Mount Pleasant Magazine Nov/Dec 2019

36 www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.BestOfMP.com | www.ReadMPM.com feature THE PARTS First, let’s break down the parts. The short answer to what each part covers is: • Part A provides inpatient/hospital coverage. • Part B provides outpatient/medical coverage. • Part C offers an alternate way to receive your Medicare benefits, for example, through private health plans, also known as Medicare Advantage. • Part D provides prescription coverage. ORIGINAL MEDICARE, MEDICARE ADVANTAGE OR MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT Original Medicare includes Part A and Part B. With Original Medicare, you can use any doctor that accepts Medicare anywhere in the U.S. If you want drug coverage, you have to sign up for Part D separately. Original Medicare is what a person will automatically receive unless they specify otherwise. Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an “all in one” option that includes Part A, Part B and Part D. Most of these plans offer extra benefits as well, like vision, hearing, dental and more. Many of these plans have zero-dollar premiums for 2020 and include many additional benefits. Only doctors who are in-network will be used under Medicare Advantage. Medicare Supplement Insurance is a supplemental plan to help pay for out-of-pocket costs from Original Medicare. This policy would be in addition to your Original Medicare premium and you can buy from any insurance company that is licensed in the state to sell one. Stewart explained that the average monthly premium for Medicare, without any bells and whistles, is $135.50 and will likely come out of an individual’s social security check. She did note that supplemental insurance or Medicare Advantage (Part C) should be considered since in Original Medicare, it is a 20% co- insurance on cost of care. “There is no cap on that 20%,” she explained. “It could be 20% of a million dollars. For example, someone had back surgery that cost $60,000 and 20% of that was $12,000.” Her advice is to find someone that can look at all your options. “Medicare is not a one-size fits all. Review your benefits once a year during open enrollment and find a plan that matches your needs.” NICOLE STEWART Licensed Insurance Agent (843) 940-3854 I CAN HELP YOU WITH YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE NEEDS . Health | Life | Medicare | Long-Term Care •Medicare Advantage •Medicare Supplement Plans •Medicare Prescription Drug Plans For personalized service, Call today! nstewart@healthmarkets.com HealthMarkets.com/nstewart HMIA00968 Leslie Jackson, MSS, CP 843-746-9404 LJackson@AssistedLivingLocators.com What Type of Housing or Care Do I Need? It’s hard to know what the right fit might be with the wide range of options and care services available for senior living. They include : • Independent living • Assisted living communities • Assisted living homes • Alzheimer’s and dementia care • In-home companion care • Skilled nursing care FREE SERVICE CALL TODAY! health and wellness