Affordable healthcare becomes increasingly vital as we age. Here are some thoughts about finding affordable healthcare, seniors. We’ll give you ideas on how to save on medical costs – including costs associated with dental and vision care.
Health Coverage Options for People Younger than 65
If you are under the age of 65, you may be able to find insurance plans in the health insurance marketplace from the Affordable Care Act (ACA). However, the cheapest health insurance will have a high deductible and cover few preventive services.
If this describes your situation, consider using a health benefit plan to help you fill in the gaps. A health benefit plan is not the same as a health insurance plan. Here’s how it works:
You purchase a plan that covers your entire household for less than $40 per month. Then, whenever you need health services, you make an appointment with a local in-network doctor, who has agreed to provide medical services at a discounted rate. (Please note that to receive the discount, you must pay when you receive your services.)
A health benefit plan is an excellent option for those without health insurance. It reduces out-of-pocket costs on doctor’s appointments, prescription drugs, and other healthcare services.
Additionally, a health benefit plan can be used by those with a high deductible health insurance plan. If this describes your situation, you can use a health benefit plan to receive discounts for your healthcare services. (Please note that if you use a medical discount plan and pay cash for services, the amount you spend will not go toward your deductible.)
Health Coverage Options for People Over 65
When you turn 65, you are eligible for Medicare, a federal health insurance program. During open enrollment, you have the option of signing up for Original Medicare (Medicare Parts A & B) or a Medicare Advantage Plan (Medicare Part C).
While Medicare covers most medically necessary healthcare services, it does not cover visits to the dentist or eye doctor. This is where the medical discount plan can help. For an average monthly cost of less than $40, your household can receive discounts for services you receive from your local eye doctor or dentist. And unlike health insurance companies, a medical discount plan company doesn’t require you to fill out lengthy forms or receive a physical.
Medical Discount Plans vs. Health Insurance/Medicare
Again, a medical discount plan is different from health insurance you would purchase from an insurance company. Here’s what you need to know about these two options for making medical care more affordable.
Health Insurance plans: Health insurance costs are skyrocketing. To get the best health insurance coverage (with a low deductible and comprehensive coverage,) expect to pay over $1,000 monthly in health insurance premiums. Plans with high deductibles are more affordable – but you will have high out-of-pocket costs before your health insurance kicks in and pays for services.
Medical discount plans: Medical discount plans are affordable – and can be used by the entire household. And there are no household income requirements for purchasing a plan.
Medicare: Medicare coverage is great for those without retiree health benefits. However, Medicare doesn’t cover all of your health care costs – such as prescription drug coverage and visits to the dentist and eye doctor. You can purchase a marketplace plan to cover these essential health benefits, but you will have to pay more for these plans.
Medical discount plans: Medical discount plans can be used with your Original Medicare plan to make things that Medicare doesn’t cover more affordable.
If you are unsatisfied with your health insurance options, contact an AmeriPlan consultant. We offer a low-cost health plan that gives you access to discounted services, prescription drugs, and more.
Key Takeaways on Affordable Healthcare Seniors
- Those under 65 may try to get marketplace coverage, but low-cost coverage means high deductible policies.
- Those 65 and older may qualify for Medicare, but they will need to purchase coverage for dentist and eye doctor visits – or pay out of pocket for these services. Affordable healthcare seniors continues to be a challenge.
- Medical discount plans lower the cost of uncovered healthcare services.