Which Medicare Health Plan is Right for You?

Finding a Medicare health plan that supports your health, lifestyle, and budget is important. Consider your care needs and what your life may be like after you turn 65.

The first step in choosing the right coverage is understanding the four parts of Medicare – Parts A, B, C, and D. Each part covers specific services, from medical care to prescription drugs. n Together, Part A and Part B are called Original Medicare and are provided by the federal government. It covers about 80% of hospital and medical expenses and doesn’t include prescription drug coverage. n Part C — known as Medicare

Advantage — is another way to get Part A and B coverage. You can get these plans from private health care providers. n Part D is prescription drug coverage that can be added to Original

Medicare.

Next, pick Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan that best suits your needs.

With Medicare Advantage plans, you’ll get other benefits, like affordable prescription drug coverage, dental and vision. These plans also have predictable costs with set copays, which can make it easier to plan your expenses.

Other important aspects of a good

Which Medicare Health Plan is Right For You? Medicare health plan are affordability, convenience, and quality care. Another consideration that adds to a better patient experience is integrated care. Integrated care links all aspects of patient care together in an electronic medical record system. You can receive updates from doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and many specialists, all connected in one place. This enables your clinical care team to develop a personalized care plan. Lab results and doctor’s notes are available with 24/7 access to your health record. To compare Medicare Advantage plans based on quality and service, use the star quality ratings given each year by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare health plans are rated in five categories: preventive care, chronic care, prescription drugs, customer service, and member satisfaction. A 5-star rating is excellent. When choosing a Medicare health plan, finding one that offers convenience, quality, service, access, and an integrated care experience, will give you peace of mind. ~ Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by Matt Engstrom, MBA, Kaiser Permanente Medicare Sales Leader. For more information he may be reached at 303-338-3353 or by email at Matthew.B.Engstrom@kp.org. See ad on page 41.