situation requires:
1. The most affordable plan on the market that still offers great coverage.
2. A plan that fits my comfortable, but not unrestricted, budget.
3. Nothing, I have no restrictions on costs and premiums.
When it comes to healthcare, I really wish:
2. There was a plan that offered extremely comprehensive coverage so I wouldn’t have
3. A plan that moves when I do since I spend months away from home at a time.
Sarah Riordan