In Manteca, a few of the Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans you should consider are Anthem, Blue Shield and Health Net. Â Plans G, F and N are also the most popular plans in San Joaquin County.
Company and plan choice will depend on your desired coverage level and premium amounts.
Primary or Secondary Coverage;
With a Medicare Supplement policy, medicare is always your “primary” coverage, with the supplement paying as your secondary coverage. Â If the doctor accepts medicare, by law, they are required to also accept the secondary plan regardless of who they are.
With a Medicare Advantage HMO or PPO policy, the medicare advantage plan is your primary coverage with medicare taking a back seat and not providing much after the Advantage plan.
Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage:
Manteca medicare members who are looking for “freedom of choice” with doctors and hospitals coupled with comprehensive medical coverage will choose a medicare supplement instead of a medicare advantage HMO.
If you are looking for a $0 (zero) premium medicare plan, and don’t mind having an HMO style plan, will ultimately go with a medicare advantage plan. Â Most counties will have several “no premium” medicare advantage plans available in your county, including San Joaquin County.
Having a plan with no premium is pretty enticing, but remember, if you want care from a doctor or hospital outside of your primary care physicians group, most likely you can’t go.
Also, if you are severely injured or are struck with a serious long term medical condition, having the ability to go to the doctor or your choice, compared to NOT able to seek care from certain doctors, can be life changing. Â If you have a serious condition you should be able to see the specialist of your choice .. a medicare supplement policy can provide that choice.
Cancer Care: Chemotherapy / Radiation
With many medicare advantage policies it is your responsibility to pay 20% of the chemotherapy and radiation costs up to the maximum out of pocket amount that the policy allows.
With a Medicare Supplement policy, plan G, F or N, chemotherapy and radiation treatments are covered like any other medical condition, in this case, the treatments are paid for by Medicare and the Supplement.
Part D Rx plans in Manteca
There are 30 Medicare Part D Rx plans in Manteca and San Joaquin County. Â It’s best to compare all of the available plan and choose the best one for your medication list. Â Each plan will cover drugs differently, so a mistake here can cost you greatly. Â Call me and I will help you find the right Part D Plan for your medications. Â I do not sell these plans, but am happy to help you through this process.
Feel free to call or email me anytime with questions. Â I’m here to help.
John Conner
916-682-1117
john@johnconner.com
