Signing up for Medicare can be a confusing task. There are different plans, coverage choices, and moving parts to the process.

But it doesn’t have to be so difficult.

Hopefully, after reading this article, things will become a little bit clearer for you.

Let’s start with a run-down on Medicare. Medicare is a federal insurance program. It provides insurance coverage options for those 65+ years of age or older, younger citizens who qualify due to specific disabilities, and people with ESRD, or End-Stage Renal Disease.

Medicare has four main parts: Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D.

Part A and Part B are more commonly known, and make up what is called, Original Medicare. Part A, referred to as Hospital Insurance, pays for certain hospital services, such as nursing care or the room a patient stays in. Part B pays for other medical costs, such as doctor’s visits, check-ups, and procedures. Part B also covers some vaccines and shots. Part C, which is called the Medicare Advantage Plan, offers other benefits that are not covered under Original Medicare. Part D offers coverage on certain prescriptions. However, Parts C & D are separate add-ons, which must be added by a private insurance company.

You may ask, “Why Hassle with an Add-on instead of using the Original Medicare Insurance?”

Well, while Original Medicare does cover many procedures a beneficiary may need, there is one thing largely absent from the plan, dental. Original Medicare does not cover most dental services. In fact, Original Medicare doesn’t cover vision, hearing, or dental services – which are often necessities.

Source: kff.org

Source: kff.org

In fact, most people on Medicare do not have dental coverage, and many go without needed care.The Medicare population didn’t stop needing dental services. A limited budget means making choices on what is necessary and what is not, but we can help with that.

So, let’s get to the point: Original Medicare is comprised of two very important parts which cover most hospital procedures and medical aspects, but the plan fails to include coverage for dental, vision, and hearing – which are necessary for citizens in the 65+ age bracket. A separate, additional option called the Medicare Advantage plan may be necessary to cover vision, hearing, and dental.

Your health is important, so it is important to find the plan that works best for you. If you need help understanding the details of how Medicare Supplements, Medigap, or Medicare Advantage can benefit you, please reach out to us for help.

We can help you compare the cost of supplemental dental coverage premiums vs. out of pocket expense.