Keeping Up with Medicare Changes

Medicare Part A provides basic hospital insurance and is available at no charge to those who are 65 or older — if they paid Medicare taxes while working. For many, though, that amount of coverage is not enough. Some people want a Medicare supplement plan — or Medigap — to provide additional coverage for what the original Medicare doesn’t. If you’re nearing age 65, you might wonder which supplement plan is right for you, especially if you don’t want to pay additional costs totally out-of-pocket.

Plan B, C, D, F or G; or K, L, M or N? You get the picture — it’s complicated and the rules change from time to time. In addition, some people who have low incomes can qualify for programs that reduce their Medicare-related or prescription drug costs. Here’s what you need to know going into 2019. What’s Not Covered by Basic Medicare Medicare generally does not cover some of the important services that many seniors need — such as dental work, routine vision or hearing care.

There are exceptions, and this is where it gets complicated. For instance, dentures are not covered, but if you have dental work that is an emergency or is a complicated procedure, it might be covered. It’s the same situation for vision coverage. Eye glasses generally are not covered, but if you have an eye condition such as glaucoma or cataracts, basic Medicare will cover your care.

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