my father just received a booklet titled MEDICARE & YOU.?

Question

He asked me to help him to decide what to do. I read the booklet. 116 pages. I'm more confused than ever. Is this a ripoff for seniors or not?

Answer 1

It is not a ripoff but it is very confusing.

Medicare pays for 57% of the medical bills for the average person, after that person pays the deductible for both parts A & B and their 20%. This is why most people have some sort of supplemental type policy. This policy can be an actual Medicare Supplement or it can be a Medicare Advantage plan. Most Medicare Advantage plans have Part D (prescription drug coverage) included. If you have a Medicare Supplement you need a separate Part D plan.

You should visit a local independent agent that works in the senior market for assistance finding the right plan for your father.

Answer 2

Most seniors do save money with medicare. The booklet is the description of benefits. He should receive a formulary notice from his Part D insurance. You should review it to make sure all his meds are still on the list. Also, he now has to get his routine immunizations, except for pneumococcal and flu, at a pharmacy and not at a doctor's office. Routine immunizations are covered by Part D, and they only accept drug claims from pharmacies, not doctors.
Actually only about 15% of seniors have medicare advantage.

Answer 3

Medicare is a good program that helps seniors and disabled people pay for medical care.Even if your father has health insurance ,Medicare will cover some costs that his insurance may not.If your father does not have health insurance he would be crazy not to sign up for Medicare.If they sent him that booklet he is most likely already enrolled in the Medicare program.