Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

Be careful when buying insurance

Ana Wood’s Oct. 10 guest column “Medicare Advantage works for seniors, should be protected” was well written but left out several aspects of Medicare Advantage plans that are important when choosing Medicare coverage.

Medicare Advantage plans are not for everyone. They are inexpensive and have many positive benefits, but there are some other aspects to consider before choosing one.

If you travel out of the county/counties where benefits are available, you are only covered for emergency care. This can be problematic for someone who travels a lot, or spends time with family out of the coverage area.

Most Advantage plans are HMOs, so you must use the doctors/surgeons contracted with your specific plan. If you use a doctor who is not, you are responsible for the bill. Some plans are PPOs that allow you to see out-of-network doctors with a higher co-pay.

There are other possible co-pays for treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy that should be considered.

A Medicare Advantage plan is a one-year contract, so you can change plans every year. It also means the company offering the plan may not offer the same one next year, or any plan next year.

Before choosing any Medicare plan it is wise to talk with a licensed insurance agent who is appointed to handle a variety of Medicare products and can find a plan that is best suited to your needs and budget.