Jumat, 28 Januari 2011

What A Senior Should Know About Obtaining AARP Medicare Supplements

By Renee Tucker


It is a milestone to turn 65! Close to retirement, a senior can look forward to increased time for leisure, travel, and for their kids and grandkids. Also with this age will come eligibility for Medicare, the standardized health insurance for senior citizens run by the government. But it insures so many people, it would be impossible to cover health care costs in full. There is a need for AARP Medicare supplements as well.

Medicare provides seniors with insurance the best way it can. Hospital visits and home health care are covered under Part A. Doctor services, medically necessary supplies or equipment, and ambulance rides are covered under Part B. Separate prescription drug coverage run by individual insurance companies while being mandated by the federal government is taken care of by Part D.

Part A was paid for through taxes over the working years, but Part B carries a monthly premium. There is not full coverage for health care costs with either insurance. In the hospital, Part A will cover the first 20 days in full, then partially with a co-payment for the next 80 days. There are certain specifications that must be met before it will pay anything, and after 100 days the full responsibility is on the patient. Not only is there a deductible to be met for Part B, after that only 80% of what is approved will be paid.

Also known as medigap insurance, Medicare supplements were invented to fill these gaps of payment. They work alongside the main insurance to alleviate what may not be covered. Without a med sup, a check-up can be a nuisance, but an illness could seriously strain a fixed income. No matter which company is insuring the supplement, it is accepted everywhere Medicare is taken.

Since the Federal government regulates all supplements, the plans, marked as A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N, must have identical coverage regardless of the company providing them. They pay for hospital and doctor co-pays, plus something extra in each. These plans have a monthly premium but require only a small, if any, cost out-of-pocket as the individual needs care.

Between insurance companies, customer service and price are the only differences. AARP remains a fixture in the senior market. It has been one of the 50 plus community's biggest advocates. In addition to supplemental coverage, insured by United Healthcare, they also offer auto and home insurance. Discounts from dining to travel can be enjoyed by all members. They pride themselves on presenting products that are relevant to retirees.

Medicare by itself isn't adequate in covering all health care costs. Established in 1958, a trusted company dedicates itself to improving the quality of life for all Americans as they age. AARP Medicare supplements are what many seniors rely on for this important additional coverage. They make it easy to sign up, whether by phone or on-line. Answers to questions or which plan is best can be a phone call or a click away.




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