Health Insurance Options For Seniors

Kyle Besser

Health insurance is especially important to seniors because it is a natural fact of life that as we age our health deteriorates. Medicine and medical care can and does become rather expensive. Health insurance for seniors with fixed incomes can become a major problem. Sadly, there are millions of aging Americans without any form of health insurance.

There are a number of options that can help seniors get fairly good health insurance. First of all, there are many agencies that exist to help the elderly or their caregivers get the information they need to make informed decisions about health insurance for seniors. One such program is the Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIP) established in North Carolina in 1989.

AARP is a popular health insurance for seniors. It is available for any adult 50 years of age and over. The benefits offered vary, and it is necessary to read the fine print to get the maximum benefits. AARP offers a number of health insurance options for seniors, namely:

* Supplemental health insurance (basic and enhanced plans)
* Dental care health insurance
* Long-term care insurance
* Medicare Supplemental insurance

Medicare is a federal health insurance plan that offers health insurance for seniors through the Department of Health and Human Services. Members have to be age 65 or older to qualify unless they are disabled. Seniors with disabilities can become members at age 55.

There are two main parts to this plan, Part A for hospitalization and Part B for non-hospitalization services such as doctor's visits. Apart from prescription drugs, Medicare also covers screening for certain preventative illnesses. Medicare began a new program in January 2006 which will help make it easier for members to pay for the medication they need under the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. To benefit under this plan, seniors will need to register.

Medigap, also known as Medicare Supplement Insurance, is health insurance for seniors sold by private insurance companies. This plan helps to deal with areas not covered, thus the name Medigap, such as copayments and deductibles. Seniors must pay a monthly premium to the issuing insurance company.

Medicaid is a state-administered program specially formulated for low-income individuals including seniors.

In addition to these health insurance options for seniors, there are more offered by private companies. It may be necessary to combine different types of health insurance for seniors to ensure that all your health insurance needs are met. As with all insurance, it is necessary to have a knowledgeable person go over the fine print before you commit to buying.