CHOOSE A PLAN THAT TRAVELS WITH YOU

We provide this free financial resource to visitors of the Community Room of SeniorSSuperStoreS in an effort to keep baby boomers, seniors and the elderly informed of matters that can affect their lifestyle.

If you’re eligible for Medicare - or if someone you care about is - you’ve probably heard a lot lately about changes taking place within the federal Medicare program.

In recent years, the number of enrollment choices was expanded to allow for a wider array of private health insurance plans, including health mainte­nance organizations, commonly known as HMOs.

Some experts say it’s important to note that a Medicare HMO may not be the best choice for members of a very mobile community.

You may be constantly on the go, traveling to meet with friends you’ve made over the years or visiting family members in far-flung locales. You may even have separate winter and summer homes.

By choosing an HMO, you’re locking yourself into a set of local health-care providers authorized by your HMO to provide treatment. When you travel outside the HMO’s area, you may be out of luck because usually only life-threatening emergency treatment is authorized and covered by the HMO.

The original Medicare program is still available and offers the most freedom of choice when it comes to selecting the doctors and hospitals you use. Combining the original Medicare program with Medicare supplement insurance helps to eliminate gaps in coverage. You can also be assured that your health coverage will travel with you, with no hassles - no matter where you go.

(Courtesy of USSA Life, United Services Automobile Association Life Insurance Company, at 1-800-531-8477.)