Seniors, can we talk?
Are you planning a vacation? Ruth told me that she and her friend, Betty, and Betty’s charming cousin, David, are. They are going on a “road trip” with several stops and adventures on the way. While telling me about their trip, Ruth asked “How does my Medicare work when I travel? Just in case I get sick or have an accident while I’m away from home I need to know what to expect.” I told Ruth that she has Original Medicare which includes Part A (hospital care) and Part B (outpatient care) that’s shown on her red/white and blue Medicare card. In addition she has Part D (to cover prescriptions) and a Medicare Supplement policy (also known as a Medigap plan to pay what Medicare does not). Original Medicare provides coverage all over the 50 United States and District of Columbia (plus Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands). Since there are no “provider networks”, she can go to any provider who accepts Medicare. Medicare supplement policies do not have “provider networks” either. As she travels on her “road trip” Ruth’s Medicare Supplement policy will continue to pick up what Medicare does not pay as long as she goes to a provider who accepts Medicare. “Then what if I need to get a new prescription filled?” Prescription plans are involved with networks. The lowest cost for any medication is at a preferred or in network pharmacy, just like when you’re at home. Since you may not know which pharmacy is preferred, you can call the customer service number on the back of your Medicare Prescription ID card and ask them. Ruth said that David has a Medicare Advantage plan and asked if it would work the same way. If he needs to go the emergency room, David can go to any provider. Beyond that, no his plan is different. Most Medicare Advantage plans offer maximum benefits when care is received from a network provider. David can call the customer service number on the back of his Medicare Advantage ID card to find out who in network providers are. Since having your Medicare Supplement and Medicare prescription or Medicare Advantage ID cards may be critical, you may want to make copies (front and back) and put a copy of them in your luggage in case your wallet or purse is stolen. Ruth was relieved and then told me about a friend who broke her tooth while on vacation and had to go to a dentist. How would dental insurance work? To get the maximum benefit from your dental plan you need to go to a dentist in the network. Same thing – call the customer service number on the back of our dental ID card to find a dentist where you are. I’m anxious to hear about their trip (particularly since David is going) and asked Ruth to call me at 501-868-6650 when they return and say “Caroline, can we talk?”
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AuthorCaroline Beauchamp specializes in personalized life and health insurance solutions. Archives
September 2023
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