On Medicare ? Be Aware of Hospital Observation Charges !
New Medicare choices in 2017 could mean better coverage for less money !
On Medicare ? Be Aware of Hospital Observation Charges !
By Tucker Thompson , CSA
More and more seniors on Medicare , with or without supplement insurance coverage or Advantage Plans , are getting stung with higher out-of-pocket expenses and fewer Medicare benefits in the ever-widening Medicare net called “ Observation Care .” You can be admitted into a hospital for up to 72 hours under observation , which will not be paid by Medicare or your health plan . Make sure you are formally admitted as an inpatient , after a doctor orders it to a hospital , and not placed under observation admission . Time spent under observation does not count towards the three-day hospital inpatient stay requirement for skilled nursing [ rehab ] facility coverage under Medicare . In addition , Medicare will not pay for drugs or injections during hospital “ observation care .” You or a family member should always ask if you ’ re an inpatient or an outpatient each day you ’ re in a hospital . This may seem trifle but it may save you big money plus whether you qualify for Medicare Part A coverage in a skilled nursing facility .
Today electric health files are a common source of information for doctors and hospitals . This has greatly improved health care , especially in the emergency room and when visiting new physician specialists . Your current medications , drug and food allergies , and health history can be seen in a much faster amount of time . The draw back is doctors do not seem as friendly or personal because they are on their computers filling in your health information . Doctors are now required to have Internet web sites that the patients can interact on with the physician about their health care and treatment .
Medicare supplement policies can be changed every month if you can answer the company you are applying with health questions . You do not have to answer health questions six months before the month of your birthday and three months after your 65th birthday . You also may enroll without health questions if you enter into a guaranteed issue circumstance .
Medicare benefits start the first day of the month you turn 65 . If your birthday is the 1st , then your benefits will start the previous month . For example , if your birthday is June 1 , 2015 . Medicare started May 1 , 2015 .
Tucker Thompson , CSA , has worked in the insurance field for over 22 years in Long-Term Care , Medicare Supplements , Medicare Advantage Plans , Prescription Drug Plans and Life Insurance policies .
New Medicare choices in 2017 could mean better coverage for less money !
You can apply to change a Medicare supplement policy anytime during the year !
( 972 ) 548-1629
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Benchmark Financial Services is a local company with a Senior Life Division dedicated to helping seniors review & find Medicare healthcare and prescription plans that best fit each individual ’ s needs . With a strong commitment to offer independent , unbiased advice , we are licensed with over 30 national companies and are not “ employed ” by any of these companies whose plans we might recommend .
Your Local Agent : Tucker Thompson Certified Senior Advisor
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COLLIN COUNTY Living Well Magazine | MAY / JUNE 2017