With so many options in Medicare, it’s difficult to know if you’re getting the most out of your benefits and if they’re working the best for you. Here’s how to access those benefits and get the most out of your Medicare. Whether you think you might need to make a plan change or you’re signing up for Medicare for the first time, these seven keys to savings will open up a world of new opportunities for your health.
- Medicare Plus Card. Save on prescriptions and other daily necessities with the Medicare Plus Card. With this important savings card, you can save daily on things not covered by Medicare, such as prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, and hearing. It’s easy and free to sign up – a no-brainer!
- Extra Help. It’s not uncommon for seniors to be on one or more medications, and the costs can add up. Unlock prescription drug savings with Extra Help. If you are at a certain level of income and assets, you may qualify for Extra Help with your prescriptions. Visit Social Security’s site to apply.
- Medicare Savings Programs, or MSPs, are programs offered by your state to help with Part A and Part B deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. You must have Part A and meet certain conditions of limited finances to qualify. Contact your state Medicaid program to see if you qualify. Rules and qualifications vary by state and by type of MSP. If you enroll in an MSP, you also qualify for Part D Extra Help.
- Search for savings. Looking to save money on your health needs? The National Council on Aging offers a BenefitsCheckUp site where you can search for benefits and discounts that might be available to you. You could be eligible for savings that you didn’t know were available! The BenefitsCheckUp team does the research for you and finds many options for programs from which you might benefit.
- Medicare Savings Accounts, or MSAs. These savings plans are available with certain Medicare Advantage plans. MSAs make deposits into your account to help cover healthcare costs. You can use the money in your MSA to cover qualifying medical expenses, copays, coinsurance, or other out-of-pocket needs. Money that you don’t use can be saved for the future. There is no limit to the amount of money that can have in your MSA, and the returns aren’t taxed. The money can only be used for healthcare purposes. MSAs are a good option for people in better health and who have some savings as a cushion.
- Included annual screenings. If you’re on Medicare, you automatically qualify for free screenings for things such as depression, smoking cessation, obesity, weight loss surgery, alcohol abuse, and more. Medicare also covers various cancer screenings and tests to make sure you are in good health, plus an annual wellness visit. Search what Medicare covers and find out more.
- Medigap. Don’t forget that if you have Original Medicare, a Medigap, or Medicare supplement plan can help “bridge the gap” by paying for common out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare. Compare plans to see which one might be the best fit for you.
Are you taking advantage of all the Medicare benefits you’re entitled to? You may be missing out on benefits that could save your money, time, and health. Explore these seven ways to get the most savings out of Medicare!
Not all Medicare plans are exactly the same. To compare Medicare plans and secure the one that fits your needs, get a free Medicare consultation today.