What to Know Before You Enroll in a Humana Medicare Plan
Understand the differences in each plan in the Medicare enrollment process
You know that you need Medicare coverage. How do you decide what plan is best for you? Should you purchase a Medicare prescription drug plan? Even though a drug plan can give you some relief from the high cost of medications, it might not be the best choice for everyone, as it does not provide medical coverage. An all-in-one Medicare Advantage plan may prove to be a better fit for your coverage needs.
Drug benefits
Medicare Advantage plans
Many Medicare Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), or Private Fee For Service (PFFS) plans include prescription drug coverage, too. That means you get medical coverage and prescription drug coverage all in one plan.
Medicare prescription drug plans
Prescription drug plans can help you cover your prescription drug costs. Each Medicare prescription drug plan offers coverage at least as good as the Medicare minimum standard requirement. Some plans may offer more choices and have different premiums and costs depending on the benefits offered.
Medicare Supplement insurance plans
Medicare Supplement insurance plans cannot include prescription drug coverage. If you want prescription drug coverage, you'll need to enroll in a separate stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan.
Determining your premiums
Medicare Advantage plans
With a Medicare Advantage plan, you may pay a monthly plan premium to the insurer in addition to the Medicare premium you already pay. Many Medicare Advantage plans - including the majority of Humana's - also provide prescription drug coverage at no additional cost.Prescription drug plans
With a Medicare prescription drug plan, you may pay a monthly plan premium to the insurer in addition to any Medicare premium you already pay. If you didn't sign up for drug coverage when you first became eligible, you may have a higher premium - as much as one percent more for every month you wait.Medicare Supplement insurance plans
With a Medicare Supplement insurance plan, you pay a monthly plan premium to the insurer in addition to the Medicare premium you already pay. The premium may vary by plan type, and other factors depending on where you live.When you enroll and when your coverage is effective
Medicare Advantage plans
In most cases, your coverage becomes effective on the first day of the next month after you join. However, if you enroll in a 2012 plan between October 15 and December 7, your coverage will become effective January 1.Prescription drug plans
In most cases, your coverage becomes effective on the first day of the next month after you join. However, if you enroll in a 2012 plan between October 15 and December 7, your coverage will become effective January 1.If you purchase a stand-alone prescription drug plan while you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage, you will be disenrolled automatically from your Medicare Advantage plan.