What you need to check for when choosing an insurance policy

  1. If it offers Hearing Care

  2. If it offers Vision Care

  3. If it offers Dental Care

  4. Prescription Drug Coverage (make sure your medications are covered). Most insurance carriers have their prescription formularies posted on their websites. The formulary will tell you what medications are covered and what pricing tier they are on.

  5. Out of Pocket Maximum

  6. Deductible and/or Coinsurance

  7. Home Health Benefits and medical or wound care Supplies Benefits

  8. Make sure all your doctors and specialists are in network.

  9. Keep in mind the difference between HMOs and PPOs. With Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), you’re generally only covered if you see doctors within the HMO network. On the other hand, Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) often provide some coverage for out-of-network services. HMO networks tend to be smaller, and it’s likely you’ll need to name a primary care physician who will refer you to any necessary specialists. These plans also tend to have lower premiums and deductibles. PPOs often have wider networks and don’t require referrals, but tend to be more expensive.

  10. How days in hospital, facility, or home health care are covered in a year and if there is a deductible or copay that has to be met or paid?

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Signing up for Medicare on time and avoid a monthly late enrollment penalty