On the rise: Dealing with aging and Medicare [Fergus Falls Daily Journal, Minn.]
Oct. 17—Healthcare costs across the board are steadily increasing, putting more older folks in a precarious position
From rising prescription drug prices along with insurance deductibles, it's getting harder and harder to navigate the system, to know if an individual or couple can afford to pay for services out of pocket. If a person has a pre-existing condition and needs additional services it can further complicate the process.
"Health care, in general, is expensive. That doesn't change as we age. Typically, the premiums and prescriptions tend to be the most expensive and do change from year to year. This is also why I encourage people to meet with me, or someone who can review their options and see if there are better options out there for them. This year, however, the part B premium is going down a bit," said Dahl.
Dahl also says that one of the biggest challenges and expenses for most families is navigating coverage for the long term care of a loved one and there are changes coming.
"One of the biggest changes that I see is that people are living longer and running out of money. For example, I've seen people living in their 90's that are needing to apply for assistance after using all their own resources to help pay for their care. Other issues are the general staffing shortage at care facilities and home health agencies. Families if able are stepping in to help fill in the gaps. Nursing and caregiving are very important and necessary careers," said Dahl.
According to a CNBC report from
"The Medicare options for the clients in
So do cheaper premiums and plans offer less coverage? Rohde said it depends on many factors.
"There's 24 drug plans for my clients that are available for my clients in
Rohde further explained that the drug plans are tailored to the individual situation.
"Medicare does have a system. We can go on the Medicare's website and input a person's medications and the system will rank the drug plans from number one to 24 for who is best for the individuals and the medication they are taking. With that system it is really good for us to be able to help our clients in terms of what would be the best for the individual for next year," said Rohde.
It is always a good idea to check your plan from year to year as your needs and plans do change. There are new changes for Medicare this year, for example, premiums will be lower on Medicare Part B and assistance may be available to lower insulin prices. But how does Medicare help with coverage? Dahl explained.
"Medicare was never intended to provide 100% coverage. This is why people are encouraged to get a Medicare Advantage plan, A Medicare Medigap plan or to see if they qualify for assistance based on income and assets through human services. I can assist with comparing advantage and part D plans. For those interested in Medigap plans they would need to see an insurance broker which there are several good brokers locally willing to meet with individuals," emphasized Dahl.
Dahl will be giving a Medicare 101 presentation, on
If you are unable to attend, Dahl is available on Wednesdays from
To schedule an appointment or for more information call 218-998-8371 or email [email protected] or visit medicare.gov.
___
(c)2022 the Fergus Falls Daily Journal (Fergus Falls, Minn.)
Visit the Fergus Falls Daily Journal (Fergus Falls, Minn.) at www.fergusfallsjournal.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
PIA, AIMS Society Announce Consolidation
ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc. Announces Results For Third Quarter of 2022
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News