How to Maximize Your Medicare Benefits & Save Money

brandonwashington10
Mar 19
2 min read

Medicare provides essential healthcare coverage, but there are ways to maximize your benefits and reduce costs. Many beneficiaries overpay for services or miss out on cost-saving opportunities. Here’s how to make the most of your Medicare plan while keeping more money in your pocket.

1. Review Your Medicare Plan Annually

Medicare plans change every year, and so do your healthcare needs. During the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 - Dec 7), compare plans to ensure you’re getting the best value.

✅ Check if your doctors and prescriptions are still covered.

✅ Compare Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare + Medigap.

✅ Consider switching to a plan with lower premiums or better benefits.

2. Take Advantage of Preventive Services

Medicare covers many preventive services for free under Part B, including:

Annual wellness visits
Cancer screenings (breast, colorectal, prostate, etc.)
Vaccines (flu, pneumonia, COVID-19, hepatitis B)
Diabetes and cardiovascular screenings

Getting regular check-ups can help catch health problems early and reduce long-term costs.

3. Choose Generic Prescription Drugs

If you have Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage), opt for generic medications instead of brand-name drugs to save money.

💡 Tip: Use Medicare’s Plan Finder tool to compare drug costs between different Part D plans.

4. Apply for Medicare Savings Programs

If you have limited income, you may qualify for programs that help pay Medicare costs:

✅ Extra Help – Reduces Part D drug costs.

✅ Medicare Savings Programs – Covers premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance for Part A & B.

✅ Medicaid & State Assistance – Some states offer additional cost-saving programs.

5. Use In-Network Providers & Medicare-Approved Services

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans often have network restrictions. To avoid high costs:

Stay within your plan’s provider network.
Verify that labs, hospitals, and specialists accept Medicare.
Get referrals if your plan requires them.

6. Consider a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) Plan

If you have Original Medicare, out-of-pocket costs (like deductibles and coinsurance) can add up. A Medigap plan helps cover these expenses.

💡 Tip: Enroll in Medigap during your initial Medicare enrollment period to avoid higher premiums or denial due to pre-existing conditions.

Final Thoughts

Maximizing your Medicare benefits is about staying informed, choosing the right plan, and utilizing cost-saving programs. If you need help navigating your options, Lindbergh and Associates is here to guide you!

📞 Call us today or schedule a free consultation to make sure you’re getting the most out of your Medicare coverage.