PLANTATION, Fla., Oct. 19, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Medicare open enrollment for 2017 began on Saturday and will be open through December 7, 2016. Open Enrollment provides Medicare recipients with their annual opportunity to select or modify their Medicare plan for the year. Before making a decision, it is important that Medicare members assess their current health needs, budget and become informed, savvy shoppers as they navigate the healthcare marketplace.
How to Join:
One can join a new Medicare Advantage Plan or a new stand-alone prescription drug plan (PDP). And, there is even an option to switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare. But whether a member plans to change their Medicare coverage or not, they should thoroughly review any current plan to ensure that it meets one's healthcare needs. For those who already have an existing plan, it is highly recommended they review their plan to make sure that that plan specifics, such as benefits, have not changed.
Know the Costs:
It is important to know what each plan entails before making a commitment. This includes costs for monthly premiums, hospital stays and doctor visits, specialists, etc. There is even an option to set up automatic payments that are deducted from one's monthly Social Security payments and one may even qualify for help with your premiums through Medicare's "Extra Help" program. Learn more on the Medicare website, in this helpful blog or visit a Social Security Office.
Know Your Options and Be Informed:
Whether someone is first joining Medicare or continuing with a current plan, it is important to be well-informed. This means knowing about available options, plan benefits, costs, any changes to a current plan, etc. It also means assessing one's healthcare needs - including dental.
Dental Not Included:
Medicare does not include routine dental care, such as dental exams or cleanings, or what can be costly procedures such as fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures. Emergency dental care may be provided, but only in specific circumstances.
"With all that we know now about the significant impact that oral health has on one's overall health, it is unfortunate that Medicare still does not include dental coverage," says Bill Chase, vice president of marketing for :DentalPlans .
Some Medicare Advantage Plans do offer dental coverage. Medicare recipients may also choose to purchase a standalone dental insurance plan from the private market. If you're receiving Medicare, you cannot purchase health or dental insurance from the Affordable Care Marketplaces.
Dental savings plans, an alternative to traditional dental insurance, help make dental care affordable, especially for Medicare members. Dental savings provide 10%-60% savings on dental care needs and includes a nationwide network of dentists. The plans available on dentalplans.com range from $79.95-$199.95 annually and include some major, well-known providers.
"For many, having a dental savings plan is the only way they get the care they need and save in the process – some hundreds of dollars," said Chase. "We don't want people to have to choose between paying their rent or getting the dental care they need. That is just one of the many reasons why we offer dental savings plans at such an affordable price," said Chase.
Find out more about dental savings plans on dentalplans.com .
Helpful Tools:
Medicare's Plan Finder tool is a great resource for researching plans, their benefits and more. For example, one can use this tool to search for plans that incorporate specific doctors and hospitals in their networks. It is also important to inquire and make sure that the plan covers one's prescription needs and that their pharmacies are in the preferred network. For further assistance, one can call 1-800-MEDICARE or their State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) .
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About :DentalPlans:
:DentalPlans, founded in 1999, is a leading dental and health savings marketplace in the U.S., helping more than a million people to affordably access quality healthcare services. Our mission is to empower consumers with the tools, information, and services that they need to live happier, healthier lives. For more information, visit us at www.dentalplans.com and find us on Facebook , Twitter , Pinterest and YouTube . For recent news follow us on Twitter (@DentalPlansPR).
:DentalPlans is offering a special, limited-time discount for new members. Become a :DentalPlans member by calling 1-844-779-1021 or visiting www.dentalplans.com and using promo code PRDENTAL to take 15% off any of our dental plans.
Bonnie Strouse Sobrino | :DentalPlans (954) 668-2118 (Direct)
