Given the number of health insurance options available to American seniors it is easy to understand why some research and thoughtfulness is necessary. Many of today’s seniors have to choose from one or more of the following forms of health insurance as they age:
- Retiree coverage. Some seniors don’t have a whole lot to worry about in terms of acquiring health insurance when they retire. Many seniors can keep the coverage they first obtained via their employers even after they retire. What seniors must know is that private-sector employers are under no obligation to offer retiree health insurance. Most of those that decide to provide them can cut or eliminate those plans at any time unless they've made specific promises that they will maintain them.
- Other private insurance. There are a number of private plans available. Take advantage of a special enrollment period when you visit a marketplace or exchange. This means you don’t have to wait until open enrollment to apply.
- See if you qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid provides health coverage to millions of Americans, including eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults and people with disabilities. Medicaid is administered by states, according to federal requirements. The program is funded jointly by states and the federal government.
- Medicare. Once you turn 65 you’ll probably drop your marketplace plan in favor of Medicare. That's the federally backed health insurance program for seniors older than 65 and who spent at least 10 years working full time. (It also supports some younger people who receive Social Security disability benefits.) Here’s where things can get complicated. There isn’t just a single policy or product related to Medicare, but parts Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D for medication. In addition, there’s a form of coverage known as Medicare supplement insurance, or “Medigap.”
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Senior Health Insurance in Prescott
Prescott Medicare Specialist
Helpful Medicare Articles