One concern many people have as they get older is the increase in healthcare expenses. Thankfully, Medicare Advantage plans are a great way to get comprehensive coverage that goes beyond what regular Medicare offers. Here are some of the lesser-known benefits that you will get by using a Medicare Advantage plan
Cap On Out-Of-Pocket Costs
One major benefit of having a Medicare Advantage plan is that it can actually lower your health insurance costs. This is because regular Medicare doesn't have a cap on your out-of-pocket costs, which means you do not know what you could potentially pay for your healthcare in any given year. Medicare Advantage plans do have a cap on how much you pay each year, which will give you some peace of mind that a medical emergency will not cut into your retirement budget.
Large Network Of Doctors
A regular Medicare plan is limited only to doctors that accept Medicare. Unfortunately, you may find the choice of doctors quite limiting, especially if your current doctor is not an option. Medicare Advantage plans will have a large network of doctors, which gives you more choice when it comes to the healthcare provider that you see. You can pick a doctor that you trust and not have to worry about going out of network.
Additional Benefits
There are many benefits that Medicare Advantage plans provide that you don't even get with a commercial health insurance provider. Medicare Advantage plans can offer benefits such as vision, hearing, and dental coverage, which are all very important as you get older in age. There are also discounts on gym memberships, wellness programs, and other ways to help you stay healthy as you get older. You can even get transportation to your doctor, which is very helpful for elderly people that no longer drive a car.
Non-Medical Benefits
You may want to look into the non-medical benefits that some Medicare Advantage plans offer. These are not the typical benefits that you see with a commercial health insurance plan, which is why they are not something you tend to expect to receive. For example, it's possible to receive allowances that help pay for over-the-counter medicines and medical goods, which you typically would pay for out of your own pocket. Some plans even provide a preloaded debit card that can be used to purchase healthy foods, which helps you make better food choices as you get older.