5 Common Medicare Mistakes People Make
Many family caregivers help their older family members with financial matters, including managing their medical bills and insurance. Because all people aged 65 and older are eligible for Medicare, this means that caregivers need to know how the Medicare system works. Unfortunately, many people are unfamiliar with it, which can result in making some costly mistakes.
Homecare in Fairfax County VA: Medicare Mistakes
Below are 5 common mistakes that people make with Medicare.
#1: Failing to Sign Up for Medicare at the Appropriate Time
The initial enrollment period for Medicare goes from three months before the month the older adult turns 65 in to three months after that month, giving them seven months to sign up in. If they do not sign up within the initial enrollment period, the senior will have to wait until the next annual general enrollment period, which takes place between January 1 and March 31 of every year. Coverage then does not start until July. In addition, people who enroll after their initial enrollment period may be subject to higher premium rates for Medicare Part B.
#2: Being Unaware of What is Not Covered
Medicare does not cover every medical expense your aging relative may incur. Not knowing what isn’t covered can leave seniors and caregivers struggling with trying to figure out how to pay expensive medical bills. Some of the things not covered by original Medicare are:
- Routine eye exams and eyeglasses.
- Routine hearing exams and hearing aids.
- Dental care.
- Routine care for feet.
- Assisted living or a nursing home.
#3: Picking a Medicare Advantage Plan That Doesn’t Include the Senior’s Doctors
Most Medicare Advantage plans use HMOs or PPOs, which require the older adult to use certain providers to receive the best benefits. Before choosing a Medicare Advantage plan, it’s important that older adults and their family caregivers do some research to determine if the senior’s current doctors are part of the network. If not, they may have to change doctors.
#4: Picking the Wrong Medicare Part D Plan
Medicare Part D is for prescription coverage. There are different kinds of Part D plans, so it is important to know which one your aging relative should sign up for. Each Part D plan uses a formulary, which is a list of drugs that the plan covers. Make sure the medications the senior is currently taking will be covered by the plan.
#5: Thinking the Older Adult Cannot Afford Medicare
Some caregivers may not encourage their aging relative to sign up for Medicare because they think the senior cannot afford it. However, there are programs that may help them to pay for health costs. Three programs that may be useful are:
- Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs).
- Extra Help.
- State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring HomeCare in Fairfax County, VA, please contact the caring staff at LivinRite Home Care. Call Us Today at (703) 634-9991.
Sources
Aarp.org/mistakes
Verywellhealth.com
Aarp.org/services-not-covered
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