When it comes time to choose a health insurance plan, seniors have some unique questions. In addition to finding something that fits their unique needs, seniors also need to find a plan that is affordable and flexible. Read on to learn more: 

1) Consider Your Needs: In order to get a great health insurance plan, it is important to consider your needs. Plans like health maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations and point-of-service plans, which are typically Medicare Advantage plans, all have different requirements and provide different benefits, so it’s wise to do your research  in order to determine which will best suit your needs.

2) Think About Your Preferred Doctors: If you’re like many seniors, it’s likely that you have a favorite doctor that you enjoy seeing. If you’re in the market for a new plan, it’s worthwhile to consider whether or not your existing doctor will participate in your insurance company’s network. This is especially important when it comes to primary care physicians and any specialists you may see. If you choose a plan that does not cover your existing doctor and you choose to see him or her anyway, it is likely that you will find yourself paying higher out-of-pocket fees for care. Medicare Supplement insurance is the most flexible when it comes to doctor choice- you can see any doctor or specialist that accepts Medicare.

3)  Look Into Prescription Coverage Policies: Many seniors take several prescriptions daily and it’s no secret that the costs for these drugs can add up quickly. If you’re on Medicare, this is called Part D or drug coverage. It is not uncommon for seniors to pay several hundred dollars each month toward prescription costs. Because of this, it is wise to consider how and if your new insurance plan will cover prescriptions. These policies differ from plan to plan but it is important to ensure that the pills you take on a daily basis will be covered.

4)  Consider the Cost: Obviously, the cost of a health insurance plan factors into whether or not it is right for you. It is difficult to struggle under huge premiums every month and seniors should enlist the help they need in order to find an affordable plan that also covers their unique health insurance needs. Some seniors prefer trading in expensive monthly premiums for a higher deductible while others prefer to keep the deductible low and pay more out of pocket each month.

5) Be Suspicious About Freebies: Some plans offer freebie incentives, like low- or no-cost preventative care or $0 premium plans. Although these can be enticing, it is worth looking into whether your existing coverage can be amended or updated to provide the same benefits before you jump ship entirely.

Choosing a health insurance plan can be a difficult process, especially as you age. With so many plans, providers and policies to choose from, it can seem impossible to know which one is most likely to meet your needs. Fortunately, Lifelong Insurance, LLC is here to help. Contact us today to learn what we can offer you. Thank you!