One of the most common mistakes couples make when it comes to Medicare is assuming that they’ll be on the same plan as their spouse.
Medicare is clearly very confusing, especially when you’re first joining.
Oftentimes, we see couples first come into Medicare assuming it will be just like their employer health insurance plan.
As you may know, when you are on an employer health insurance plan couples are usually on the same plan. When you join something like Blue Cross Blue Shield, United or another health insurance provider, you and your spouse or family members are working towards one deductible and one out of max out of pocket.
It’s very important to understand that when it comes to Medicare, it’s completely different.
When it comes to Medicare, plans are on an individual basis. You have your own individual deductible and max out-of-pocket.
It’s a very common mistake that people and couples come into Medicare and assume they need to be on the same exact plan.
That is not how it works on Medicare.
The reality is that most of the time couples should be on different plan.
They are on different plans because they have different medications, different doctors and different health concerns. This includes different Medicare Advantage plans, Part D prescription plans and supplement plans.
While you are likely on different plans, you may be getting Medicare through the same company to take advantage of household discounts.
It’s important that you take the proper steps when looking for your right Medicare plan:
1. Talk to doctors and see what types of Medicare they accept. Based on this you can decide which Medicare program fits you best.
2. Once you have the Medicare programs your doctors accept, you will decide which specific plan fits your financial and health situation best.
Just to reiterate, Medicare is unlike any insurance you’ve ever had. It’s important that you find a plan that fits your needs and your unique situation.
