Medicare is a health care cover that’s provided by the U.S. government to its citizens, particularly those over the age of 65.
Although highly beneficial, choosing between different Medicare plans can be a confusing exercise, especially with all the information available on the subject out there.
The good news is that you’re not alone. We were once in your shoes and found that short, comprehensive guides were most helpful in explaining Medicare so that it’s easier for you to help your elders to pick out the best plan for their needs.
- Fill Out the Medicare Authorization Form
If you’re contacting Medicare on behalf of your elders, then you must fill out a Medicare Authorization to Disclose Personal Information form, which as the name implies, lets the Medicare representative know that you’re authorized to speak on behalf of your elders.
- Figure Out How Medicare Works
It’s important that you fully understand how Medicare works before you start guiding your parents through the Medicare plan selection process.
That’s because once you fully understand Medicare, you’ll be in a better position to answer the question; is it better to opt for private insurance Medicare or Original Medicare?
For instance, is your intention to:
- Choose government-funded Original Medicare which is also referred to as Medicare Part A and Part B?
- Choose Original Medicare with the addition of a Part D Prescription Drug Plan from a private insurer? (prescription drug coverage isn’t included in Part A and B plans)
- Choose Original Medicare with the addition of a separate Medicare Supplemental Coverage plan to cover yearly deductibles, coinsurance and copayments that aren’t covered in the original plan?
- Choose one of the Medicare Advantage Plans 2021 which is funded by private insurers and is known as Part C? Medicare Advantage Plans can be taken as a replacement for Original Medicare because they offer all the benefits that come with Medicare Parts A and B as well as extras like dental cover, hearing and vision benefits.
- Talk with Your Parents About Their Needs
What specific benefits do your elders need? Do they require coverage for prescription drugs? What can they afford?
Talk to your elders about their healthcare needs and what they would like their insurance to cover and be sure to take notes during your conversation with them so that you can have the information on hand when you speak to a licensed sales agent.
If you need help coming up with relevant questions for the conversation that you’re going to have with your parents, visit the Useful Questions to Ask Before Enrolling in the Medicare tab on the Medicare website.
- Get in Touch with an Expert
The great thing about Medicare is that they have a team of licensed sales agents that you can call whenever you feel confused or stuck about any of their plans.
They have access to and knowledge about a wide range of plans from different providers. This is a free resource offered to you by the U.S. government to make sure that you make an informed decision.