Читать книгу Medicare For Dummies - Barry Patricia, Patricia Barry - Страница 18

Despite assertions to the contrary, Medicare is not a one-size-fits-all system. It comes with many options, which require you to make decisions within certain time frames. Here’s a quick checklist for getting it right:

 Enroll at the right time, according to your circumstances. If you misunderstand or ignore the rules, you face permanent financial penalties and may go without coverage for several months. I explain those potential traps and how to avoid them in Chapter 6.

 Research your options. You need to understand the differences between being in the traditional Medicare program and enrolling in a private Medicare Advantage health plan. See Chapter 9 for details.

 Determine how to make smart choices if you opt for traditional Medicare. That means deciding whether you need to add Part D prescription drug coverage and, if so, how to choose the drug plan that works best for you. It also means deciding whether you want to purchase Medigap supplemental insurance and, if so, understanding when you should buy it to ensure you receive all-important federal guarantees and protections. I discuss these choices in Chapter 10.

 Figure out how to make smart choices if you opt for a Medicare Advantage plan. That means comparing plans according to your needs and preferences and understanding your options if you change your mind and want to return to traditional Medicare. See Chapter 11 for more info.

 Get help making your choices if you need to. I explain how to get personal help from legitimate, informed sources (and avoid scamsters and frauds) in Chapter 12.

 Understand your right to change your coverage every year and at other times in certain circumstances. I describe the purpose of various enrollment periods, their deadlines, and the process of switching to another plan or type of coverage in Chapter 15.