10 Essential Questions When Choosing Between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage Plans

1. What are my monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs?

• How much can I afford in terms of monthly premiums?
• What are the potential out-of-pocket costs for each plan?

2. Do I travel frequently or live in multiple locations?

• Will my coverage travel with me if I split time between different states or travel internationally?

3. Will my preferred doctors and hospitals accept the plan?

• Is my current doctor and hospital in-network for the Medicare Advantage plan?
  Medicare Supplement plans cover services from any provider that accepts Medicare.

4. Is it worth the extra expense to maintain access to my current doctors and specialists?

• How important is it for me to continue seeing my current healthcare providers?
• Am I willing to switch doctors if necessary to save on costs?

5. Am I comfortable with needing referrals to see specialists?

• Do I prefer the flexibility to see specialists without needing referrals (as with Medicare Supplement Plans)?
• Am I okay with the potential need for referrals (as with most Medicare Advantage plans)?

6. Which prescriptions do I need to be covered by insurance?

• Does the Medicare Advantage plan include prescription drug coverage (Part D)?
• Will I need to purchase a separate Part D plan with a Medicare Supplement Plan?
• Are my current medications covered under the plan's formulary (your Denali Medicare Agent will help research this for you)?

7. Do I have any upcoming medical procedures or expected healthcare expenses?

• Are there any major surgeries or treatments I anticipate soon?
• How will these expected costs be covered under each plan?

8. What additional benefits and services are essential to me?

• Do I need coverage for dental, vision, hearing, or wellness programs?
• Which plan offers the additional benefits that I want?

9. How do the plans handle emergency and urgent care?

• What are the costs and coverage for emergency and urgent care, especially when traveling?
• Are there any restrictions or higher costs for out-of-network or out-of-country emergency services?

10. What is the plan's reputation and customer service like?

• Are there any reviews or ratings available for the plans I'm considering?
• How responsive and helpful is the insurance company's customer service?

Medicare Disclaimer: We do not offer every plan available in your area, so any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE for information on all of your options.

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