We really don't like to think about this, do we? But as all us baby boomers age, Medicare is playing a larger role in our lives. And insurance companies know this. That's why this time of year -- the Medicare Advantage Plan enrollment period -- is chock full of ads trying to get you to buy a plan. We here at the Musical Innertube thank medical reporter Cheryl Clark for helping us sort this all out.
Medicare Advantage Plans are a result of that school of thought in Washington that says "the private sector can do it better." So the private sector -- insurance companies -- have been handed a large chunk of Medicare to manage: the Advantage plans. Lots of good stuff in there, like dental and vision and prescription coverage, but you'll pay for it, and get locked into that plan, so the best thing is to know all you can before you sign up.
Here's some help: SHIP, as it's known in most states, provides unbiased help in determining what you need in a plan. Check it out here: https://www.shiphelp.org/
Medicare itself will help you choose the plan that has everything you need on its site:
https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/#/?year=2024&lang=en
Here's wishing you happy -- and smart -- hunting!
(A public service message from the Musical Innertube.)
