MIND YOUR BIZNESS
quickly as possible from its large network of health care professionals. The customer service team will even help members find a specialist and schedule an appointment for them. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer out-of-network coverage, typically at a higher cost. So, staying in-network is one of the best things you can do to help manage your health care costs.
4) Take advantage of preventive care benefits. Original Medicare offers all beneficiaries an Annual Wellness Visit. Some preventive screenings, like mammograms and colonoscopies, are also included. These services can help catch health problems early, when they're usually easier to treat. Your Annual Wellness Visit is a good opportunity to sit down with your doctor and develop a plan to help you achieve your best health in the year ahead. A Medicare Advantage plan from UnitedHealthcare will even bring preventive care into your own living room through the House Calls program. The program helps make it easier for members to get important information about their medications and communicate with health providers about how their care fits with their health needs and budget.
Tip 5: Plan yearly expenses with the out-of-pocket maximum in mind. Medicare costs can vary widely for individuals based on their situation and type of coverage. Original Medicare generally covers 80 percent of a person's Part A and Part B expenses, which include services such as doctor visits, hospital stays and lab tests. The individual is responsible for the other 20 percent, with no annual limit on out-of-pocket costs. Medicare Advantage plans
offer predictable copays and cap your annual out-of-pocket expenses. Once you reach the out-of-pocket max set by your plan, all additional costs for Medicare-covered services for the rest of the year are covered at 100 percent.
6) Save money on prescription drugs. Prescription drug coverage isn't included with Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Some people opt to enroll in a stand-alone Part D plan, but many choose a Medicare Advantage plan, which often includes prescription coverage. Using home delivery pharmacy benefits can be one way to save money - not to mention trips to the pharmacy. With some home delivery pharmacies, you can order a three-month supply of medication for a lower cost than you would pay if you got the same supply at a local drug store. If you prefer to use a retail pharmacy, check whether your plan has a preferred pharmacy network, which can mean a lower copay. Switching to an alternative drug can be another way to save money. Ask your doctor if there's a generic drug or one on a lower tier of your plan's formulary (the list of covered drugs) that could work just as well for you.
The bottom line
Following these tips to get the most out of your Medicare plan could be doubly rewarding - more money in your wallet and better health to help you live your best life. To learn more, visit http://www.advantageuhc.com/.