My 78 yr old mother has Medicare and we need a secondary insurance to help cover the cost. What do i do now ?

Question

She is on a limited social security income so we cant use all her money to pay for doctor visits etc. that medicare doesn't cover or whats left after medicare done covering what they cover. Who would I call to get secondary health insurance in addition to her Medicare ?

Answer 1

AARP has a good policy, but it is expensive.  The contacting your local Area Agency on Aging and ask for help.  The generally have trained counselors who can help you try to decide what is best for your mom.

Medicare Advantage may be the way to go, but without knowing all her circumstances, it is hard to advise.

Answer 2

Depending on how much her income is you may want to check on medical assistance. In some cases they will even pay the premium for Medicare. Speak with social services in her area to find out if she qualifies.

Answer 3

It will be impossible to find a supplemental policy that won't exclude pre-existing conditions. Probably the best option for her is to get a Medicare Advantage Policy that is like an HMO and will not have any waiting periods or exclusions. It will also probably limit her out of pocket expenses, since she will only have no or small office and hospital co-pays. The best thing you can do is find an independant agent in your area that specializes in Senior Plans, since there are many available and you want to get the best coverage for her dollar.

Of course, the other option is medicaid-but she will have to qualify financially for it and assets are also counted, so she may not qualify for that....

Answer 4

Heres some good news for you. You have choices.

1) You can get a Medicare Advantage Plan which will greatly reduce the co-pays. Most of these type of plans have $0 or low premiums in addition to the part B premium.

2) You can purchase a Medicare Supplement plan which will have a higher monthly premium but most of these plans will pick up most or all of the excess Medicare co-pays.

Although all of this depends on the home area of the Medicare client the Medicare advantage plans seem to be the most popular for low income seniors. Here are a couple of links where you will find a guide to all types of plans from many or most companies and also a Toll Free Medocare Helpline: 1-800-458-7805

http://www.todaysmedicare.com

http://www.nymedicare.com

Answer 5

Check the back of the current Medicare book.  In New York there is available supplemental insurance at no cost with a 5 dollar co pay.  There may be something similar for your state.

Answer 6

If you mother is ill you may have to look into a spending down assets.  You wont be able to get an additional policy.  I just went through this with my mother in law.  She has spent down her assets and is now living on Medicaid in a nursing home.  The control will be out of your hand at this point but if there is no other option, you may have to travel this road also.  Talk with the people that handle the insurance and see what options they see available.  I dont think will qualify for additional insurance or the premiums will be very large for the what you will be able to get .  Sorry and wish you luck

Answer 7

AARP  or any supplemental Medicare Insurance

My 89yo mom pays $225 a month and just about everything is covered 100%.

Answer 8

Look in the yellow pages or do a search for a medicare supplement, or call the senior center in her area and ask them about options.