Free Online Article Directory. For Article Authors & Publishers
How to Better Manage Your Healthcare Costs Prior to Medicare Eligibility
Healthcare reform is a hot topic right now, with passionate opinions on both sides about how to better reshape our healthcare system. However, most people agree that something needs to be done about healthcare costs. An astounding number of Americans have critical healthcare needs that go ignored simply because of treatment costs.
People with disabilities, in particular, have many health issues and often find it hard to receive the right kind of treatment. Some of those with disabilities qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, which provides them with a regular monthly income as well as medical benefits. One key benefit of SSDI is eventually receiving Medicare benefits. But people must wait 24 months after their entitlement to SSDI to receive Medicare. So what happens if you need money for healthcare now and can't wait two years?
While there doesn't seem to be any way of getting around this 24-month waiting period unless you have end-stage renal disease or Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS), there are things you can do to reduce your healthcare costs prior to Medicare eligibility. In addition, once you become eligible for Medicare - you need to make sure you enroll in the right plan for you, your finances and your health situation.
Handling Healthcare Costs before Medicare Eligibility
Even if you receive SSDI and Medicare benefits, it's important to keep any health insurance you already have. See if you can join your spouse's insurance plan or a plan through another private insurance company. Or, if you received health insurance with your previous employer, you might be eligible for COBRA. Under COBRA, you have the option to keep your employer's group health plan for up to 18 months after your employment ends. You may receive an 11-month extension once awarded SSDI benefits.
Another step is to negotiate lower healthcare costs, but do your research first. Determine the typical cost of the procedure you need performed, and what your doctor or hospital typically charges. Don't be afraid to shop around and see if you can get it done at another qualified hospital or doctor's office in the area at lower cost. It doesn't hurt to ask your physician if he or she can provide you with a discount. Determine if the facility offers extended payment options or free financing.
Finally, check into lowering your prescription drug costs. Many expensive prescriptions have generic counterparts that get the job done just as well, and they can save you between 50 and 70 percent, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But always consult your doctor before switching to a new medication or generic drug. Also, many major drug companies offer financial assistance programs to help those with lower incomes. Eligibility varies among manufacturers, but these programs are worth researching to possibly reduce healthcare costs. Many states also offer programs to help pay for prescription drugs; again, each state has its own rules regarding eligibility.
Choosing the Right Medicare Plan
Medicare eligibility also poses its own challenges. Depending on where you live, you may have dozens of Medicare plans available. So it's important for you, especially if you require ongoing medical treatment, to choose the right plan. There are a number of considerations, including your choice of doctor, your current health and prescription drug needs. Keep in mind, people with disabilities can receive better healthcare coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan than they can through another combination of coverage. Traditional Medicare combines Part A, or hospital coverage, and Part B, medical coverage, with the additional option of purchasing a Part D, or prescription drug plan, and supplemental coverage.
To wade through all the confusion, it's a good idea to work with a qualified Medicare advisor. Consider your out-of-pocket costs with any possible plan because many Medicare plans have different monthly premiums. Pre-existing health conditions are another concern, especially for those under age 65. Some supplemental plans exclude individuals with pre-existing conditions.
It's important - whether you are a senior turning 65 or someone with SSDI becoming eligible for Medicare - to carefully evaluate your Medicare options. Take crucial steps, before you have Medicare, to lower your healthcare costs. Then, consider working with a Medicare advisor to ensure that you have the best Medicare coverage possible once you become eligible.
Author Resource:-
Jim Allsup writes for Allsup, a nationwide SSDI representation provider. They also can help you determine your Medicare eligibility.
Fleet insurance needs to be obtained when you have a fleet of vehicles. This could be a fleet of cars, vans or trucks to name a few. A good insurance plan will ensure every vehicle is adequately covered in the event that something unforeseen should happen.
Medical billing services come as a welcome respite to medical practitioners that are hard-pressed for time and resources. They take over the load of billing and associated managerial jobs from the health care provider and increase their income. Medical billing services are quickly becoming the industry standard because of the many benefits they have to offer.
When you want to be on top of the business and have the most number of health insurance deals you need to know how to effectively generate health insurance leads for free.
Motor trade insurance is something every business owner needs. This is the first thing they have to take into consideration, and is also the first thing they should think of spending on before deciding to sell anything in their motor trade.
Some people simply love collecting cars, while others may just own several cars. If you are one of these people, you could save a lot of money on insurance if you opt to cover all of your cars under a single umbrella while having the chance to apply different terms and limitations on each car separately.
The taxi business market in the UK has more than doubled since the past two decades. From a low of about 16% many years back, about 32% of the growing population today ride a taxi at least once a month.
The taxi business industry is one of the most common businesses you will see worldwide. In the UK, there are a lot of taxis that can be found in every corner, block, and street because the demand for this service is very high.
When you operate a business that utilises more than three vehicles, or you are a car collector of several units, the most practical and convenient insurance coverage for you is a fleet insurance.
The World Wide Web is truly an innovative tool and great information source. Regardless of what you might need, there are great chances of you finding it online. If you happen to be a taxi driver, it even comes in handy as it can connect you with your friends and give you the chance to discuss new equipment and newly-placed laws, to boot.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.articlelisted.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Jim Allsup's Author Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites 