Maryland Senior Health Insurance
Explore Your Options
Many people choose to retire in Maryland because of its ocean and bay coastlines, history, and we can’t forget the Maryland blue crabs. Whatever reason you decided to retire here, make sure you are well educated on your Senior Health Insurance options when you are turning 65 or becoming eligible for Medicare. If you decide to keep working past the age of 65, you may be able to keep your employer group plan. This may or may not be the best option for you. A Specialist at MySeniorHealthPlan.com can help compare your employer sponsored plan to a Medicare Supplemental option and help you make an informed decision.
The supplemental Medicare options available in Maryland are broken down into three categories: the Medicare Supplement Plan (Medigap Plan), various Prescription Drug Plans (Part D), and an assortment of Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C).
Medicare Supplement Plans are offered state-wide, meaning anyone in Maryland can have one. Medicare Supplement Plans are standardized by the government meaning benefits don’t change between carriers. What does vary is customer service, premiums and carrier reputation. Medicare Supplement Plans are non-networked based giving you the freedom to see any doctor that accepts Medicare. Medicare Supplements do not include prescription drug coverage, therefore are often paired with a Prescription Drug Plan.
Prescription Drug Plans are stand-alone plans offered by private insurance companies. Because of the variations in coverage and plan premiums it’s a good idea to talk to a Specialist at MySeniorHealthPlan.com. A Specialist will walk you through what plans cover your prescriptions and review their associated costs. If you are electing to enroll into a Prescription Drug Plan but need Extra Help paying for your prescriptions, visit http://www.ssa.gov/medicare/prescriptionhelp/ for more information.
Medicare Advantage Plans are offered by private insurance companies. These plans are regulated and approved by CMS, the Centers of Medicaid and Medicare Services. Although you still have Medicare Parts A and B, these benefits are now handled by your chosen carrier. Medicare Advantage Plans are county based, therefore not all plans are offered in the different counties. These are network-based plans so you may need a referral to see a Specialist outside of your Primary Care Physician. For many, it’s important to keep their PCP, so call MySeniorHealthPlan.com to see which plans your PCP accepts. Medicare Advantage Plans typically include prescription drug coverage. However, this is not always true so be sure you know the benefits of the plan in which you choose to enroll.
Senior Resources:
Medicare: www.medicare.gov
Maryland Department of Human Services: https://dhs.maryland.gov/
Maryland Department of Aging: http://www.aging.maryland.gov/
