Page 7 - Healthcare News 2025 Senior Planning Guide

“By focusing on
prevention, any
potential health
issues can be
identified early,
and you can
work to maintain
optimal health and prioritize your
well-being.”
Decisions, Decisions
What to Look for in Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans
By Sarah Fernandes
Each year, people who are 65 or older make deci-
sions about their Medicare and Medicare Ad-
vantage coverage during the Medicare Annual
Enrollment Period (also known as Open Enrollment)
from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Before choosing their plans,
Medicare beneficiaries should consider a few things.
Is All Medicare Coverage the Same?
While Original Medicare (Parts A and B), the
plan provided by the federal government, covers
hospitalizations and most doctors’ services,
coverage for other services
—
like outpatient
care, medical supplies, and preventive health
care (Parts C and D)
—
can vary widely. Part C,
otherwise known as Medicare Advantage, and Part
D (prescription drug coverage) are offered through
private insurers, such as Health New England and
others.
What Is Medicare Advantage (Part
C)?
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans cover
everything Original Medicare (Parts A and B) would
cover, but offer additional benefits and services
beyond Original Medicare. These added benefits
can include prescription drug coverage, vision care,
dental services, hearing aids, wellness programs,
and more. Medicare Advantage plans provide
greater opportunities for beneficiaries to engage
in preventive services, such as regular check-ups,
screenings, vaccinations, and health education.
By focusing on prevention, any potential health
issues can be identified early, and you can work
to maintain optimal health and prioritize your
well-being. If you do have a chronic condition,
a coordinated approach from your Medicare
Advantage plan and your providers ensures that
you receive the necessary support, education, and
interventions to manage your condition effectively,
leading to improved quality of life and health
outcomes.
How Do I Decide?
To decide what plan is right for you, be sure to
review the features of the plan. For instance:
•
Make a list of your preferred healthcare
providers and see if they are considered in network
or out of network for each plan you are considering.
Some plans do not cover out-of-network services at
all, while some cover them partially.
•
Similarly, make a list of your medications
and see if they will be covered and how much, if
anything, you will need to pay out of pocket (your
co-pay).
•
If you travel or spend time in other areas of
the country, check if the plan allows you to use any
Medicare-accepting doctor anywhere in the U.S.
•
See if the plan covers dental, vision care,
hearing services,
and prescription
drugs.
Plans
•
Ask if the
Continued on page 41
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AUGUST 4, 2025