Understanding Medicare Long Term Care Coverage
02 Oct 2023 ∙ 2 min read
Quick Overview
Medicare's provisions for long term care are intricate. Whether you're exploring Original Medicare, Supplemental Insurance, or Part C/D nuances, let Truth Medicare guide you through your choices and how private insurance partnerships can benefit you.
Original Medicare and Long Term Care
Original Medicare, comprising Part A Medicare (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical services), provides some coverage for skilled nursing facilities but not for extended long term care. Knowing this distinction is essential when planning for future care needs.
Medicare Advantage Plans: HMO, PPO, PFFS, and POS
Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Part C Medicare, are offered by private companies partnering with Medicare. Plans like HMO, PPO, PFFS, and POS might offer varying degrees of long term care coverage. Companies like Aetna, United Healthcare, and Cigna, to name a few, provide these plans, but coverage details can differ widely. It's crucial to understand and compare the benefits before making a choice.
Medicare Supplemental Insurance and Long Term Care
Supplemental Insurance, or Medigap, fills the gaps in Original Medicare coverage. While it can cover co-payments and deductibles, it typically doesn't offer benefits for long term care. If this coverage is a priority, one should consider other options or specific long term care insurance policies.
Standalone Part D and Its Role
While Part D Medicare focuses on prescription drugs, understanding its relation to long term care is essential. Certain medications might be essential for long term care patients, and having a Part D plan can significantly reduce these drug costs. Partner companies like Humana and Blue Cross Blue Shield can offer insights into these plans' benefits.
Why Seek Help with Medicare Eligibility and Choices?
With the myriad of options and the complex nature of CMS guidelines, seeking guidance becomes paramount. Whether it's understanding the nuances of Medicare Eligibility, comparing HMO to PPO, or figuring out the best long term care solution, trusted partnerships, like those with Truth Medicare, can illuminate the path.