6 Steps to Medicare Planning for Seniors
With November being National Medicare Family Caregiver's Month, we found it appropriate to share some helpful information for those soon to be applying for Medicare benefits. At Schnitzer-Slate, we offer much information about senior insurance in Wilmington NC. We also acknowledge the important part Medicare plays in the health and wellness of seniors. So, here are six steps to help make your Medicare planning smoother and easier.
Step 1: Discuss Your Healthcare Needs with your Family
Life happens fast, and nobody can foresee the future. So, it is important to have a discussion about your immediate and future healthcare needs with your family members. You want them to know your wishes in advance, just in case something happens and you are unable to deliver them then. Create a formal living will so all of your requests will have legal backing if ever necessary.
Step 2: Learn and Understand Medicare's Rules
Many seniors have misconceptions about what Medicare is what it does and does not cover. Therefore, it is important to do your research and learn everything you can about Medicare so you know exactly what to expect. For example, did you know that if you are placed in the hospital under "observation" and not officially admitted, then Medicare will not cover the hospital stay?
Step 3: Consider Buying Senior Insurance
Because Medicare only covers certain things, it is important for seniors to consider buying senior insurance, or MediGap insurance. This type of policy will help fill in the coverage gaps left behind by Medicare so in the event of a significant health complication, you and your family will be financially protected. In fact, most experts suggest that seniors should have their own vision, dental, long term care, and prescription drug coverages as well.
Step 4: Exercise Daily
What does daily exercise have to do with Medicare? Quite a lot actually. Seniors who exercise every day are less likely to suffer from balance issues and this is important for avoiding slips and falls, which can be detriment to a senior's health. Just because you will have Medicare does not mean that you want to have to use it!
Step 5: Follow Your Drug Prescriptions
Seniors who do not take their medications as prescribed place themselves at high risk of all manner of problems. Therefore, making sure you are taking your drugs exactly as they are prescribed is one of the best things you can do to keep yourself out of the hospital. Because drug costs are constantly rising, try having a financial safety net set aside for covering the increases in costs or visit the Medicare website to determine which drug plan you can enroll in that will help save you the most money.
Step 6: Take Advantage of Medicare's Preventative Services
Medicare, and your senior insurance plan, offers exceptional preventative services that are designed to help keep you healthy, so it is important to use them. These services include free or low-cost gym memberships, vaccinations, mammograms, tobacco cessation counseling, and more.
Affordable Senior Insurance in Wilmington NC is Available from BCBSNC
If you are already on Medicare or you will soon be, and you want to find an affordable, but comprehensive senior insurance policy to help supplement your health care coverage, then Schnitzer-Slate has a variety of policies available for you to choose from. We offer affordable, comprehensive BCBSNC plans with lower premiums, easy payment options, and other benefits. Just call us today at 910-392-7020 and one of our agents will help you choose the right plan for your lifestyle and budget. Or, just visit our website at http://healthplannc.com/ to learn more about affordable senior insurance in Wilmington NC.
Step 1: Discuss Your Healthcare Needs with your Family
Life happens fast, and nobody can foresee the future. So, it is important to have a discussion about your immediate and future healthcare needs with your family members. You want them to know your wishes in advance, just in case something happens and you are unable to deliver them then. Create a formal living will so all of your requests will have legal backing if ever necessary.
Step 2: Learn and Understand Medicare's Rules
Many seniors have misconceptions about what Medicare is what it does and does not cover. Therefore, it is important to do your research and learn everything you can about Medicare so you know exactly what to expect. For example, did you know that if you are placed in the hospital under "observation" and not officially admitted, then Medicare will not cover the hospital stay?
Step 3: Consider Buying Senior Insurance
Because Medicare only covers certain things, it is important for seniors to consider buying senior insurance, or MediGap insurance. This type of policy will help fill in the coverage gaps left behind by Medicare so in the event of a significant health complication, you and your family will be financially protected. In fact, most experts suggest that seniors should have their own vision, dental, long term care, and prescription drug coverages as well.
Step 4: Exercise Daily
What does daily exercise have to do with Medicare? Quite a lot actually. Seniors who exercise every day are less likely to suffer from balance issues and this is important for avoiding slips and falls, which can be detriment to a senior's health. Just because you will have Medicare does not mean that you want to have to use it!
Step 5: Follow Your Drug Prescriptions
Seniors who do not take their medications as prescribed place themselves at high risk of all manner of problems. Therefore, making sure you are taking your drugs exactly as they are prescribed is one of the best things you can do to keep yourself out of the hospital. Because drug costs are constantly rising, try having a financial safety net set aside for covering the increases in costs or visit the Medicare website to determine which drug plan you can enroll in that will help save you the most money.
Step 6: Take Advantage of Medicare's Preventative Services
Medicare, and your senior insurance plan, offers exceptional preventative services that are designed to help keep you healthy, so it is important to use them. These services include free or low-cost gym memberships, vaccinations, mammograms, tobacco cessation counseling, and more.
Affordable Senior Insurance in Wilmington NC is Available from BCBSNC
If you are already on Medicare or you will soon be, and you want to find an affordable, but comprehensive senior insurance policy to help supplement your health care coverage, then Schnitzer-Slate has a variety of policies available for you to choose from. We offer affordable, comprehensive BCBSNC plans with lower premiums, easy payment options, and other benefits. Just call us today at 910-392-7020 and one of our agents will help you choose the right plan for your lifestyle and budget. Or, just visit our website at http://healthplannc.com/ to learn more about affordable senior insurance in Wilmington NC.