Navigating Medicare for your loved one.
Posted 05/13/24
Helping your loved one: Medicare Advantage for caregivers
As caregivers, ensuring the well-being and health of our loved ones is a top priority. Understanding Medicare—and finding the most suitable plan—can feel overwhelming, but Medicare Advantage plans offer a powerful combination of coverage, affordability, and added support. Here’s what you need to know.
Understanding Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older. It includes:
- Part A: Hospital insurance
- Part B: Medical insurance
- Part C: Medicare Advantage (private, all-in-one plans)
- Part D: Prescription drug coverage
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) offers essential services, but may not cover dental, vision, hearing, or prescription drugs—leaving gaps in care.
The caregiver’s role
Caregivers often coordinate appointments, manage prescriptions, and ensure their loved one’s health needs are met. Finding a plan that offers comprehensive, manageable, and affordable coverage can lighten the caregiver’s load and improve the patient’s quality of life.
What Medicare Advantage plans offer
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are offered by private insurers and approved by Medicare. They cover all the benefits of Original Medicare—and usually much more:
- Prescription drug coverage (Part D)
- Dental, vision, and hearing benefits
- Telehealth services and wellness perks
- Fitness programs and preventive care
Customized coverage for individual needs
Medicare Advantage plans allow caregivers to select a plan that meets their loved one’s specific health needs—whether it’s managing a chronic condition, finding a preferred doctor, or accessing affordable prescriptions.
Cost-effective and simple
Unlike Original Medicare, which may require separate plans for prescriptions and supplemental coverage, Medicare Advantage combines everything into one plan. This not only simplifies management—it can also save money over time.
Coordinated, comprehensive care
Many Medicare Advantage plans offer care coordination—meaning your loved one has a care team that helps manage and monitor treatment across providers. This can lead to improved outcomes and peace of mind for caregivers.
Convenience and accessibility
These plans typically include wide provider networks and telehealth access, making care easier to access—even for those in rural areas or with mobility challenges.
We're here to help guide you
Medicare Advantage plans offer a convenient, cost-effective path to personalized care. As a caregiver, choosing the right plan can ensure your loved one receives the support they need—and give you peace of mind.
We have local benefit specialists available to answer your questions or provide personalized help. Call us at 1-800-961-4572 (TTY: 711).
