Medicare and Traveling the US?

Toni:

I have retired effective 1 and now my wife and I are going to travel the US in the new Winnebago that is sitting in my driveway.  I am having a hard time trying to sign up for Medicare since I turn 65 in and really do not know what my address will be since I will be traveling at different times of the year.

I am an insulin-dependent diabetic and will need easy access to a pharmacy while traveling, plus if I have an emergency I do want access to decent medical care anywhere in the US.

Please give me your thoughts on my situation and what would be the best option for me and my wife…Thanks, Joseph from Cypress, TX

Well, Joseph:

Planning your Medicare is an important part of planning your retirement because one wrong move can cause you thousands of your hard-earned retirement dollars.

Many new to Medicare miss a special window of opportunity when they first enroll in Medicare Part B.  This special time is called the Medigap/Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment period and lasts for 6 months beginning the first day of the month in which you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B.  During this special period, an insurance company can’t use medical underwriting because of any health problems.

Joseph, if you enroll in the special 6-month window, being an insulin-dependent diabetic will not affect your enrolling in a Medicare Supplement.

Touring the US may be another reason to choose a Medicare Supplement because there is not a network and if the healthcare provider or facility is accepting Medicare, then you can receive your care there.

Also, you will want to take time when picking your Medicare Part D plan because you will want access to a nationwide pharmacy that is not only in your Cypress, TX area, but also in other parts of the country.

Another option for both healthcare and prescription drugs is a Medicare Advantage (Part D) plan which may or may not offer the flexibility of easy access to healthcare providers in various areas of the country.

Below are the differences between a Medicare Supplement and a Medicare Advantage Plans:

• Medicare Supplement:
• A Medicare Supplement works directly with “Original Medicare”.
• You chose which doctor, hospital, home health agency, skilled nursing facility, etc. that accepts Medicare assignment for your healthcare.
• There is a monthly premium that may increase the premium each year.
• You may enroll and will pay separately for a “Standalone” Medicare (Part D) Prescription drug plan.
• Medicare Advantage Plan: 
• To qualify for the plan:  a) You must be enrolled in both Medicare Parts A & B.  b) Live in the service area 6 months out of a year or change when you are out of the area…
• You must use your Medicare Advantage insurance card, not your Medicare (red, white, and blue) card.
• A Medicare Advantage Plan must provide all your Part A and Part B benefits and some Medicare Advantage Plans have Part D prescription drug plans included.
• A Medicare Advantage Plan may have zero to low dollar premiums.
• With a Medicare Advantage plan, you may have different co-pays, co-insurance, or deductibles to pay and have maximum out-of-pocket expenses to meet.

For assistance with enrolling and personalizing your Medicare contact the Toni Says® office at 832/519-8664.

Toni King, Medicare author/advocate is giving a $5 discount to the Toni Says® readers on the new 2021Medicare Survival Guide® Advanced book at www.tonisays.com. Have a Medicare question? Call 832/519-8664 or email info@tonisays.com.