| iv id="body"> | | | | payment options or free financing. |
| Healthcare reform is a hot topic right now, with | | | | Finally, check into lowering your prescription drug |
| passionate opinions on both sides about how to | | | | costs. Many expensive prescriptions have generic |
| better reshape our healthcare system. However, | | | | counterparts that get the job done just as well, |
| most people agree that something needs to be | | | | and they can save you between 50 and 70 |
| done about healthcare costs. An astounding | | | | percent, according to the Food and Drug |
| number of Americans have critical healthcare | | | | Administration (FDA). But always consult your |
| needs that go ignored simply because of | | | | doctor before switching to a new medication or |
| treatment costs. | | | | generic drug. Also, many major drug companies |
| People with disabilities, in particular, have many | | | | offer financial assistance programs to help those |
| health issues and often find it hard to receive the | | | | with lower incomes. Eligibility varies among |
| right kind of treatment. Some of those with | | | | manufacturers, but these programs are worth |
| disabilities qualify for Social Security Disability | | | | researching to possibly reduce healthcare costs. |
| Insurance, or SSDI, which provides them with a | | | | Many states also offer programs to help pay for |
| regular monthly income as well as medical | | | | prescription drugs; again, each state has its own |
| benefits. One key benefit of SSDI is eventually | | | | rules regarding eligibility. |
| receiving Medicare benefits. But people must wait | | | | Choosing the Right Medicare Plan |
| 24 months after their entitlement to SSDI to | | | | Medicare eligibility also poses its own challenges. |
| receive Medicare. So what happens if you need | | | | Depending on where you live, you may have |
| money for healthcare now and can't wait two | | | | dozens of Medicare plans available. So it's |
| years? While there doesn't seem to be any way | | | | important for you, especially if you require |
| of getting around this 24-month waiting period | | | | ongoing medical treatment, to choose the right |
| unless you have end-stage renal disease or Lou | | | | plan. There are a number of considerations, |
| Gehrig's disease (ALS), there are things you can | | | | including your choice of doctor, your current |
| do to reduce your healthcare costs prior to | | | | health and prescription drug needs. Keep in mind, |
| Medicare eligibility. In addition, once you become | | | | people with disabilities can receive better |
| eligible for Medicare - you need to make sure you | | | | healthcare coverage through a Medicare |
| enroll in the right plan for you, your finances and | | | | Advantage plan than they can through another |
| your health situation. | | | | combination of coverage. Traditional Medicare |
| Handling Healthcare Costs before Medicare Eligibility | | | | combines Part A, or hospital coverage, and Part |
| Even if you receive SSDI and Medicare benefits, | | | | B, medical coverage, with the additional option of |
| it's important to keep any health insurance you | | | | purchasing a Part D, or prescription drug plan, and |
| already have. See if you can join your spouse's | | | | supplemental coverage. |
| insurance plan or a plan through another private | | | | To wade through all the confusion, it's a good idea |
| insurance company. Or, if you received health | | | | to work with a qualified Medicare advisor. Consider |
| insurance with your previous employer, you might | | | | your out-of-pocket costs with any possible plan |
| be eligible for COBRA. Under COBRA, you have | | | | because many Medicare plans have different |
| the option to keep your employer's group health | | | | monthly premiums. Pre-existing health conditions |
| plan for up to 18 months after your employment | | | | are another concern, especially for those under |
| ends. You may receive an 11-month extension | | | | age 65. Some supplemental plans exclude |
| once awarded SSDI benefits. Another step is to | | | | individuals with pre-existing conditions. |
| negotiate lower healthcare costs, but do your | | | | It's important - whether you are a senior turning |
| research first. Determine the typical cost of the | | | | 65 or someone with SSDI becoming eligible for |
| procedure you need performed, and what your | | | | Medicare - to carefully evaluate your Medicare |
| doctor or hospital typically charges. Don't be afraid | | | | options. Take crucial steps, before you have |
| to shop around and see if you can get it done at | | | | Medicare, to lower your healthcare costs. Then, |
| another qualified hospital or doctor's office in the | | | | consider working with a Medicare advisor to |
| area at lower cost. It doesn't hurt to ask your | | | | ensure that you have the best Medicare |
| physician if he or she can provide you with a | | | | coverage possible once you become eligible. |
| discount. Determine if the facility offers extended | | | | |