Some things you should know about Advantage Plans.

A note from The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare

The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare(NCPSSM) recently confirmed that Advantage Plans shift significantly more costs of major illnesses to beneficiaries. According to the NCPSSM, all Advantage Plans are required to cover everything that Medicare covers, but they do not have to cover every benefit in the same way. For example, private plans may create financial barriers to care by imposing higher cost-sharing requirements for benefits such as home health services, hospitalization, skilled nursing facilities, inpatient mental health services, and durable medical equipment that protect the sickest and most vulnerable beneficiaries. In many cases, beneficiaries are lured into the private plans based on improved coverage of relatively inexpensive services such as expanded dental or vision care, only to discover after it is too late, that their plans shift significantly more of the higher costs of major illnesses onto their shoulders. Preventing private plans from imposing greater cost-sharing requirements than traditional Medicare would better protect beneficiaries from high out-of-pocket costs.

They say the devil is in the details and that's true when it comes to the hidden costs in Advantage Plans. You have to look closely at the actual policy to see how it really works. Co-pays for specialists, the hospital, the ER, or the ambulance can add up fast. Truth is, you could be asked to pay 20% of the bill for things like durable medical equipment.

How do these so-called Advantage Plans work?

On the surface they seem simple, but they can be very complicated. Seniors must first give up their original Medicare and then rely on a private insurance company to manage their health care. That means the private insurance company will decide which services you are eligible for and whether they will pay for those services.

Don't they require a lot of co-pays as well?

Yes, seniors will face multiple co-pays for physicians, specialists, hospitals, diagnostic services, outpatient services, an ambulance, the ER or skilled nursing. It could be hundreds or even thousands of dollars out of their pocket per illness or accident.

Is that how Advantage Plans offer such low or even NO premiums?

Exactly. It's only free if you don't use it, so to speak. And Advantage Plans are not guaranteed renewable. Why gamble with your health care just because you're healthy today? You never know what could happen.

What else should seniors know about those Advantage Plans?

Ask about their summary of benefits to see exactly what is and isn't covered. Especially ask for a detailed list of all the co-pays you might face. At FirstCommunity, we'll be glad to sit down with you, help you figure out the Part D Drug Plan and show you how to save money on supplemental coverage. Isn't that what's most important? Quality health care at an affordable cost. Plus the peace of mind that comes from a company you can trust.

Why do thousands of North Alabamians choose FirstCommunity Senior Select Medicare Supplement?