Scaling through the world of Medicare can be challenging, especially when there are numerous plans to choose from.
As a Washington State resident, you want to make the best choice possible for your healthcare needs. This article provides deep explanation and insight on the best Medicare plans in Washington State.
Medicare Basics
It’s crucial to understand the basics of Medicare before diving into the top Medicare plans in Washington State. Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides coverage for people aged 65 and older. It is broadly divided into four parts:
- Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.
- Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers doctor visits, outpatient services, preventive care, and some home health care.
- Part C (Medicare Advantage): Combines Parts A and B, often including Part D as well, and is offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.
- Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Covers prescription medications and is offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.
Top Medicare Plans in Washington State
Having explored the basics of Medicare, let’s explore the best Medicare plans available in Washington State with regards to Medicare Advantage plans and their areas of coverage.
- Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage (HMO)
Kaiser Permanente is a well-established healthcare provider known for its integrated care model.
Their Medicare Advantage plans consistently rank highly in terms of customer satisfaction, affordability, and quality of care. The Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage (HMO) plan offers:
- $0 monthly premium
- $0 deductible for medical and prescription drug coverage
- Low copays for primary care visits, specialist visits, and prescription medications
- Dental, vision, and hearing coverage
- Health and wellness programs
- Premera Blue Cross Medicare Advantage (HMO)
Premera Blue Cross is another reputable healthcare provider in Washington State. Their Medicare Advantage plan offers comprehensive coverage at a reasonable cost. The Premera Blue Cross Medicare Advantage (HMO) plan features:
- Low monthly premiums
- $0 deductible for medical and prescription drug coverage
- Low copays for primary care visits, specialist visits, and prescription medications
- Dental, vision, and hearing coverage
- Fitness and wellness programs
- Regence BlueShield Medicare Advantage (PPO)
Regence BlueShield is a popular choice for those seeking flexibility in their healthcare options. Their Medicare Advantage plan allows members to see any provider within their extensive network without referrals.
The Regence BlueShield Medicare Advantage (PPO) plan includes:
- Competitive monthly premiums
- Low deductibles for medical and prescription drug coverage
- Reasonable copays for primary care visits, specialist visits, and prescription medications
- Dental, vision, and hearing coverage
- Fitness and wellness programs
Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage in Washington
In Washington State, you can choose between Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) or a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C). Original Medicare is administered by the federal government, whereas Medicare Advantage plans are provided by private insurance companies.
Medicare Advantage plans often include additional benefits, such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage, as well as fitness programs and wellness services. They typically have lower out-of-pocket costs.
When comparing Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, it’s essential to consider factors such as coverage, provider networks, premiums, copayments, and deductibles to determine which option best suits your healthcare needs.
Uniqueness of Washington Medicare Plan
Washington is one of the few states in the United States that offers an all-year open enrollment plan.
Traditionally, Medicare open enrollment has been limited to a specific period, usually from October 15th to December 7th each year.
However, recognizing the need to provide better access to healthcare coverage, Washington State has adopted an all-year open enrollment policy. This means that eligible individuals can enroll, switch, or disenroll from Medicare plans throughout the year.
Learn More
While the Washington State support for an all-year Medicare open enrollment policy is a significant step towards broad-based healthcare coverage, you need the support of an independent broker – MedicareOnVideo – to choose the one that best suits you.
By offering flexibility, less confusion, and better access to coverage, the all-year open enrollment helps residents make informed decisions about their healthcare.
At MedicareOnVideo, we guide you and provide authoritative advice for individuals seeking enrollment in any Medicare or supplement plans at no cost.
For detailed info, watch Medicare Video titled ”Best Medicare Plan – Washington State”
You can contact us directly via 1-877-855-3484, as well as get our free ebook on Medicare titled “Medicare Made CLEAR,” which contains up-to-date information on all areas of Medicare coverage.
We look forward to onboarding you!!!
