18 Ways To Lower Your Medicare Premiums and Other Medical CostsBy: SmartFinancial Adding a Medicare Supplement to original Medicare can alleviate some financial burdens, especially if you're someone who regularly sees providers. There may be a small premium for each plan, but you may cut hundreds of dollars each year from out-of-pocket expenses for emergency care while traveling abroad, medical equipment, skilled nursing care and more. There is also an out-of-pocket limit, after which all your costs are covered. Each year that Medicare Open rolls around in October, you can buy or switch Medicare Supplements, also called Medigap. There are as many as 10 Medicare Supplements plans you can choose from, so see what each Medigap plan offers before you call Medicare. 2. Switching to Medicare Advantage Medicare Advantage is also called Part C because it replaces original Medicare Part A and B by providing both hospital and medical insurance. You can compare Medicare Advantage plans for free. Some will have no premiums at all but that should not be the only deciding factor. It's important to find a plan that includes dental and vision, preferably hearing too, none of which is covered with original Medicare. Also, you'll want a plan that has a prescription drug plan, which most do include. Medicare and Medigap are entirely different, and you can't buy both. Note also that Medicare Advantage has an out-of-pocket limit, which original Medicare does not. There are HMO and PPO Medicare Advantage (MA) plan options, and each plan has a network of doctors, much like regular health insurance, which means you pay less when you see a provider in-network. 3. Supplemental Security Program Supplemental security income (SSI) is available to low-income individuals, based on income thresholds. You may be eligible if you have little or no resources or income. You will also be considered based on your assets, such as money in a checking, savings, or retirement account, stocks and bonds. For the Next 15 Ways To Save on Medicare Costs visit, https://smartfinancial.com/ End
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