SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2017 · 13 HEALTHCAREANDINSURANCE generic; and if you’re not lucky, at least one of them is non-generic and there’s a good chance you’re going to kiss the donut hole (or coverage gap in Medicare’s prescription drug coverage). And you need to think about how you’re going to use the different services and what your out-of-pocket maximum is. If you’re looking at a plan with a $3,400 out-of-pocket maximum versus a $7,000 out-of-pocket maximum and they both have the same premium and doctors, jump on that $3,400 plan. That’s a number that often people don’t look at or don’t understand they should look at.” Zolbrod said those high out-of-pocket maximums are often hidden behind the bells and whistles many plans offer as perks. “Don’t fall in love with a plan because it offers a discount on teeth cleaning or a free gym membership,” he said. “Some of these companies advertise zero deductible, zero-cost checkups, vision and dental and no-cost gym memberships. But what they fail to mention is that if you’re hospitalized for five days, you’re going to get a bill for $1,375, and if you get cancer you’re going to hit that out-of-pocket maximum of $6,700. So people are being hypnotized by these other things, but then they’re hospitalized, and in the long run, it costs them thousands of dollars.” Zolbrod said it costs nothing for someone to come in for a consultation. He often encourages seniors to bring along a son, daughter or other loved one to have another set of ears. He said that even if the process isn’t brand new to someone, it can still help to review current policies. “Don’t assume your plan is good because you’ve had it seven, eight, nine years,” he said. “These plans, especially HMOs and PPOs, have had major changes where you could be billed a lot more money, and they change every year.” Seeking consultation before signing up for a Medicare health plan is often free and can be beneficial, even if you have been on the same plan for many years. “These plans, especially HMOs and PPOs, have had major changes where you could be billed a lot more money, and they change every year,” said Aaron Zolbrod, owner of The Health Insurance Store in Connellsville. adno=6524222 WESTMORELAND M A N O R A Nurturing Environment for Rehabilitation and Long Term Care Offering 24/7 Skilled Nursing Care Physical, Occupational, and SpeechTherapies Comprehensive Respiratory Care Including Tracheostomy&Non-Invasive Ventilation Wound Care Team • Respite&Hospice Care • Surgical Recovery Dr.Thomas DeGregory, Medical Director We Also Offer the Eagle Tree Independent Living Apartments in a Protective Environment Admissions Department • (724) 830-4022 2480 South Grande Boulevard, Greensburg, PA 15601 Schedule a tour TODAY! www.westmorelandmanor.org
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