Tips for choosing a 2022 Medicare Advantage plan

Typically, Medicare Advantage plans cover doctor appointments, hospital stays, and prescription drugs for a low monthly premium.

But today’s Medicare Advantage plans offer many extra benefits. So, when choosing a 2022 plan, be sure to ask:

Are dental services covered?

Dental services can get expensive, so find a plan that offers comprehensive dental coverage. Many plans only cover preventive dental procedures (such as cleanings) and that won’t help if you need an expensive procedure such as a root canal.

Are there vision and hearing benefits?

Hearing aids and glasses or contacts can be expensive. One pair of hearing aids could cost thousands of dollars. It’s important to have a plan that covers both services, plus routine vision, and hearing exams.

Is there a benefit maximum?

A benefit maximum means the plan will only cover up to a certain amount each year. For example, if the dental coverage has a benefit maximum of $500, you will have to pay for all dental costs above that amount. Look for a plan with NO annual benefit maximum.

Is there a robust OTC benefit?

Some Medicare Advantage plans offer multi-use OTC (over-the-counter) cards which are loaded with monthly amounts that you can spend on OTC items at pharmacies.

Some even let you use the card to pay for

Internet services, healthy foods, hearing aids, exercise equipment, and more.

Finding a plan with a high-value OTC card benefit can mean possibly saving thousands of dollars a year. So be sure to ask:

1. How much money is loaded on the card?

Amounts differ widely from plan to plan. 2. Where can you use it? Are you limited to pharmacies, or can you use it at farmers markets, Internet service providers, and more? 3. What can you buy with it? Are you limited to non-prescription medicine, or can you buy exercise equipment, activity trackers, Internet service, hearing aids, etc.?

4. Are there any restrictions? Where can you use the card? How much you can spend a month? Which stores/companies take your card?

5. What else should I consider? Some plans may let you use the card to pay for copays, which sounds great. But this could mean that you must spend your OTC card benefit on services that might already be covered with another plan. For example, Plan A may let you use your OTC card to pay for dental services. But Plan B covers those dental services, so you can use your OTC card to pay for other things. With Plan B, you would get more.

What else should I look for?

Ask about non-traditional plan benefits, such as:

• Free transportation to/from medical appointments

• Fitness memberships

• Acupuncture

• Prescription drug coverage, with delivery to your home

Medicare Annual Enrollment begins October 15, so review plans in your area now and make sure you’re getting all you can.

Healthfirst Medicare Advantage plans offer many of the money-saving benefits described here and offer you access to care when you need it.

Call 1-844-550-0810 to learn more or to register for a free Medicare seminar.

Coverage is provided by Healthfirst Health Plan, Inc. Healthfirst Health Plan, Inc. offers HMO plans that contract with the Federal Government and has a contract with New York State Medicaid for its Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans. Enrollment in Healthfirst Medicare Plan depends on contract renewal. Benefits vary by plan. Healthfirst Medicare Plan complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

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