MEDICARE
DENTAL, VISION & OTHER COVERAGES
Helping you navigate other important individual coverages beyond Medicare.
Connect With Us
What Other Coverages Might I Need?
Although Medicare combined with a Medicare Supplement plan is a very high level of coverage, it doesn’t cover everything! There are a few areas of our health that Medicare doesn’t pay attention to. These include (among others) basic dental, vision, and hearing services.
DENTAL
As we get older, our medical and dental needs continue to grow. It’s just a natural part of life, and so it’s important to take care of your body by giving it the proper care and attention it needs. Regular dentist visits for exams and professional cleanings are a crucial part of dental maintenance. Unfortunately, it seems that finding high quality dental insurance for seniors only gets more difficult.
That is why Christi Senior Advisors offers a variety of dental solutions to fit your needs. We provide several flexible plans that you can tailor to your specific needs that fit your budget.
Finding dental insurance for seniors doesn’t need to be a difficult process. We make it simple.
The best way to take care of your teeth is proper maintenance, and Christi offers senior dental plans that cover 100% of preventative costs. This includes two professional cleanings each year, as well as exams and x-rays. Most of the costs of basic procedures are covered as well, such as fillings, dentures, and even oral surgery. Additionally, we have plans with no waiting periods, meaning that your plan is effective on the first day of the month following your enrollment.
VISION
If you are a senior on Medicare, you know by now that your Medicare insurance has limited, or does not include, vision coverage. You have to purchase a separate plan or a plan that combines dental and vision coverage.
Most people have trouble with their vision as they get older, even if they have never had vision problems previously. And, the cost of purchasing eyeglasses and contact lenses can get expensive. More so, conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and cataracts are common age-related conditions that develop and warrant treatment. Vision insurance for seniors can help defray some of the costs related to these needs.
With vision insurance, most carriers have a base (i.e. basic) plan and a richer benefit plan. You pay between $15 and $20 per month for a base vision plan. The base plan usually includes a vision exam with copay as well as an allowance for frames or contact lenses. You also pay a copay for additional services.
Vision insurance policies for seniors can cover as much or as little as the individual desires. There are two basic types of plans, though.
• Vision Benefits Packages: These typically will provide seniors with a fixed dollar amount of coverage. The funds can be used for a variety of services, such as eye exams, glasses, and other care. The senior picks the amount of available benefit based on how much of a policy he or she purchases.
• Discount Vision Plans for Seniors: Here, there is not a specific amount available to spend. Rather, the senior pays into the program and receives a discount that applies to the vision care they need. For example, they may receive 20 percent off the services listed in the plan, no matter what amount is spent.
How Much Does Vision Insurance for Seniors Cost?
Most vision insurance plans for seniors are benefits packages. The cost paid depends on many things, including the amount of coverage desired. Most often, the consumer pays a premium each month or annually. This keeps the policy in place. There are also co-pays that may need to be paid at the time a service is received. Most often, seniors will have to still pay some of the cost related to their vision care, but it is likely to be less.
By comparison, benefits packages tend to cost a bit more than purchasing a discount vision plan. However, there are various levels of coverage for seniors to choose from to determine what is included. And, this type of coverage is typically comprehensive. That means that you may receive more coverage over your lifetime. Because these plans can have such open-ended limits, they tend to be better for seniors who are likely to need more invasive or routine eyecare.
How Do I Choose the Best Vision Insurance Plan for Me?
To select any type of vision insurance plan, consumers need to consider their specific needs. For example, seniors who need new eyeglasses or contact lenses every few years may benefit more from a benefits package. In addition, those with conditions such as macular degeneration or cataracts are likely to need more invasive procedures. Here, it is also wise to invest a bit more in a higher quality of plan.
HEARING
Do your family members say you’re hard of hearing, even if you don’t notice it? It may be time to get your hearing checked.
Hearing loss can have many causes — an inherited condition, illness, injury. If you’re suffering from hearing loss and need a hearing aid, there are certain situations where you may be eligible for coverage under Medicare.
Hearing Aids and Original Medicare, Part A and Part B
In general, Original Medicare and most Medicare Supplement (or Medigap) Plans don’t cover hearing aids, routine hearing exams, or fittings for hearing aids. This means that without other insurance, you could pay 100% of the cost for routine hearing exams, fittings, and hearing aids.
Medicare Part B does, however, cover diagnostic hearing tests that your doctor orders for a medical need like a recent hearing loss due to illness or injury. If your doctor orders a diagnostic hearing test, then you would pay 20% of the amount approved by Medicare, plus the Medicare Part B deductible.
Always make sure your doctor accepts Medicare assignment; that is, he or she is participating in the Medicare program. If a non-participating doctor orders a hearing test for you, you might have to pay all the costs of the test. Regardless of the outcome of the diagnostic test, Medicare still does not cover the hearing aid itself.
Hearing aids and Medicare Advantage Plans
Some Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) cover hearing exams and hearing aids. Medicare Advantage plans often offer benefits not typically included with Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), such as routine hearing exams and hearing aids. Since each Medicare Advantage plan is different, you should compare plans carefully to find one that fits all of your medical needs. You can see if any Medicare Advantage plans in your area cover hearing aids and exams by using our Medicare Advantage plan comparison tool.
If you have insurance that covers hearing exams, such as a Medicare Advantage plan or Medicaid, follow your plan’s instructions for getting an exam. If your doctor does not perform hearing exams, he or she may refer you to a specialist.
Buying a Hearing Aid
The cost for hearing aids ranges from hundreds to thousands of dollars. If you have health insurance that covers hearing aids, such as a Medicare Advantage plan, be sure to read your plan documents carefully, because you may only be covered if you buy your hearing aid from certain suppliers or through a certain process. If you don’t have such coverage, you can buy hearing aids wherever you want.
Some states have hearing-related benefits, including coverage for hearing aids, for qualified residents through Medicaid and other state programs. The Hearing Loss Association of America website has state-specific information on hearing aid coverage.
HOSPITAL INDEMNITY
Depending on the hospital indemnity plan you choose, the cash you receive may be used to help pay for out-of-pocket hospital-related expenses not covered by Medicare insurance such as deductibles, co-pays, travel, transportation, and hospital incidentals, like parking.
These cash payouts may also be used for household expenses incurred as a result of hospitalization, outpatient surgery, or post-hospital skilled nursing facility stays. There are many types of hospital indemnity plans available, but we have found that the most common benefit of the plan is a set cash value of $150 for each day of the patient’s hospital stay.
Hospital costs are an important part when you compare Medicare plans, and anyone concerned about these costs should consider a hospital indemnity plan. These plans can take patients with pre-existing medical conditions, have elimination periods where benefits are only paid after the patient is hospitalized for a set number of days, as well as other terms and benefits that can be difficult to decipher.
FINAL EXPENSE
Final expense insurance is a product designed to help cover final expenses such as the costs associated with funeral and burial expenses, probate fees or other financial obligations that your family may face in the event of death. Many funeral expenses run over $10,000 and can create a significant burden on loved ones.
Final expense insurance is targeted to clients who desire coverage for final expenses and who don’t want to go through the hassles of full underwriting. Additionally, clients who have previously been declined for coverage with one carrier may be considered again with another.
Final expense insurance products normally don't require formal medical examinations, so most qualify with little to no problems. Also, premiums are guaranteed so the investment is low risk and predictable. Additional rider protections are available for added security.
CANCER & CRITICAL ILLNESS INSURANCE
Half of all men and one-third of all women will develop cancer during their lifetimes. About 77% of all cancers are diagnosed in those age 55 or older. An affordable Cancer & Critical Illness insurance policy can help lessen the financial burden of a tough diagnosis. Most plans include a lump sum cash benefit paid directly to you for use in any way you see fit.
DENTAL
As we get older, our medical and dental needs continue to grow. It’s just a natural part of life, and so it’s important to take care of your body by giving it the proper care and attention it needs. Regular dentist visits for exams and professional cleanings are a crucial part of dental maintenance. Unfortunately, it seems that finding high quality dental insurance for seniors only gets more difficult.
That is why Christi Senior Advisors offers a variety of dental solutions to fit your needs. We provide several flexible plans that you can tailor to your specific needs that fit your budget.
Finding dental insurance for seniors doesn’t need to be a difficult process. We make it simple.
The best way to take care of your teeth is proper maintenance, and Christi offers senior dental plans that cover 100% of preventative costs. This includes two professional cleanings each year, as well as exams and x-rays. Most of the costs of basic procedures are covered as well, such as fillings, dentures, and even oral surgery. Additionally, we have plans with no waiting periods, meaning that your plan is effective on the first day of the month following your enrollment.
VISION
If you are a senior on Medicare, you know by now that your Medicare insurance has limited, or does not include, vision coverage. You have to purchase a separate plan or a plan that combines dental and vision coverage.
Most people have trouble with their vision as they get older, even if they have never had vision problems previously. And, the cost of purchasing eyeglasses and contact lenses can get expensive. More so, conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and cataracts are common age-related conditions that develop and warrant treatment. Vision insurance for seniors can help defray some of the costs related to these needs.
With vision insurance, most carriers have a base (i.e. basic) plan and a richer benefit plan. You pay between $15 and $20 per month for a base vision plan. The base plan usually includes a vision exam with copay as well as an allowance for frames or contact lenses. You also pay a copay for additional services.
Vision insurance policies for seniors can cover as much or as little as the individual desires. There are two basic types of plans, though.
• Vision Benefits Packages: These typically will provide seniors with a fixed dollar amount of coverage. The funds can be used for a variety of services, such as eye exams, glasses, and other care. The senior picks the amount of available benefit based on how much of a policy he or she purchases.
• Discount Vision Plans for Seniors: Here, there is not a specific amount available to spend. Rather, the senior pays into the program and receives a discount that applies to the vision care they need. For example, they may receive 20 percent off the services listed in the plan, no matter what amount is spent.
How Much Does Vision Insurance for Seniors Cost?
Most vision insurance plans for seniors are benefits packages. The cost paid depends on many things, including the amount of coverage desired. Most often, the consumer pays a premium each month or annually. This keeps the policy in place. There are also co-pays that may need to be paid at the time a service is received. Most often, seniors will have to still pay some of the cost related to their vision care, but it is likely to be less.
By comparison, benefits packages tend to cost a bit more than purchasing a discount vision plan. However, there are various levels of coverage for seniors to choose from to determine what is included. And, this type of coverage is typically comprehensive. That means that you may receive more coverage over your lifetime. Because these plans can have such open-ended limits, they tend to be better for seniors who are likely to need more invasive or routine eyecare.
How Do I Choose the Best Vision Insurance Plan for Me?
To select any type of vision insurance plan, consumers need to consider their specific needs. For example, seniors who need new eyeglasses or contact lenses every few years may benefit more from a benefits package. In addition, those with conditions such as macular degeneration or cataracts are likely to need more invasive procedures. Here, it is also wise to invest a bit more in a higher quality of plan.
HEARING
Do your family members say you’re hard of hearing, even if you don’t notice it? It may be time to get your hearing checked.
Hearing loss can have many causes — an inherited condition, illness, injury. If you’re suffering from hearing loss and need a hearing aid, there are certain situations where you may be eligible for coverage under Medicare.
Hearing Aids and Original Medicare, Part A and Part B
In general, Original Medicare and most Medicare Supplement (or Medigap) Plans don’t cover hearing aids, routine hearing exams, or fittings for hearing aids. This means that without other insurance, you could pay 100% of the cost for routine hearing exams, fittings, and hearing aids.
Medicare Part B does, however, cover diagnostic hearing tests that your doctor orders for a medical need like a recent hearing loss due to illness or injury. If your doctor orders a diagnostic hearing test, then you would pay 20% of the amount approved by Medicare, plus the Medicare Part B deductible.
Always make sure your doctor accepts Medicare assignment; that is, he or she is participating in the Medicare program. If a non-participating doctor orders a hearing test for you, you might have to pay all the costs of the test. Regardless of the outcome of the diagnostic test, Medicare still does not cover the hearing aid itself.
Hearing aids and Medicare Advantage Plans
Some Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) cover hearing exams and hearing aids. Medicare Advantage plans often offer benefits not typically included with Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), such as routine hearing exams and hearing aids. Since each Medicare Advantage plan is different, you should compare plans carefully to find one that fits all of your medical needs. You can see if any Medicare Advantage plans in your area cover hearing aids and exams by using our Medicare Advantage plan comparison tool.
If you have insurance that covers hearing exams, such as a Medicare Advantage plan or Medicaid, follow your plan’s instructions for getting an exam. If your doctor does not perform hearing exams, he or she may refer you to a specialist.
Buying a Hearing Aid
The cost for hearing aids ranges from hundreds to thousands of dollars. If you have health insurance that covers hearing aids, such as a Medicare Advantage plan, be sure to read your plan documents carefully, because you may only be covered if you buy your hearing aid from certain suppliers or through a certain process. If you don’t have such coverage, you can buy hearing aids wherever you want.
Some states have hearing-related benefits, including coverage for hearing aids, for qualified residents through Medicaid and other state programs. The Hearing Loss Association of America website has state-specific information on hearing aid coverage.
HOSPITAL INDEMNITY
Depending on the hospital indemnity plan you choose, the cash you receive may be used to help pay for out-of-pocket hospital-related expenses not covered by Medicare insurance such as deductibles, co-pays, travel, transportation, and hospital incidentals, like parking.
These cash payouts may also be used for household expenses incurred as a result of hospitalization, outpatient surgery, or post-hospital skilled nursing facility stays. There are many types of hospital indemnity plans available, but we have found that the most common benefit of the plan is a set cash value of $150 for each day of the patient’s hospital stay.
Hospital costs are an important part when you compare Medicare plans, and anyone concerned about these costs should consider a hospital indemnity plan. These plans can take patients with pre-existing medical conditions, have elimination periods where benefits are only paid after the patient is hospitalized for a set number of days, as well as other terms and benefits that can be difficult to decipher.
FINAL EXPENSE
Final expense insurance is a product designed to help cover final expenses such as the costs associated with funeral and burial expenses, probate fees or other financial obligations that your family may face in the event of death. Many funeral expenses run over $10,000 and can create a significant burden on loved ones.
Final expense insurance is targeted to clients who desire coverage for final expenses and who don’t want to go through the hassles of full underwriting. Additionally, clients who have previously been declined for coverage with one carrier may be considered again with another.
Final expense insurance products normally don't require formal medical examinations, so most qualify with little to no problems. Also, premiums are guaranteed so the investment is low risk and predictable. Additional rider protections are available for added security.
CANCER & CRITICAL ILLNESS INSURANCE
Half of all men and one-third of all women will develop cancer during their lifetimes. About 77% of all cancers are diagnosed in those age 55 or older. An affordable Cancer & Critical Illness insurance policy can help lessen the financial burden of a tough diagnosis. Most plans include a lump sum cash benefit paid directly to you for use in any way you see fit.
