My Grandma’s Medicare Experience

Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides coverage for people who are 65 years old or older, as well as those with certain disabilities or chronic conditions. While Medicare covers many healthcare costs, there are often gaps in coverage, leaving beneficiaries with out-of-pocket expenses. That's where Medicare supplement plans, also known as Medigap, come in.

My grandma had both Medicare and a Medicare supplement plan. Back in 1998 she was admitted to Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach with pneumonia. On day 30, she was ready to come home so my dad went to pick her up but unfortunately she was completely out of breath. Turns out she was having congestive heart failure that day.

Overall, she had to spend 110 days in the hospital and she was in and out of intensive care multiple times, had three shifts of nurses daily, her own doctor coming to see her, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, every test available to her, three meals a day, fresh Linen and laundry everyday. After that 110 day stay, she came home and lived with us for a few years after that before she passed away.

Thanks to her coverage, she was able to receive the care she needed without having to worry about the financial burden.

Medicare supplement plans are designed to help cover the costs that Medicare does not. These plans typically cover copays, deductibles, and coinsurance, which can add up quickly. In my grandma's case, her Medigap plan covered her out-of-pocket expenses for her hospital stay, leaving her with $0 in out-of-pocket costs.

Having a Medigap plan can provide peace of mind for both the beneficiary and their family. When facing a medical emergency, the last thing anyone wants to worry about is how to pay for the necessary care. With a Medicare supplement plan, seniors can focus on their health and recovery, rather than the financial burden of healthcare.

In conclusion, having both Medicare and a Medicare supplement plan can be a wise choice for seniors who want to ensure they have comprehensive coverage for their healthcare needs. My grandma's experience is a testament to the value of this coverage, as she was able to receive top-notch care without having to pay a dime out of her own pocket.