In Chester County, Pennsylvania, Sarah Milam, the Local Coordinator for the MEDI program, is urging older residents to set up counseling appointments. She advises them to bring their current insurance information, a list of their prescription medications, and details about their doctors, nurses, and healthcare plans.
“This way, you can determine the right plan for them, figure out the costs of their medications, understand what their doctors recommend, and estimate expenses for things like hospital visits or tests like MRIs,” she explained.
Milam emphasized that just because a Medicare plan includes a specific doctor or medication this year, that doesn’t guarantee the same will apply next year.
“Providers can change their network status at any time throughout the year, which isn’t ideal, but it’s crucial for us to keep tabs on,” she noted.
She also raised concerns about upcoming changes to telehealth options. This year marks the first opportunity for Medicare plans and health providers to offer certain services virtually or via telephone due to the pandemic.
However, this telehealth flexibility stemmed from federal policies that are set to expire on September 30, as Congress chose not to extend them. Milam warned that losing telemedicine options could influence Medicare plan choices, mainly based on how far individuals have to travel for primary or specialist care.
When seeking Medicare counseling on these complex matters, Milam suggested bringing a companion along. “It’s really nice to see families accompany their older relatives for support,” she said.
Budgeting for Medicare Health Insurance
For those aged 65 and older, retirement often means living on a limited income, making health insurance costs challenging, according to Widero.
AARP provides a Medicare Assistance Program and also offers long-term financial planning to help individuals manage healthcare expenses, housing costs, property taxes, utilities, and other lifestyle needs.
“These factors are all interlinked,” Widero explained. “When considering retirement, we often think about Social Security and personal savings, but healthcare is an essential part of that equation. Ideally, if we maintain good health, costs should decline. Yet, we all know healthcare is expensive, so ensuring better health could contribute to greater economic stability.”
