Switching Your Medicare Advantage Plan? Consider Medicare Supplement Plans First

By Author: Tyra Phillips
Total Articles: 78
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Many seniors will be shopping multiple insurance companies in search of the best and most cost effective health plan option for 2011. In addition to the thousands of people who are losing their coverage altogether, there are many more who are unhappy with their current plan. When comparing Medicare Plans there are several questions you want to make sure to address before making a final decision. In addition, you may want to consider leaving the advantage plans in favor of Medicare Supplement Plans, which often offer superior coverage.

The first question you want to be sure to ask is. What is the deductible? Many advantage plans will be introducing deductibles into their 2011 plan options, particularly for out-of-network coverage. You want to make sure to purchase a plan that has a low deductible, or preferably none at all. Most Medicare Supplement Plans have a low $155 annual deductible, while Medicare Supplement Plan F has non deductibles at all.

The second question you need to ask is: What are the co-payments? You want to make sure you have a very good idea regarding your total out-of-pocket expenses ...
... for healthcare. Medicare Advantage Plans are notorious for having large co-payments, especially for short hospital stays. Most Medicare Supplement Plans cover all hospital expenses with no questions asked. The exception is Medicare Supplement Plan A, which is the most basic of all plans.

The third questions you will definitely need to ask when changing plans is Are my prescriptions covered? If your prescriptions aren't covered, find another plan. It is that simple. When purchasing Medicare Supplement Plans you can purchase a stand alone prescription drug plan for a very affordable price. In 2011, there is a very good option for under $15 in most areas. Make sure to also ask about deductibles for prescriptions, and often times you can get generics for free!

The fourth question you will want to ask before purchasing a plan is Will my doctors accept this plan? All doctors and hospitals accept Medicare Supplement Plans as long as they accept original Medicare. However, an increasing amount of doctors and hospitals are no longer accepting Medicare Advantage Plans. Before purchasing any advantage plan, you should call your doctor to be sure they will still accept you as a patient.

The last question you will want to ask before making a final decision is What is my maximum out of pocket cost? With Medicare Supplement Plans , it is quite simple. If you purchase Medicare Supplemental Plan F, there are NO out of pocket expenses at all. People who purchase lesser plans often have a small deductible before all medical services are paid for. However, with Medicare Advantage Plans you will have co-payments for almost everything so this is a very important question to ask.