Washington Senior Health Care Plans

Before purchasing Washington senior health care, it's important to know the facts. What kind of Medicare plans are available? What are the costs associated with them? Following are some answers to these questions.

Washington Senior Health Care

All Washington seniors over the age of 65 are covered by Medicare Plan A. This is a basic plan that everyone who reaches the age of 65 is automatically enrolled in. There is no monthly premium but seniors are responsible for paying co-payments and deductibles. This coverage covers basic inpatient treatment only.

For those Washington seniors who need additional coverage, there are several other plans offered through Medicare. The first is called Medicare Plan B. This plan offers coverage in addition to what is offered in Plan A. That included doctor's visits and outpatient care. Like Plan A, there are co-insurance payments and deductibles associated with this plan. Unlike Plan A you will be charged a monthly or yearly premium to take advantage of this plan.

For those Washington seniors who take prescription medications or have reason to believe they will be in the future, there is Medicare Plan D. This plan is for generic and name-brand prescriptions. Like Plan B there is a monthly premium in addition to co-insurance payments and yearly deductibles. This plan is elective and must be enrolled in 3 months before or after your 65th birthday or during open enrollment. Open enrollment typically takes place during the end of the year.

If you have questions involving any of the Medicare plans there are several people you can contact. You can always discuss your questions and concerns with your regular health care professional. If they can't answer your questions they can likely point you in the right direction.

^*You may be able to get extra help to pay for your prescription drug premiums and costs. To see if you qualify for getting extra help, call:

• 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY/TDD users should call 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day/7 days a week;

  OR

• The Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. TTY/TDD users should call, 1-800-325-0778; or Your State Medicaid Office.