For those receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and considering their Medicare options, picking a Medicare Advantage plan may be the best choice you can make.
In the long run, traditional Medicare plans (Parts A and B) with supplement insurance offer less coverage, are more costly, and are less convenient than having a Medicare Advantage plan. And Medicare Advantage plans are generally required to accept all Medicare beneficiaries, regardless of their health history. There also are numerous plans to choose from in order to best match your needs to the right plan.
Medicare Advantage Benefits
There are many benefits to choosing a Medicare Advantage plan.
- Coverage
- Medicare Advantage plans at a minimum cover everything offered by traditional Medicare (Parts A and B).
- They also may offer additional benefits not covered by traditional Medicare like dental care, hearing and vision screening, prescription drug programs, and other services that would otherwise have to be selected under a supplement insurance policy.
- Cost
- While getting extra coverage benefits, your out-of-pocket costs are likely to be less with a Medicare Advantage plan than if you use traditional Medicare and a Medigap policy.
- Everyone in a Medicare Advantage plan must pay the same monthly premium as those enrolled in Medicare Part B.
- From that point, your cost will depend on the benefits provided by the plan.
- There are some plans that don’t require you to pay an extra premium, but have deductible and copayment requirements.
- Other Medicare Advantage plans may charge a premium, but have lower deductibles and copayments.
- Convenience
- Medicare Advantage plans offer more convenience than traditional Medicare, Medigap and Part D coverage.
- By having all your health coverage under one umbrella, you don’t have to worry about coordinating benefits between different plans and providers - all statements, bills, etc. will come from only one source.
As with anything else in life, Medicare Advantage plans may not meet your needs. When evaluating your Medicare options, however, apply the three c’s (coverage, cost, and convenience) to see whether traditional Medicare measures up to your particular needs.
Health History Not A Barrier with Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans are generally required to accept all Medicare beneficiaries. The exception applies to those who have end stage renal disease (permanent kidney failure). However, once in a Medicare Advantage plan, such plans will accept those who develop end stage renal disease.
Learn more about Medicare and Medicare Savings Programs.