| BUSINESSWEEK ONLINE : NOVEMBER 1, 1999 ISSUE | ||||||||
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| BUSINESSWEEK INVESTOR
To Your Health Your choices for medical insurance if you are over 65 MEDICARE ALONE PROS: Premiums are relatively low--$45.50 a month. The fee-for-service system allows you to pick your own doctors and hospitals. CONS: Benefits are limited. No coverage for outpatient drugs or ear, eye, or dental care. Limited hospital coverage. No long-term care. MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTAL (MEDIGAP) PROS: Much broader coverage. It can include drugs, expanded hospitalization, preventive care. CONS: Can be expensive. Cost depends on your location and type of plan you buy, but gold-plated version can top $5,000 a year. No long-term care. MEDICARE HMO (MEDICARE+CHOICE) PROS: Cost is usually the same as basic Medicare, but more benefits are available. Some drug coverage is often included. CONS: You are limited in choice of doctors and hospitals, and HMOs can trim your benefits. No long-term care. LONG-TERM-CARE INSURANCE PROS: Only insurance that covers you for extended nursing home stay or at-home care. CONS: Can be very expensive, especially if you buy after 65. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ BACK TO TOP |
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