Medicare plans in california 2017?

Are you tired of being hit with surprise medical bills? Are you ready to take control of your healthcare costs for next year? Well, buckle up and get ready to laugh – because we’re going on a wild ride through the world of Medicare plans in California!

Pro tip: If you want to sound like a seasoned healthcare professional, just say “CMS” (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) at every opportunity. You’ll be amazed how much more credible people think you are.

What Exactly is Medicare?

First things first – let’s get some basic understanding about what this whole “Medicare” thing even is. Basically, it’s health insurance offered by the federal government to folks who meet certain qualifications (cough old farts cough) or have certain disabilities (lucky ducks). There are four parts:

  1. Part A covers hospital stays
  2. Part B covers doctor visits
  3. Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is an alternate way to receive Parts A and B coverage through private insurance companies
  4. Finally, there’s Part D which covers prescription drugs

Okay, let’s move on before our brains all turn into mush thinking about those letters and numbers.

Why Do I Need It?

Let us paint a picture for ya – imagine everything was unicorns and rainbows until one day BAM! You slip in your shower (it can happen!) and break your hip like Humpty Dumpty himself fell off that wall… except unlike good ole’ Humpty who probably had no health insurance whatsoever (we mean really he didn’t even need pants), you now have quite the bill coming your way from the hospital when they put that darn hip back together again.

This is why having any kind of healthcare coverage – even if it’s just the most basic Medicare plan – is crucial.

Am I Eligible for Medicare?

If you’re 65 or older, congratulations! You’re in luck because you are eligible to enroll during the Initial Enrollment Period. If you have a disability (lucky ducks again) and meet certain other requirements, then there’s a good chance that you can also take advantage of this delightful program.

But let us be clear – sorry youngins out there – we’re not saying go out and break your hip just so you can get in on some of those sweet, sweet healthcare benefits.

What Are My Options for Medicare Plans in California 2017?

Now that we’ve given some introductory poking around under the hood about what Medicare is all about, let’s talk about plans specifically available in California for next year (calm down rest-of-the-country people…stop being greedy). There are two main types: Original Medicare A & B (Parts A & B) and Medicare Advantage (Part C).

Original Medicare (Parts A & B)

Original’s got its pros–you pay less per month thanks to tax dollars funding part of it (waves American flag) and it helps cover all bases with services including hospital stays and check-ups. But like any relationship with family over holidays, things aren’t perfect between Parts A & B either:

Pros

  • Consistent coverage
  • No network limits/ referral requirements

Cons

  • More expensive co-pays
  • Out-of-pocket costs

Like having dependable friends who always fall asleep before midnight when they say “Nah man one more party”, Original parts will always give reliable service… but don’t expect too much excitement from these guys.

Medicare Advantage

Looking for someone younger than Classic Old Reliable? Check out Part C/Medicare Advantage where private insurance companies offer up unique packages highlighted by select local healthcare networks that typically include deductions for most prescription drugs, glasses, dental and hearing care. It’s like Christmas every time you go to the optometrist! However always read the fine print–because without Medicare Advantage youre liable for a lot of costs other programs might have covered.

Pros

  • Low out-of-pocket expenses
  • Added coverage options such as vision and hearing aids
  • Shiny new perks including gym memberships (hellooooo swim classes with Doug from VM)

Cons

  • Limited service areas
  • Possible restriction of choice in doctors and hospitals

Note: Even though Part C is offered through private insurance companies there are still federal regulations about how much maximum can be charged.

When Can I Sign Up?

For those newly qualified or novice beneficiaries of Health Service Programs here’s when you can “ring it up” next year:

The Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15th – December 7th each year. This is a good time to sign up or make changes whether it involves beginning, ending or continuing an existing plan; kindof like New Year’s Resolutions before January 1st even rolls around!

Alternatively, between January 1st & March 31sth participants already registered with Original Medicare also get the chance to enroll– but prior to The Open Enrollment Sprint expect fewer choices available.

After April Fools Day if an emergency strikes it may mean being left holding your wallet (& maybe even shedding some tears). That means beware Joe Schmoe… falling down at Burning Man on a dare if its September could leave you left footing additional health recovery bills!

What Else Do I Need To Know?

Here’re some quick tips related specifically to California plans in case we lost ya somewhere back there:

Starting Out – Types Of Coverage

Thankfully (California) statewide applicable programs won’t hold retirees under their thumb.: folks need only navigate the confusing spider web-like healthcare-communication system we all endure anyway.

Affordability

California offers several assistance programs regarding costs for prospective subscribers. For example, the Part B Premium Reduction Program and Low-Income Cost Sharing Subsidy to help you save some pretty pennies.

Prescription Drugs

Never forget Part D – this covers most prescription drugs but it has a few limitations including co-pays that can be expensive. Be sure to find out which specific prescriptions are covered under your desired plan before signing those papers! (our doctor told us it wasn’t appropriate to sign with glitter gel pens…who would of guessed?)

Final Word: Don’t Let It All Scare You Away!

We know insurance policies aren’t as fun to read about as celebrity gossip or car racing reviews (maybe?), but understanding what exactly health care coverage entails is important not only for maintaining good health–but also so we don’t have panic attacks every time opening a bill from our favorite affiliated providers in 2017/next year’s upcoming scintillating return-of-the-Roseanne tv series on ABC (that network might seem random-yet its really hardcore sports broadcasting)/gary-bettman-take-a-hike.

Researching options ahead may take time and commitment –but pairing up with just any provider willy-nilly without taking into account prior hospitalizations, regular medications taken chronically etc., could lead to straight uP horrific results. So stay informed, stay healthy- and more importantly stay funny California!

Don’t worry though; if you laughed along with us at least once during this wild ride then consider yourself “in” on the joke that is Medi-care du Scoli Parks!

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