If you are 55 or older and looking for health insurance, you may have different options depending on your age, income, and health needs. In this article, we will review the top 7 best health insurance plans for seniors and retirees, and help you choose the one that suits you best.
## Medicare
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, disabled, or have certain chronic conditions. Medicare has four parts: Part A covers hospital care, Part B covers doctor visits and other medical services, Part C (also known as Medicare Advantage) offers private plans that combine Part A and B benefits and often include prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and other extras, and Part D covers prescription drugs.
Medicare is the best health insurance option for most seniors and retirees, as it offers comprehensive coverage at affordable rates. You can enroll in Medicare during a seven-month period that starts three months before your 65th birthday month and ends three months after. You can also switch or add plans during the annual open enrollment period from October 15 to December 7.
## Medicaid
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides free or low-cost health coverage to low-income people, including seniors and retirees. Medicaid eligibility varies by state, but generally you need to have an income below 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL) and meet other criteria such as age, disability, or pregnancy. Medicaid covers a wide range of services, such as doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, long-term care, and preventive care.
Medicaid is the most affordable health insurance option for seniors and retirees who have low incomes and limited assets. You can apply for Medicaid at any time of the year through your state’s Medicaid agency or online at Healthcare.gov.
## Humana
Humana is one of the largest private health insurance companies in the U.S., offering a variety of Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement plans, and prescription drug plans. Humana’s Medicare Advantage plans are rated highly by customers for their quality, value, and customer service. Humana’s plans also offer many benefits that Original Medicare does not cover, such as dental, vision, hearing, fitness, and wellness programs.
Humana is the best health insurance option for seniors and retirees who want a Medicare Advantage plan that offers more than Original Medicare. You can compare and enroll in Humana’s plans online at Humana.com or by calling 1-800-833-2364.
## AARP/UnitedHealthcare
AARP is a nonprofit organization that advocates for the interests of older Americans. AARP partners with UnitedHealthcare, one of the largest health insurance companies in the U.S., to offer Medicare Supplement plans, Medicare Advantage plans, and prescription drug plans to its members. AARP/UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Supplement plans are among the most popular in the country, as they help pay for some of the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare does not cover, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. AARP/UnitedHealthcare’s plans also offer access to a large network of doctors and hospitals across the U.S.
AARP/UnitedHealthcare is the best health insurance option for seniors and retirees who want a Medicare Supplement plan that offers more financial protection than Original Medicare. You can compare and enroll in AARP/UnitedHealthcare’s plans online at AARPmedicareplans.com or by calling 1-888-867-5564.
## Wellcare
Wellcare is a health insurance company that specializes in providing Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, and Medicaid plans. Wellcare’s Medicare Advantage plans offer comprehensive coverage for medical care and prescription drugs, as well as extra benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, fitness, transportation, and over-the-counter items. Wellcare’s Medicare Prescription Drug Plans offer low premiums and copayments, as well as coverage for most generic and brand-name drugs.
Wellcare is the best health insurance option for seniors and retirees who want a prescription drug plan that offers low costs and wide coverage. You can compare and enroll in Wellcare’s plans online at Wellcare.com or by calling 1-866-999-3945.
## Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a federation of 36 independent health insurance companies that operate in all 50 states and Washington D.C. BCBS offers a variety of health insurance products for individuals and groups, including ACA marketplace plans, Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement plans