3 Reasons to Consider a Medicare Advantage Plan in 2019 – The Motley Fool

Millions of elderly people trust Medicare to meet their health needs. But Medicare is not a one-size-fits-all solution. In fact, the program has several different parts that enrollers can register for or opt out.

Those who register in the original Medicare will generally receive free coverage under Part A, which pays for hospital visits. They will then pay a monthly premium for Part B, which covers preventive care and diagnostics, as well as Part D, which covers prescription drugs. But it is an alternative to Medicare that many elderly choose instead, and that's part C, otherwise known as Medicare Advantage.

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Medicare Advantage basically combines all your coverage needs, including recipes, to a single plan. The premium you pay for your plan will depend on the level of coverage you choose. However, often, Advantage plans come cheaper than the original Medicare, while offering at least the same level of coverage, if not more.

In fact, many elderly benefits select over traditional Medicare because it formerly covers dental, hearing, and vision-services original Medicare does not pay for. Many benefits plans also offer coverage abroad, which is useful for seniors who travel frequently. Furthermore, changes in Medicare Advantage that will happen in 2019 make it an even more attractive alternative. Here are three you should know about:

1. Lifestyle Support

When we are older, our mobility tends to decline. But effective in January 2019, Medicare Advantage plans will have the ability to cover things like transportation to and from medical appointments and meal delivery to retirement homes. Similarly, Medicare Advantage will soon be able to offer enrollees coverage for home security features such as wheelchair ramps and tub / shower support bars. These benefits can not be doubted that older people are at risk of injury, so if you experience mobility problems, it is advisable that a Advantage plan can help relieve any of them.

2. Daily Living Help

Many elderly people struggle to do things like swimming and dressing but want to keep living independently. Soon, Medicare Advantage will offer healthcare for people who need help with personal care at home, as well as things like cooking, cleaning and errands.

3. The ability to try out a plan before committing

The last thing you want is to register for a health plan to find out that it does not meet your needs. Continue, you have the opportunity to try a Medicare Advantage plan for up to three months and switch back to another plan (either another benefit plan or original Medicare) if you are not happy. This, in turn, takes a bit of stress by choosing a plan.

There are many good reasons to sign up for a Medicare Advantage Plan for 2019, and starting next year, a new open sign-up time for Advantage will kick off on January 1 and run until March 31st. If you are already in Medicare Advantage, you have the option to move from one Advantage plan to another. Otherwise, you can sign up for Medicare Advantage during the General Medicare Open Submission Period, which runs from October 15 to December 7th.