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How to Compare Medicare Plans in California
Author David Schneider | Nov 14,2007
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For many senior citizens, purchasing Medicare can literally be a lifesaver. Medicare is a healthcare program that the U.S government monitors and standardizes. However, private companies sell Medicare plans, and they have the option of providing as many or as few Medicare plan choices as they wish. Due to this, you'll want to contact several California Medicare plan providers to see what options are available to you. Here are the factors you need to consider when choosing the best Medicare plan in California for your needs.
Medicare Cost in California
Obviously, cost is an important part of the Medicare decision process. Different companies may charge different premium prices for the same amount of coverage, so taking the time to shop around could potentially save you plenty of money each year. Many costs go into a Medicare plan, including premiums, deductibles and co-pays. You'll want to compare all of these when selecting your plan.
In California, as in most states, some plan options can save you money by sharing the cost of your covered medical services. To receive such savings, you must enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan or an Original Medicare Plan, which includes Medigap.
Medicare Benefits in California
Medicare includes three basic sections. Part A largely covers hospital stays and in-patient care, Part B covers outpatient services such as doctor visits and the Part D prescription drug portion covers medication costs. Just about any Medicare plan in California will include both Part A and Part B. If you are interested in receiving coverage for your prescription purchases as well, then you will want a plan that includes Part D coverage.
Beyond the three basic sections, many California Medicare plans also include additional benefits you may be interested in receiving. When comparing each plan, make sure to be aware of any available extras you may be interested in getting. This can include payment assistance for such things as eye exams, medical equipment (such as hearing aids), dental benefits and emergency healthcare outside of the U.S.
Does the Medicare Plan Cover Your Current Doctors?
Each private Medicare provider has an in-network group of California doctors and hospitals that their plans cover. Since these in-network groups can vary, it's important to know if the Medicare plan you are interested in getting covers your current doctors. Once you have narrowed down potential plans based on price and benefits, check their in-network lists to see if your doctors and hospitals are covered. You may also want to look into the referral process to see if you need a referral before you are allowed to see a specialist.
Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
Choosing to purchase Part D prescription drug coverage doesn't necessarily mean the medications you take will be covered. Private providers choose which prescriptions they wish to cover and how much you must pay out of pocket. To ensure you are getting the most for your monthly premium, check to see how much your current medications will cost. Most California Medicare providers include a prescription drug finder on their Web site, which lets you estimate the costs of your medications. Some Medicare plans also require you to get your prescriptions filled at specific pharmacies. If this is a concern for you, be sure to see what the limitations of each plan may be.
Get Medicare Help From Your HICAP Office
If you are looking for additional help in selecting the best Medicare plan for your needs, then you can call California's Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP). HICAP is a non-partisan organization that can provide you unbiased information regarding Medicare options that are available to you. To reach your local county's HICAP office, call (800) 434-0222.
For many senior citizens, purchasing Medicare can literally be a lifesaver. Medicare is a healthcare program that the U.S government monitors and standardizes. However, private companies sell Medicare plans, and they have the option of providing as many or as few Medicare plan choices as they wish. Due to this, you'll want to contact several California Medicare plan providers to see what options are available to you. Here are the factors you need to consider when choosing the best Medicare plan in California for your needs.
Medicare Cost in California
Obviously, cost is an important part of the Medicare decision process. Different companies may charge different premium prices for the same amount of coverage, so taking the time to shop around could potentially save you plenty of money each year. Many costs go into a Medicare plan, including premiums, deductibles and co-pays. You'll want to compare all of these when selecting your plan.
In California, as in most states, some plan options can save you money by sharing the cost of your covered medical services. To receive such savings, you must enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan or an Original Medicare Plan, which includes Medigap.
Medicare Benefits in California
Medicare includes three basic sections. Part A largely covers hospital stays and in-patient care, Part B covers outpatient services such as doctor visits and the Part D prescription drug portion covers medication costs. Just about any Medicare plan in California will include both Part A and Part B. If you are interested in receiving coverage for your prescription purchases as well, then you will want a plan that includes Part D coverage.
Beyond the three basic sections, many California Medicare plans also include additional benefits you may be interested in receiving. When comparing each plan, make sure to be aware of any available extras you may be interested in getting. This can include payment assistance for such things as eye exams, medical equipment (such as hearing aids), dental benefits and emergency healthcare outside of the U.S.
Does the Medicare Plan Cover Your Current Doctors?
Each private Medicare provider has an in-network group of California doctors and hospitals that their plans cover. Since these in-network groups can vary, it's important to know if the Medicare plan you are interested in getting covers your current doctors. Once you have narrowed down potential plans based on price and benefits, check their in-network lists to see if your doctors and hospitals are covered. You may also want to look into the referral process to see if you need a referral before you are allowed to see a specialist.
Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
Choosing to purchase Part D prescription drug coverage doesn't necessarily mean the medications you take will be covered. Private providers choose which prescriptions they wish to cover and how much you must pay out of pocket. To ensure you are getting the most for your monthly premium, check to see how much your current medications will cost. Most California Medicare providers include a prescription drug finder on their Web site, which lets you estimate the costs of your medications. Some Medicare plans also require you to get your prescriptions filled at specific pharmacies. If this is a concern for you, be sure to see what the limitations of each plan may be.
Get Medicare Help From Your HICAP Office
If you are looking for additional help in selecting the best Medicare plan for your needs, then you can call California's Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP). HICAP is a non-partisan organization that can provide you unbiased information regarding Medicare options that are available to you. To reach your local county's HICAP office, call (800) 434-0222. |
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