For US Boomers, The Medicare Question is Switch or Stick With It?

Medicare plans

By Alan Wheatley –

In 2011, the first of the Baby Boom Generation began turning 65 and using Medicare benefits. For the next 14 years, Boomers will hit Medicare age at a rate of 10,000 per day.

We all know the Boomer generation is unique and their needs are distinct. Research shows that among adults 65 and older, nearly half exercise 30 plus minutes 3 or more days a week and roughly 60 percent use the Internet – similar to those who are younger. Yet, older adults spend about half an hour a day volunteering or engaged in civic or religious activities and seniors between 65 and 74 continue to spend an average of more than an hour each day working – unlike the generation that preceded them.

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While there may be stereotypes about Boomers, I can tell you Boomers are far from conventional. That’s why they need to choose health plans that fit their active and engaged lifestyles.

Here’s what Medicare-eligible Boomers need to know for the Medicare enrollment season, running Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.

Choosing your health plan is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make this year. People who research their decision are far more likely to make a good choice. But many Boomers, used to simply using an employer’s plan in the past, do not actively research their health decisions each year. Today, Boomers may be able to improve their health, lengthen their life, raise the quality of that life, and save thousands of dollars by making fully informed health decisions…starting with their annual Medicare plan choice.

Begin by knowing the basics. Even if you’re already using Medicare, you need to understand the main components: Original Medicare (Medicare Parts A and B), Medicare Advantage Plans (Medicare Part C) and Prescription Drug Plans (Medicare Part D). In a nutshell, Original Medicare includes hospital insurance and medical insurance and you may choose to add a Medicare Supplement plan—often called a Medigap plan—along with a stand-alone prescription drug plan. Medicare Supplement plans cover all or some of the medical charges not covered by Original Medicare, including the 20 percent coinsurance for most services.  Because Original Medicare or Medicare Supplement plans don’t offer prescription drug coverage, it’s necessary to enroll in a stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) for coverage.

Medicare Advantage Plans, offered through Medicare-approved private companies, typically include not only hospital and medical coverage, but also prescription drug coverage. Medicare Advantage plans may also include benefits such as dental coverage, fitness memberships and special services for people with diabetes, heart disease or other conditions. Go to Medicare.gov to learn more.

Just as you would talk to a mechanic or a knowledgeable friend before buying a car, talk with your doctor about expected health needs in the coming year. Any planned surgeries or medication changes?  Consider your health goals. Are you planning to lose weight?  Run your first 5K?  Prepare for an active vacation? Then, make a list of what you want in a health plan. Particularly within Medicare Advantage, many plans offer powerful services to help you achieve your best health.

Medicare.gov is the place to start learning about the plans available to you. Learn the costs to buy the plan (premium), costs to use the plan (deductibles and co-payments), and the maximum you might have to pay in case a serious health event happens (maximum out of pocket). Learn about the doctor and hospital networks included in each plan. Plans can change every year, so even if you already have a Medicare plan, be sure to check. Medicare.gov also offers Star ratings, a five-star system that rates the quality of services provided by each plan.

While Medicare.gov is the best place to start, also visit the Medicare Advantage plan websites to get specifics about plans you may be interested in. Whether or not your plan is  changing, it’s important to know all the details.

Your plan choice this fall is guaranteed and will be yours for all of 2016, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) and choose to make a change. With news of possible health plan mergers among Medicare Advantage plans, it’s important to understand that this does not affect your 2016 plan choice.

In the end, if Boomers get into the habit of considering Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 their health prep season, just like March and April is tax prep season, they’ll make the right decision for their financial, emotional and physical health.  So, while the question may be switch it or stick with it, the key to Medicare success is research it.

Alan Wheatley is the Retail Segment President for Humana Inc., a leading Fortune 100 health solutions company that incorporates an integrated approach to lifelong well-being. In this role, he leads the company’s Medicare/Medicaid operations, MarketPoint sales organization, and HumanaOne business. 

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For US Boomers, The Medicare Question is Switch or Stick With It?
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