3 Reasons to Consider a Medicare Advantage Plan in 2019 – The Motley Fool

Millions of seniors are using Medicare to cover their health needs. But Medicare is not a universal solution. In fact, the program has several distinct parts that registrants can register or refuse.

Those who sign up for Original Medicare will usually benefit from free coverage under Part A, which supports hospital visits. They will then pay a monthly premium for Part B, which covers preventive care and diagnosis, and Part D, which covers prescription drugs. But there is an alternative to Medicare that many seniors choose instead: Part C, also called Medicare Advantage.

Medicare Advantage essentially groups all your coverage needs, including prescriptions, into one plan. The premium you pay for your plan will depend on the level of coverage chosen. But often, Advantage plans cost less than the original health insurance, while offering at least the same level of coverage, if not more.

In fact, many seniors choose Advantage over traditional Medicare because it covers dental, hearing and vision – the original Medicare services do not pay. Many Advantage plans also offer coverage abroad, which is helpful for older people who travel often. In addition, the changes to Medicare Advantage in 2019 make it an even more attractive option. Here are three things you should know:

1. Lifestyle support

As we age, our mobility tends to decrease. But starting in January 2019, Medicare Advantage plans will be able to cover expenses such as round-trip transportation for medical appointments and delivery of meals to seniors' homes. Similarly, Medicare Advantage will soon be able to offer members coverage for home security features such as wheelchair ramps and tub / shower support bars. These benefits can undoubtedly reduce the risk of injury to the elderly. If you're having mobility issues, you'd better see how an Advantage plan might help mitigate some of them.

2. Help with everyday life

Many older people find it difficult to wash and dress, but wish to continue living independently. Soon, Medicare Advantage will be able to offer health insurance to people who need help with personal care at home, as well as for tasks such as cooking, cleaning and shopping.

3. The opportunity to try a plan before you commit

The last thing you want is to sign up for a health plan only to find that it does not meet your needs. In the future, you will have the opportunity to try a Medicare Advantage plan for up to three months and get back to another plan (either another Advantage plan or an original Medicare system) if you are not a Medicare Advantage Plan. are not satisfied. This removes some of the stress of choosing a plan.

There are many good reasons to subscribe to a Medicare Advantage plan for 2019 and, starting next year, a new open enrollment period for Advantage will start on January 1st and continue until the end of the year. March, 31st. Medicare Advantage, you will be able to switch from one Advantage Plan to another. Alternatively, you can sign up for Medicare Advantage during the open enrollment period at Medicare, which runs from October 15th to December 7th.