Medicare Myths Dispelled Calvin Bagley, The Medicare Store
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ost people are aware that when they turn 65, they become eligible for Medicare. However, what people don’t always understand is that there are options available beyond Original Medicare - the healthcare benefits you receive from the government. And those who are aware of these options are often reluctant to change plans due to common misconceptions.
plans offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover—like vision, hearing, dental, over-the-counter items, and more. Myth: You get better care when you have Original Medicare vs. a Medicare Advantage HMO.
With the Annual Election Period (AEP)— the only annual time of year when most Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their current coverage— happening from October 15 through December 7, now is the time to explore coverage options. But first, let’s walk through some myths around alternative coverage options that are good to be aware of before you look for a new plan.
Truth: Research suggests the opposite. Medicare Advantage HMO plans utilize care coordination to keep their members healthy and out of the hospital. Researchers have found that Medicare Advantage members have 31 percent fewer hospitalizations than people on Original Medicare. They also found that the average hospital stay was 19 percent shorter and Medicare Advantage members spent 25 percent less on their care.
Myth: Medicare Advantage HMOs don’t offer the same benefits as Original Medicare.
Myth: Most doctors and hospitals don’t take Medicare Advantage HMOs.
Truth: Medicare Advantage HMO plans are required to cover all of the medically necessary services that Original Medicare covers. In addition to that, most Medicare Advantage HMO
Truth: Medicare Advantage HMO plans include a wide variety of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and specialists. (Myths page 12)
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