Let me introduce you to a few plans, identify examples, advantages, disadvantages, and recommended considerations, before selecting a plan that fits your needs.
There are lots of different company plans. The common plans are PPO plans. This means you have in Network and out of network doctors and hospitals. Your co-pay is higher if you go to an out of network doctor.
For convenience, you can just locate, call a specialist, and make an appointment. Advantage – this saves you time.
Disadvantage – one problem with this plan is you often have a deductible of $1500 to $3000 and a maximum out of pocket up to $10000.
Now what about an Obama Care plan?
Advantage – the best thing about Obama Care is that they accept Pre-existing conditions. So, if you are fighting cancer, when you join Obama care they will immediately cover you. People younger than 65, would be fortunate to have a health plan that covers pre-existing conditions.
But instead of a PPO plan you would likely have an HMO plan.
Disadvantages – this means you have to go to a network doctor, must have a Primary Care Doctor to see first and then obtain a referral to a specialist. There are several unfortunate things about Obama care.
The High Cost of the premium which can be $400 to over $1000 per month. In addition to the premium, you may have a deductible from zero to $10000. A zero deductible will have a much higher monthly premium.
Finally, Medicare is for Seniors 65 or older unless a younger person qualifies for disability.
When Seniors are eligible for Medicare they really have a benefit that is worth a lot.
One Medicare plan is called a Part C plan and also called an Advantage plan. This part C or Advantage generally an HMO is like an Obama care plan.
Advantage – unlike an Obama plan, the monthly premium is often zero and no deductible. So is Medicare’s advantage plan better than Obama Care, the answer is yes. I’m sure people on Obama Care would think so.
Disadvantage – one problem with Medicare is it can seem overly complex along with many plan choices. Some of the confusion is understanding the advantages and disadvantages for a variety of plans identified by letters A, B, C, D, F, G, K, etc.
Some Medicare plans allow you to see any doctor or go to any hospital. In my case, I experienced that because I came down with cancer.
When I was sick, all I wanted was to have the opportunity to find, go to the best doctor and hospital. I think because I had this opportunity with Medicare, I was cured even though my age put me in an unfavorable category to likely be cured.
I think you can begin to appreciate that Medicare really is something and that is why you should care.
Unfortunately, Medicare can be complicated. Is there help?
Yes, this is why I try to reach seniors providing information to simplify and understand Medicare.
My help is free.