America's Benefit Specialist August-September 2022

MEDICARE MATTERS

available to those who turned 65 or went on Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. The plan comes with a high deductible ($2,490 for 2022) but is appealing for those looking to save money and who may not anticipate many medical needs during the year.

will have to pay. These can include a nom inal copay for doctor or emergency-room visits. Plan N can also have one facing excess charges. High-deductible Plan G is a relatively new option for Medicare beneficiaries. It is only

Plan G covers 100% of all Medicare-cov ered expenses once the Medicare Part B deductible has been met for the year. First introduced in 2010 as a way to offer low er-cost options, Plan N has a few additional out-of-pocket expenses that policyholders

THE LESSER-KNOWN MEDICARE PLAN BENEFITS THAT HELP SENIORS LIVE HEALTHIER LIVES

By Jamie Needham Ensurem Largo, Florida

There are many benefits of Medicare Advantage that consumers may not know about. These plans offer a variety of no-cost benefits to help seniors be more active and healthy, including: Gym memberships: They can get dis counts on gym memberships, including group classes and personal training sessions for one low monthly price. In-home fitness equipment: Some plans will give consumers access to an in-home treadmill or stationary bike that they can use at their leisure without paying extra. Health club discounts: Many health clubs will waive their initiation fees when seniors show them their Medicare card. Fitness programs provided by the plan itself (like SilverSneakers) or through third-party providers like BlueZones Project help people stay motivated as well as healthy over time with lifestyle changes like eating better foods or exercising more often. People who retire early find it hard finding anything interesting at home during retirement years, especially those without children. This also applies to people who find themselves sitting around all day watching TV shows after work each day just because they’re bored without any hobbies. These fitness programs offer great benefit for usage of time as well as for their wellness and rejuvenation.

having to pay out-of-pocket expenses while getting treatment. SENIORS ADOPTING HEALTHIER LIFESTYLES In recent years, seniors have become health ier and more active than ever before. It’s not uncommon for a senior to be partici pating in several different kinds of physical activities or group classes, attending exercise programs at the gym on a regular basis, or even joining an athletic team that competes against other teams in their area. While these behaviors might seem like they only benefit the individual person or their health, they are also helping everyone else around them—and their community as a whole—because these habits can lead to lower healthcare costs overall.

THE FINE PRINT While there are several Medicare Advantage plans that offer a broad range of benefits, it’s important for seniors to be aware of any limitations or co-pays they may encounter. They might consider asking their doctor to double-check that the services they need are covered under their plan and not billed separately, which can add up quickly. If someone is still unsure about how much a certain service will cost, they should contact the insurance company directly for more information about coverage limita tions or benefit packages for specific areas (like Lasik eye surgery). They can also ask specific questions about prescription costs and other services like physical therapy or dental work if they’re concerned about

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