AgeWise: Learning More about Medicare
By: Liz Hogan
Updated: August 9, 2012
Carolyn Wheeler is a care manager at the Schmieding Center in Springdale.
She said some of her most common questions from seniors involves Medicare.
This year, the open enrollment period runs from October 15th through December 7th.
"It's very important to do that when you have that open enrollment period so that your coverage does not end, so that you continue your coverage smoothly," Wheeler said.
According to Wheeler, there's something new coming called the CLASS program, that folks should know about.
"If you're still working then you may be able, according to the book, to begin to put money aside for long term care coverage."
Which includes things like nursing home and assisted living care.
"That would allow you then to at least meet some of the costs, some or all of the costs of your long-term care so that you don't have to depend on that all from the state."
The most common question Wheeler gets?
Is it better to choose Medicare and a supplemental insurance or a Medicare Advantage plan?
Wheeler said the short answer is, if you have health problems, go with a supplemental insurance.
"It depends on the plan you choose, but in almost all cases, that plan will pay for all of the costs that Medicare doesn't cover."
If you're generally healthy, then she said it may be better to stick with an Advantage plan.
For more information about the Schmieding Center, click here.
She said some of her most common questions from seniors involves Medicare.
This year, the open enrollment period runs from October 15th through December 7th.
"It's very important to do that when you have that open enrollment period so that your coverage does not end, so that you continue your coverage smoothly," Wheeler said.
According to Wheeler, there's something new coming called the CLASS program, that folks should know about.
"If you're still working then you may be able, according to the book, to begin to put money aside for long term care coverage."
Which includes things like nursing home and assisted living care.
"That would allow you then to at least meet some of the costs, some or all of the costs of your long-term care so that you don't have to depend on that all from the state."
The most common question Wheeler gets?
Is it better to choose Medicare and a supplemental insurance or a Medicare Advantage plan?
Wheeler said the short answer is, if you have health problems, go with a supplemental insurance.
"It depends on the plan you choose, but in almost all cases, that plan will pay for all of the costs that Medicare doesn't cover."
If you're generally healthy, then she said it may be better to stick with an Advantage plan.
For more information about the Schmieding Center, click here.
