With Medicare enrollment here, it’s important to make sure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about your healthcare. That said, there are a whole lot of myths out there about Medicare, and these can be pretty confusing. Here are a few of the top myths out there:
The Government Runs Medicare
Since Medicare is a government program, many people assume it’s the government running your healthcare. This is a myth, because the government does not deliver your healthcare. While Medicare is government financed, the care itself is delivered by the private market. Often, you can select your own doctors and care facilities.
Most Doctors Won’t Accept Medicare
Most Medicare beneficiaries won’t have trouble finding a doctor who will see them. That said, there is some concern when it comes to locating a primary care physician. But don’t worry, according to recent research, less than 2 percent of Medicare recipients had problems finding a primary care doctor – about the same as patients with a private health care plan.
Government Cuts Will Prevent Good Care
While the Affordable Care Act limits the soaring costs of Medicare, the law actually prohibits cuts to guaranteed Medicare benefits. In fact, many preventative services are covered free of charge for Medicare recipients; this includes yearly physical exams and many screenings and vaccines.
The Government Will Slash Advantage Plans
Since the ACA went into effect, there have been myths circulating about the end of Medicare Advantage plans, which are plans administered entirely by a private healthcare company. This is absolutely a myth; as many as a quarter of Medicare recipients opt for a Medicare Advantage Plan.
There’s Always Time
If you haven’t made necessary changes to your Medicare coverage – or enrolled at all – the time is now. Open enrollment is October 15 through December 7, after which you will be unable to enroll in Medicare. If you have questions about your plan, give us a call! We’re happy to help.
Thanks for the information, I will turn 65 in June of 2016 and am not sure when I need to make application for Medicare. And is this something that you can help me with?
Dave, sorry for the delay! Yes I will help you with this. You should receive your Medicare card around March or April. We will need to pick a new Medicare plan for you that will start June 1. Please let me know as soon as you receive your card or if you have any questions before then. thanks and Happy New Year!
My wife and I and, possibly, some friends, are interested in meeting with a Tyler Insurance agent in order to explore Medicare Advantage/Supplement options. We are currently enrolled in Humana’s Gold Plus HMO as well as Humana’s Part D prescription drug plan and, for the most part, are satisfied. We note, however, that the prescription drug plan has become significantly more expensive than it has been previously. We will also be interested in looking into vision and dental coverage.
Tim Welch
702-629-5822
Tim, I am so sorry. Your blog did not come to me until today????? Not sure what the issue was. I assume by now you are taken care of. I sure hate that I missed the opportunity to meet with you, your wife and friends. Hopefully we can meet at the next open enrollment. Were you able to get information on dental and vision. I can still help you with that. Once again, sorry for late response.