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Senior Dimensions Medicare Advantage Plan Tips

Medicare Advantage Plans are very popular with seniors in Las Vegas and Senior Dimensions is one of the oldest and leading companies who provide health care for those Medicare beneficiaries who currently have original Medicare, Parts A & B.

Background:

Senior Dimensions has been offering Medicare Advantage plans in Las Vegas since the mid 1980’s. In the early 2000’s, Senior Dimensions as well as their parent company Sierra Health and Life was acquired by United Healthcare group. United Healthcare is one of the largest health insurers in the United States and is ranked in the top 20 largest companies on Forbes 500 list. United Healthcare is the only health insurance company listed on the Dow 30 index.

The Plan:

Their plan is a HMO in Las Vegas. This plan will pay for the 20% and deductibles that original Medicare does not cover. This includes hospital, doctors, and drugs all in one plan.

Additional Benefits:

This plan offers an array of additional benefits for little or no costs to its members. Remember, Medicare does not care if you can see, hear, or chew.

The plan also offers transportation services, basic dental, hearing, eye exams, nurse line, and a gym membership.

United Healthcare also owns their own hearing aid manufacturer and is able to save its members on hearing devices.

In addition to these benefits, they also have 2 Lifestyle centers located on the East and Westside of Las Vegas. These lifestyle centers are a hub of activity which allows members to obtain education, meet doctors, dance, play games, and the monthly schedule can emailed to you for your convenience.

Network:

The network the plan uses is Southwest Medicare Associates and they have many locations throughout southern Nevada. These centers are an all in one facility. Meaning, you can see your doctors, receive lab tests, dental, vision, and hearing services all in one facility.

In 2013, Senior Dimensions opened up a new network called the Optum network. These are doctors who do not work for Southwest Medical Associates but have a contract to see Senior Dimension members. This gives members even more choice of doctors and even more locations to choose from.

Drugs:

All Medicare Advantage plans are required by Medicare to include drug coverage. Senior Dimensions offers a comprehensive 5 tier drug list. You will be subject to co-pays and plan requirements including Medicare required costs.

As with all Medicare Advantage plans, you should consult with a qualified Medicare Broker who will represent you and your needs before purchasing an advantage plan.

Medicare

Medicare is a government-funded health insurance program in the United States. It was established in 1965 under the Social Security Act and is primarily aimed at providing healthcare coverage to individuals aged 65 and older, although it also covers certain younger individuals with disabilities or end-stage renal disease.

Medicare is administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program is funded through payroll taxes, premiums paid by beneficiaries, and general government revenue.

Medicare consists of several parts, each covering different aspects of healthcare:

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): Part A helps cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care services.
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): Part B covers medical services and supplies that are necessary to diagnose or treat a medical condition, including doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable medical equipment.
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage): Part C allows beneficiaries to receive their Medicare benefits through private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans typically include Parts A, B, and D (prescription drug coverage) and may offer additional benefits such as vision, dental, and wellness programs.
Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Part D helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. It is offered through private insurance plans that are approved by Medicare.

Medicare provides a baseline of health insurance coverage for seniors and eligible individuals with disabilities. However, it does not cover all healthcare costs, and beneficiaries are responsible for certain out-of-pocket expenses, such as deductibles, copayments, and premiums.

It’s important to note that Medicare policies and regulations can change over time, so it’s advisable to consult official sources or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for the most up-to-date information.

Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, is a type of health insurance plan offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. It provides an alternative way for individuals enrolled in Medicare to receive their Medicare benefits.

Medicare Advantage plans are designed to combine the benefits of Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) into a single plan. They often offer additional benefits beyond what is covered by Original Medicare, such as prescription drug coverage, vision care, dental care, hearing aids, and fitness programs.

To enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must first be eligible for Medicare Part A and Part B. You must also live in the service area of the plan you wish to join. Enrollment typically occurs during specific enrollment periods, such as the Initial Enrollment Period when you first become eligible for Medicare, the Annual Enrollment Period that occurs each year from October 15 to December 7, or during special enrollment periods triggered by certain life events.

When you join a Medicare Advantage plan, you still have Medicare coverage, but the plan becomes your primary insurer. The private insurance company that offers the plan will administer your benefits and handle claims. However, it’s important to note that you must continue paying your Medicare Part B premium in addition to any premium charged by the Medicare Advantage plan.

Medicare Advantage plans must provide at least the same coverage as Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). They may also include additional benefits and services, but the specifics can vary depending on the plan and the insurance company offering it. Each plan sets its own rules, costs, and restrictions, so it’s important to carefully review the plan details before enrolling.

If you’re considering a Medicare Advantage plan, it’s a good idea to compare different plans in your area to find one that meets your healthcare needs and budget. You can use the Medicare Plan Finder tool on the official Medicare website (medicare.gov) or consult with a licensed insurance agent specializing in Medicare to get more information and assistance in choosing the right plan for you.

Insurance

Insurance is a way to protect against financial loss. It involves paying a premium to an insurance company in exchange for the promise of payment or reimbursement for certain losses or damages. Insurance can help individuals, businesses, and organizations manage risks and protect against unexpected events.

There are many different types of insurance available, including:

Health Insurance: This type of insurance helps cover the cost of medical expenses, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs.
Life Insurance: Life insurance provides a lump-sum payment to the insured’s beneficiaries in the event of their death. It can help provide financial security for loved ones and cover expenses such as funeral costs and outstanding debts.
Auto Insurance: Auto insurance provides coverage for damage or injury caused by a car accident. It can also provide coverage for theft, vandalism, and other incidents.
Homeowners Insurance: This type of insurance helps protect homeowners against damage or loss to their property, as well as liability for injuries or damage caused to others on their property.
Renters Insurance: Renters insurance provides coverage for personal property and liability for renters.
Business Insurance: Business insurance provides coverage for various types of risks that businesses may face, such as liability, property damage, and employee injuries.

Insurance policies can vary widely in terms of coverage, exclusions, and premiums. It’s important to carefully review any insurance policy before purchasing it and to understand what is covered and what is not.

Insurance companies use various methods to assess risk and determine premiums, including actuarial science, statistical analysis, and underwriting. Factors such as age, health status, driving history, and location can all impact insurance premiums.

In conclusion, insurance is a way to protect against financial loss and manage risks. There are many different types of insurance available, including health insurance, life insurance, auto insurance, homeowners insurance, renters insurance, and business insurance.

It’s important to carefully review any insurance policy before purchasing it and to understand what is covered and what is not. Insurance companies use various methods to assess risk and determine premiums, and factors such as age, health status, driving history, and location can all impact insurance premiums.