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Get to know your Medicare plan and take charge of your health

Taking advantage of your Medicare benefits can help you save money and stay healthy in 2022. Sponsored by UnitedHealthcare.

Being proactive about your healthcare coverage doesn’t end after enrollment. Now is the time to learn about your Medicare plan and how to optimize the benefits. 

“Really be proactive as it comes to your preventative services,” said Dr. Dinelli Monson, Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement of Washington. “Get your colonoscopy, mammograms and other vital services you can get to maximize your benefit.”

Those with a Medicare Advantage plan have extra benefits and features not offered through original Medicare. These may include:

  • Dental, hearing and vision coverage
  • Fitness memberships, including access to your local gyms and fitness classes. UnitedHealthcare’s Renew Active offers a gym membership, plus thousands of workout videos and an online brain health program from AARP Staying Sharp.
  • A full annual routine physical exam
  • 24/7 access to registered nurses by phone

Medicare Advantage plans and healthcare coverage in general have also adapted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The landscape changed completely with the COVID pandemic; however it did not change our actual need to access care,” Dr. Monson said. “Health plans are trying to be more holistic and flexible and meeting the member at the convenience of their home.”

UnitedHealthcare offers HouseCalls for eligible Medicare Advantage members to provide yearly essential screenings from a health care practitioner in the convenience of a patient’s home. Telehealth is also available for non-critical visits, including for a cold, flu, sore throat and skin rashes.

Original Medicare covers 80 percent of medical costs, and 20 percent are the patient’s responsibility. With Medicare Advantage, copays are more predictable, and there are out-of-pocket maximums. 

“Make sure you know who is in network for your doctor, as well as your hospital,” Dr. Monson said. “That can make a tremendous impact on your costs.”

You can also take steps to save on prescription drugs. A few tips for saving on medications include:

  • Taking advantage of a home delivery pharmacy benefit. This can save you money and prevent you from having to go to pharmacy.
  • Switching to generic drugs where you can. If your doctor prescribes a higher cost medication, ask if there is a lower cost alternative. 
  • Checking if your plan has a preferred pharmacy network. Using preferred pharmacies can lower your costs.

To learn more about Medicare Advantage plans and benefits, visit UHCMedicareHealthPlans.com.

Sponsored by UnitedHealthcare. Segment Producer Suzie Wiley. Watch New Day Northwest 11 AM weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.

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