Health Insurance for SeniorsSeeking for senior's health insurance is easy and smooth. You can start your study in health insurance comparisons from a certain company that offer plans for senior citizens. AARP is one of the biggest health insurance company for seniors. The reputable company has been around for fifty-one years and tailors to the fifty and older crowd. AARP’s unique perspective on the market gives it an upper hand when looking for quality insurance providers with a strong reputation for quality and reliability. However, the company is not the only player in the market and shouldn’t be considered as such. Finding health insurance for seniors relies on looking into companies besides AARP in order to find the best rates and plans for each individual. For some reason, senior's was offered some coverage by most insurance provider but, some of the biggest decisions lie in the customized plans that include both a private insurer (like AARP, Blue Cross and Blue Shield or HAP) and a government program (like Medicare or Medicaid). Medicaid is offered to citizens who can’t currently afford health care coverage. Children may even be covered through this government-run health care program, although since each state runs the program on its own it is wise to check with your state’s office to determine eligibility. Medicare is offered to people who are sixty-five years and older, those younger who have a disability and those who have been diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure). Most of the senior citizen choose the Medicare as their primary insurer after retirement. You can fill out a questionnaire online at Medicare.gov or contact the program directly at 1-800-633-4227, for you to get information if you and your loved one is eligible for Medicare coverage. The original Medicare plan pays for many health care visits, but often has a co-pay, deductible or requires co-insurance to cover the gap in expenses. This is why private health insurance for seniors is so popular. Many health insurance plans for those eligible for Medicare cover just the gap – or the difference between what Medicare covers and what is left owed. Medicare is accepted at many hospitals and doctor’s offices, but because it is not universally accepted everywhere, the website and phone number can provide you with a list of private health insurance companies recommended as “gap insurers” by Medicare. Of course, Medicare offers its own gap insurance called Medigap. In addition to the co-payments and deductibles that many seek to cover through a gap insurance company, prescription drug coverage is another important element of health insurance for seniors that should be addressed. Most of the senior citizens find for a private insurer that offers prescription drug coverage, or they may also consider Medicare’s version of the same. Either way it is best to get prescription drug coverage right away as Medicare doesn’t cover these expenses. There are also other options and different Medicare plans to consider besides just the original plan discussed here. Work with Medicare first, so that you can look for a best plan for you. Looking for additional coverage is often the next step after you decide what Medicare best for you.Whether through a private insurance company or another government program, health insurance for seniors should be all encompassing so that those on fixed incomes aren’t overwhelmed with medical bills or prescription costs. |