Health Insurance Articles
Health Insurance Quotes for Seniors
2010-06-03
Senior citizens face some of the most challenging medical issues of any age group. Thus, comprehensive and reliable health insurance is a top priority for the vast majority of older Americans. Of course, most senior citizens are covered by Medicare, though some are not. Medicare, however, does not cover all medical costs, and the out-of-pocket expenses under Medicare can become overwhelming. Senior insurance, therefore, is a vital concern, whether as a supplement to Medicare or as a comprehensive plan.
Most major health insurance companies offer some kind of plan to meet the needs for senior insurance. Some of these plans are true supplements; they pick up the out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Medicare. (Generally, Medicare pays 80 percent of medical costs, leaving the patient with responsibility for the remaining 20 percent.) Other plans rely on an HMO model and actually supplant Medicare as the primary payer for medical services. Monthly premiums may vary dramatically among these different plans, depending on the type of plan, deductibles and co-pays, and your state of residence.
For some people, the HMO model works best. All medical expenses are generally covered with the exception of co-pays for doctor visits and hospital stays, and the patient does not have to be concerned with filing any claim form for medical services. Patients are usually limited, however, to only those doctors and hospitals in the HMO's network, and a referral is often required before receiving treatment by a specialist. For other seniors, the Medicare supplement plans are a better alternative. These plans pay the 20 percent of costs not reimbursed by Medicare. This type of senior insurance allows patients to choose their own doctors and specialists. Plans can vary in price, usually based on the amount of deductibles. One downside to supplement plans is the need to file claim forms and all of the associated paperwork.
Finding sources for senior insurance quotes does not have to be a difficult task. Many non-profit organizations, advocacy groups and senior citizen associations have affiliations with insurance companies that can offer quotes. Veterans associations generally have such affiliations, too, or at least can direct their members to reliable sources for senior insurance quotes. Even in today's tough economy, many employers and most unions will work with retired employees to provide information and guidance on how to obtain senior insurance. Insurance brokers and insurance agents can be another source for senior insurance quotes. Finally, many online websites are available to assist seniors in making comparisons between different plans.
Reliable senior insurance is a critical need. It can help to conserve the nest egg that so many seniors spent a lifetime to build.
