Medicare Part D – Prescription Drug Benefits – is one of the newer programs available with Medicare, having come out in 2006.  Part D covers some of your prescription medications, both brand name and generic.

There are a lot of choices when it comes to Part D.  You can buy a pan that simply covers drugs and nothing more.  You can select a Medicare Advantage plan that has drug benefits included.  You can keep a Medigap (supplemental) plan that covers prescriptions and will continue to cover prescriptions as long as you don’t enroll in Part D.  One other option that many people are not aware of is that they can keep the prescription drug benefits that they had through their employer instead of getting your drug benefits from Medicare.
continue reading "Prescription Drug Benefits or Part D"

Supplemental Insurance policies – also called Medigap plans – were designed to help cover expenses that original Medicare does not cover.  There are 12 policies – A through L.  Plan A has the least benefits and the lowest premiums while Plan J offers the most benefits with the highest premiums.  You can compare these plans on various websites and/or Google Medigap Plans.

All 12 plans are not available in every state and they are called by different names in various states.  How can you tell when to purchase a Supplemental Plan and which plan is the best for you?
continue reading "Supplemental Insurance for Medicare Recipients"

AARP offers its members affordable alternatives to expensive health insurance plans through its health insurance and service program, AARP Health Care Options. AARP members age 50 to 64 can choose from a variety of plans, including comprehensive and supplemental plans, designed to suit every person’s need and budget.

The AARP Personal Health Insurance Plan is a comprehensive network-based coverage plan. This plan gives you self-care services that help you stay healthy and manage your care. It gives you access to on-line health resources to keep you informed. This plan is similar to a group plan offered by an employer. It covers most medical expenses, including doctor’s visits, preventive care, emergency care, prescription drugs, surgery, and hospital stays. This plan is good for you if you do not have any coverage at all. If you already have some coverage, like a Medicare plan, another AARP plan might suit your needs better.

continue reading "AARP Health Insurance: An Inside Peek at the AARP Health Insurance Alternatives"