Senior Health Plan Choice

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4 surprising benefits to Medicare Advantage plans
Choosing a Medicare plan may be one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a senior. And it can be a little intimidating. While Original Medicare may seem safe and easy, you may find yourself missing out on some pretty valuable options only available through Medicare Advantage.

Here are just 4 of them.

1. All the benefits of Original Medicare
Medicare Advantage plans are required by law to include all the benefits of Original Medicare Parts A and B.

2. Hospital, medical and prescription drug coverage in 1 easy-to-manage plan
Most Medicare Advantage plans also include prescription drug coverage. To get the same coverage with Original Medicare, you’d have to buy a separate prescription drug plan—and pay a separate premium.

3. Coverage for items Original Medicare doesn't cover
Many Medicare Advantage plans cover items not covered by Original Medicare Parts A and B—things like dental, vision and hearing care, prescription drug coverage and even gym memberships through a SilverSneakers® benefit.

4. The security of an annual maximum out-of-pocket limit
One of the benefits of enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan is that there are limits on out-of-pocket spending each year. That amount varies from plan to plan and can change each year. In 2021, the highest out-of-pocket limit is $7,550, after which you’ll pay nothing for covered care.

Pulling it all together
Let’s face it—regardless of your current health status, you can't predict what you may need in the future. Knowing that there's an upper limit to how much you'll have to spend each year out of pocket may help you feel more confident about your Medicare plan choice.

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5 important facts about the Medicare Annual Election Period

Whether you’re already enrolled in Medicare or you’re just starting to ponder your options, there is a lot to consider. While Medicare is a lifeline for many, it doesn’t cover everything—and it isn’t free.

Here are 5 things you need to know to choose your plan with confidence.

Fact 1: Medicare comes in 4 parts
How many (or few) parts of Medicare you need depends on you. Original Medicare is provided by the federal government and comes in 2 parts:

Part A is hospital insurance.
Part A has no premium cost if you’ve paid payroll taxes for at least 10 years.
Part B is medical insurance.
Part B requires you to pay premiums, copays and deductibles, similar to private insurance companies.
In 2021, the Part B premium is $148.50 (or higher depending on your income).
Part C (Medicare Advantage) is offered by private insurers and often combines Parts A, B and D in one plan.

Part D is prescription drug coverage offered through private companies

If you have other coverage through an employer or your spouse, you can opt out of Part B when you first become eligible. That way you can delay having to pay the Part B premium until you need the coverage.

Part C Medicare Advantage plans and Part D stand-alone prescription drug plans are only available through private insurance companies like Humana.

Fact 2: Medicare isn’t free
And it doesn’t cover everything.

It pays to do a little math. Review your expenses from last year so you can anticipate what your future needs may be.

Original Medicare includes hospital and medical care, but it doesn’t cover prescription drugs or routine vision, dental or hearing care. Do you take daily medications? Do you wear glasses or contacts or need hearing aids? You’ll be paying out of pocket for those items.

Many Medicare Advantage plans include coverage for prescriptions and may offer dental and vision benefits. You may need to pay a monthly premium, in addition to the Part B premium, but it may be worth it based on your needs.

An unexpected hospital visit, or a toothache that turns into a root canal, could quickly blow your budget. Compare the coverage and cost options from the government and private insurers, like Humana, to make sure you’re getting the coverage you need.

Fact 3: Each year has an Annual Election Period (AEP)
Most people first become eligible for Medicare at age 65, but your Initial Coverage Election Period (ICEP) actually begins 3 months before the month of your 65th birthday, includes your birthday month, and continues through the 3 months that follow.

Because there is a delay from the date of your enrollment to the activation of your plan, try to enroll during the 3-month period before your birthday to avoid a gap in your coverage.

If you miss your 7-month ICEP, you’ll need to wait for the Annual Election Period (AEP) to enroll in a Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug plan. That takes place each year from October 15 through December 7.

During AEP, you can also change your plan, purchase additional coverage or dis-enroll from a Medicare plan altogether.

Fact 4: You will always have options
Healthcare needs can change—overnight or over time—so it’s good to know your plan can change, too. If you already have a Medicare plan but it’s not checking all your boxes, or if you just want to see if you’re missing out on any new coverage or benefits, the Annual Election Period allows you to explore your options.

If you decide you, you can use the AEP each year to make changes.

Fact 5: Humana can help
Like you, we want this chapter of your life to be a healthy, happy and fulfilling one. If all the options and information out there start to feel a little overwhelming, don’t worry. We’re here to help you make sense of it all so you can choose your plan with confidence.

Licensed Humana sales agents are just a phone call away, or you can schedule an appointment to sit down with a Humana sales agent in person to explore your options.

You can also contact Medicare directly for more information by calling 1 800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY: 1-877-486-2048) 24 hours a day or visiting the Medicare website, opens new window.

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Find out which Humana plans include your doctors and cover the medications you take now to help you estimate your costs.

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Medicare Part D Senior Savings Model If you’re among the 1 in 3 people with Medicare who has diabetes, there’s some good news: starting in 2021, many participating drug plans will offer a 30-day...

How you can protect yourself from healthcare scams

Protect yourself from telephone and email scams

Healthcare fraud may impact your ability to receive care, and scams contribute to costing taxpayers and the healthcare system billions of dollars every year.1

Never give out any personal, financial or health insurance identification information over the phone or email unless you are certain it’s a trusted source.

Types of information that are particularly important to protect include:
Personal: Social Security number, name, date of birth, address, passwords and answers to account security questions
Financial: credit card and bank account information
Health insurance identification: health insurance identification number and account sign-in information

Humana will never contact you unsolicited for this information. Ask for the caller’s name, organization and call-back number and attempt to return the call before continuing the conversation. Scammers will likely abandon the call when you ask for this information.

Don’t rely on caller ID or the incoming phone number listed to authenticate a caller’s identity. Scammers can use “spoofing,” where a caller causes a fake phone number to appear. This allows scammers to make it look like they’re calling from a legitimate business in an effort to steal your personal, financial or health information.

Telephone scams are often carried out by individuals claiming to be from a trusted source, such as your insurance company or a government agency.

Current telephone scams include:
Attempts to sell you a “reservation” for a future COVID-19 vaccination
Scammers may falsely claim to be from your insurance company, and they might ask for your personal information or credit card number to provide you with a service, for example, face masks or COVID-19 testing
Scammers claiming to be referred by your physician to schedule delivery of an item
Scammers claiming to be government contact tracers seeking personal information about you and your family
Scammers calling to offer you free health services, equipment or medication products

If you are contacted by someone claiming to be associated with your physician or local public health department, hang up and contact said individual or organization yourself to verify.

Email and internet scams are increasingly common and may target your personal or financial information or seek to compromise your devices.

Current email scams include:
Emails claiming to be from a trusted source attempting to sell fake healthcare supplies, testing or treatments
Emails claiming to be from a trusted source asking you to make a charitable donation or take steps to secure your financial well-being

Protect yourself from door-to-door scams
Never open your door to uninvited or unexpected visitors. Neither Humana nor government agencies will visit you in your home without first scheduling an appointment.

Door-to-door scams are particularly concerning, especially during the COVID-19 health crisis.

Current door-to-door scams include:
Claiming to provide free COVID-19 testing or other fraudulent services in order to gain entry to your home or obtain personal information
Leaving unannounced genetic testing materials at your door with a number to call for further instructions. During the call, the scammer claims your physician referred the test and that you should return it for pickup once completed. The scammers then use the test to falsely bill insurance.

Always verify the use of at-home test kits with your physician.

Protect yourself from insurance billing scams:
Review your Humana SmartSummary® and Explanation of Benefits carefully. If anything looks concerning, contact Humana immediately.

Current insurance billing scams include:

Billing for healthcare (medical, dental, pharmacy, etc.) services you never received
Sending medical services or equipment, such as lab tests, knee or back braces, foot baths and pain creams that are unnecessary and were not ordered by your physician
Billing for a different, more expensive service than the one you may have received
Using your healthcare insurance information without your consent to obtain services for an uninsured person
Attempting to enroll you in an insurance plan without your consent

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Dental FAQs
Group of men and women smiling while attending a meeting
What is dental insurance?
Maintaining good oral health and preventing dental problems before they happen is important to staying healthy. Dental insurance helps you manage the cost of dental care so you can maintain your overall good health. Most dental insurance covers preventive care, which includes regular checkups by your dentist, and may also cover care for cavities, implants or getting a tooth knocked out.

How does dental insurance work?
Dental insurance works a lot like health insurance. Each month you pay a premium (a set dollar amount) and when you visit the dentist, you may be responsible to pay a copay, if your plan includes copays. The dentist’s office will bill the insurance company directly for your care. Most preventive care visits, which often cover checkups and cleanings, are covered under your dental insurance plan. Your insurance company will pay the dentist directly for your preventive care visits while you are only responsible for your copay, if your plan includes copays.

If you have a dental procedure that is not considered preventive care, the dentist’s office will send your insurance company a bill and, depending on your plan, your dental provider will bill you for the portion of the procedure your insurance company did not cover. You can find which procedures are covered by reviewing your plan details.

How much does dental insurance cost?
Like health insurance, there are a variety of dental insurance plans that offer a range of coverage options. Depending on your family’s needs and your budget, there are several affordable dental options available for you to choose from Humana. To calculate the cost of dental insurance for you and your family, first identify your specific needs and then choose a plan that meets those needs.

Do you have children that need regular, preventive care?
Will you or your children need orthodontic care?
Does anyone in your family require care for dental issues?
As we age, we tend to need care for crowns and other procedures. Are you or your family members in need of such care?
Have you been to the dentist in the last year?
Do you visit your dentist on a regular basis?
Do you have any medical conditions such as diabetes or hypertension?
Be sure to do the math. Often your annual premium is less than the cost of 2 visits to your dentist per year for regular checkups. You can call your dentist and ask for the price of a visit if you pay yourself, without insurance. It’s likely that dental insurance is cheaper than paying for 2 visits out of your pocket. Plus, you get the added benefits of having dental coverage that will save you money in case unexpected dental issues come up.

Can I buy dental insurance without health insurance?
Yes, you can buy dental insurance without health insurance. When you purchase a health insurance plan, it doesn’t automatically include dental coverage. Dental insurance is separate from health insurance.

Unlike health insurance, you can buy dental insurance anytime of the year and from any insurance provider. You do not have to buy health insurance and dental insurance from the same insurance company. Make sure that the dental insurance plan you choose has the coverage and benefits that you and your family need.

What does full coverage dental insurance cover?
The term “full coverage” can mean different things to different people. For some, “full coverage” means a dental plan that covers basic preventive services, such as routine checkups, cleanings and X-rays. Others expect a full-coverage dental plan to reduce the cost of any dental service they may need, such as crowns and root canals. The good news is that Humana has a range of dental plans, so you can find the coverage that best fits your needs.

What is PPO dental insurance?
Like health insurance, there are different kinds of dental insurance plans. 2 types are health maintenance organization (HMO) plans and preferred provider organization (PPO) plans. Take a look at our helpful table that easily explains the difference between HMO and PPO plans.

Dental insurance from a PPO means that you can choose any dentist, in or out of network, and you don’t need a referral. You also have the flexibility to visit dentists and specialists outside of your network, but at a higher cost.

Dental insurance from an HMO comes at a lower cost, but requires that you only visit dentists and specialists that are in network (part of Humana’s set of participating providers). Dental HMO plans also commonly include copays.

What does dental deductible mean?
Every dental insurance plan is different. Much like in health insurance, a deductible is the amount you pay before your insurance company begins paying. A dental deductible is the amount you will have to pay towards your dental bill before your dental plan will contribute to the cost of your dental treatment. Typically, there is a basic level of preventive services like checkups that are covered whether you have paid your deductible or not.

Does dental insurance cover braces?
Today, kids and adults both need braces. If you or a family member needs orthodontic care, or will need it in the future, it’s smart to look for a dental insurance plan with orthodontic benefits in order to manage those costs. Different dental insurance plans offer different discounts on the cost of braces and other devices, so be sure to read carefully through the benefits offered in each plan.

Orthodontic care may not be covered if you begin treatment before you start a dental insurance plan. Be sure to get dental coverage before you start working with an orthodontist.

Does the Affordable Care Act cover dental?
No. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) doesn’t cover dental insurance. However, under certain conditions you can purchase dental insurance from the Marketplace.

Am I required by law to have dental coverage?
No. The ACA doesn’t require adults to have dental insurance. Having dental coverage is an important part of being fit and staying healthy.

Is dental insurance worth the cost?
Yes, dental insurance is worth it! In many cases, your annual premium is less than the cost of 2 visits to your dentist per year for regular checkups.

Maintaining good oral health is a key part of staying healthy. It’s important that your kids have regular dental care as they grow. Dental insurance helps manage the costs of preventive care and also helps lower costs in the case of unexpected events, like a broken tooth or a cavity.

Understanding whitening strips
Woman looking in mirror and putting whitening strip on her teeth
Although many dentists offer professional teeth whitening services, it's often cheaper to whiten teeth at home, and as a result, do-it-yourself teeth whitening kits continue to gain popularity. In fact, the most widely used home remedy for fixing stained or discolored teeth are whitening strips. You can get these strips without a prescription from a dentist, or from your local pharmacy, and can easily apply them at home to restore your teeth to their original color and shine.

How whitening strips work
Teeth whitening strips contain peroxide or bleach. Thus, they work to whiten your teeth the same way bleach works to whiten your clothes or your hair. The peroxide bleaches color from your teeth in order to restore their natural, white color.1

Most whitening strips are made out of polyethylene, which is a thin, elastic type of plastic. The plastic is coated with peroxide, and certain types of strips contain more than others. You apply the strips to your teeth according to the package directions so that the peroxide comes into contact with your enamel. This allows the peroxide to remove stains and discoloration from the surface of your teeth. Some strips need to be removed after a certain period of time, while others do not.2

Benefits of whitening strips
The primary benefit of using teeth whitening strips, instead of other teeth whitening treatments, is that they are less expensive. Most at-home whitening tools are more affordable than going to the dentist to get your teeth whitened. Strips tend to be inexpensive because they are made out of materials that don't cost very much; plastic and peroxide are both relatively cheap materials to manufacture.3

In addition to the low cost, whitening strips are easy to use. Most kits come with 2 sets of strips. One set is for your upper teeth and the other set is for your lower teeth. The kit also comes with instructions on how long to leave the strips on your teeth. Usually you have to put them on twice a day for an average of 2 weeks.

Finally, whitening strips deliver quick results. Your teeth should begin to look whiter within a few days of using the strips and the results should last at least 4 months.

Should I use whitening strips before or after brushing?
Always brush your teeth before you use whitening strips, otherwise plaque and bacteria will be trapped between the strip and your teeth. This makes it more likely that you will experience tooth decay or other dental problems. In addition, if there’s plaque or bacteria on the teeth, it’s more difficult for whitening strips to do their job and in some cases may make the whitening agents completely ineffective.4

However, you should not brush your teeth immediately before you apply whitening strips as they can sometimes irritate your gums. Instead, wait at least half an hour after brushing your teeth to apply whitening strips.5

If you see spots or excess gel on your teeth after removing the whitening strips, you can brush immediately after removing the strips. Doing so won't harm your teeth. Of course, you should continue brushing twice a day while routinely using whitening strips so that your teeth will remain healthy and won't become discolored again.

Dangers of whitening strips
The majority of whitening strips are safe to use; however, if you use whitening strips that contain chlorine dioxide, you could destroy the enamel on your teeth. Chlorine dioxide is the same acid that is used to disinfect swimming pools. It whitens teeth by eating away at the surface of the enamel. Essentially, you are wearing down the enamel on your teeth and increasing your risk for tooth decay if you use this type of whitening strip.6

Even if your whitening strips don't contain chlorine dioxide, it's important to follow the directions on the package. Don't get impatient and apply more whitening strips or use them for a longer period of time than is recommended. Doing so could be harmful to tooth enamel. Products that dissolve enamel can also harm gum tissue, so if your gums are irritated after using a product for a few days, you may want to discontinue use and see your dentist.

Types of whitening strips
There are 2 types of whitening strips. The most common requires you to put the strip on your teeth for about half an hour and then remove it. You use these strips twice a day for 14 days. There are also strips that automatically dissolve when they come in contact with saliva. These strips don't have to be removed.7

Teeth whitening strips are a safe, effective and inexpensive way to whiten your teeth.

Considering a new dental plan? Let’s find one that works for you.

How to reduce dental plaque

Young couple looking in mirror while brushing teeth together
Dental plaque is one of your mouth’s greatest enemies. When plaque builds up on your teeth, it eats away at the enamel, causing cavities and decay. In addition, bacteria from plaque can cause bad breath and turn your teeth yellow. Brushing and flossing twice a day is the best way to remove plaque and keep your teeth and gums healthy.1

What is dental plaque?
Plaque is a sticky substance made from leftover food particles and saliva that mix in your mouth. If you don't brush properly after meals, it begins to form and build up on your teeth. This is problematic because plaque contains bacteria, which can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, dental plaque that remains on teeth for several days hardens and turns into a substance called tartar, which must be scraped off your teeth.2 Tartar is what makes your teeth look yellow and smell bad, so you may find it difficult to get your mouth clean once tartar builds up on your teeth.

How does plaque form?
Plaque forms as a result of chemical reactions that take place in your mouth. In order to create plaque, your mouth needs bacteria, carbohydrates, food particles and saliva. Carbohydrates are found in most foods—even healthy fare like fruits and vegetables. Foods with a higher sugar content have more carbohydrates in them, so if you eat a lot of candy and cookies you are more likely to form plaque.3

The first step of plaque formation occurs when you break down food into carbohydrates while chewing it. The carbohydrates then combine with the natural bacteria in your mouth to create an acid. This acid by itself is problematic because it can eat away at enamel. But when the acid combines with left-behind particles of food and saliva, another chemical reaction occurs and the substance becomes sticky and somewhat hard. This new substance formed is plaque, and it sticks to your teeth, causing all sorts of problems if not removed.4

How to prevent plaque
You can prevent plaque from forming in 2 ways. First, you need to pay attention to your diet. Since plaque needs carbohydrates to form, the fewer you eat, the better. Avoid candy, cookies and other sweet things as much as possible in order to prevent plaque buildup.

It's not reasonable to avoid all carbohydrates, however. Many healthy foods such as bread, cereal, potatoes and corn still contain carbohydrates. Thus, some plaque is going to form when you eat.

In order to resolve this problem, the best thing you can do is brush and floss twice a day.5 Brushing removes plaque that has built up on your teeth. In addition, it removes loose food particles that contribute to the development of plaque. Brush your teeth going in 2 directions so that you brush off all plaque that forms on them, and make sure you brush both the front and the back of your teeth. If you have a hard time brushing, consider using an electric toothbrush, which can automatically go in 2 directions.

Additionally, you need to floss in order to remove food particles and debris from between your teeth.6 By flossing, you give bacteria less of a chance to form plaque.

About plaque removal
Once plaque gets onto your teeth, you have a limited amount of time to remove it before it hardens. Most plaque hardens within 48 hours of formation, and within several days it will become so hard that it is almost impossible to remove.7 This hard substance is tartar and the only way to remove it is to see your dentist for a professional scraping of your teeth. There are some toothpastes that promise to help with tartar control, but these toothpastes work by removing plaque off your teeth before it hardens and becomes tartar.

Brushing your teeth is important for removing plaque that has already begun building up, as well as for preventing plaque buildup in the first place.8 If plaque has formed on your teeth but has not yet hardened into tartar, brushing can knock it off your teeth altogether.

Dental plaque facts and stats
More than 80% of American adults suffer from periodontal disease caused by plaque formation.9
Plaque buildup can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
Plaque hardens within a few hours of forming on your teeth.
Green tea and red wine help prevent plaque buildup. However, red wine can stain your teeth.
Drinking cranberry juice can reduce plaque formation by up to 50%.10
Olive oil can cover teeth with a fatty film that stops plaque from forming on the teeth.11
People who drink green tea are 20% less likely to lose teeth due to plaque formation.12
Pregnant women are often more susceptible to plaque buildup and tooth decay than the general population.
Although plaque buildup can lead to gum inflammation, some people can suffer from gum disease without displaying any symptoms of it.
Thinking about dental plaque isn't pleasant. But if left untreated, plaque can cause serious problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. Knowing more about plaque should encourage you to brush and floss so that you don't have these dental hygiene problems. Talk to your dentist about additional ways to prevent plaque formation and keep your mouth healthy.

Considering a new dental plan? Let’s find one that works for you.

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It's happened to all of us at one time or another. You've just finished lunch and remember you have a meeting that afternoon or perhaps a date with a friend after work. You want to look and feel your best, but you don’t have a toothbrush.

What can you do?

How to clean your teeth without brushing
You know that healthy teeth and gums require regular brushing and flossing. But in a pinch, here are a few things you can try:

Eat crunchy vegetables
Gnaw on some fresh celery, carrots, broccoli or cucumbers. These foods can help scrape plaque from your teeth, removing some of the odor-causing bacteria.1 Plus, fresh veggies are good foods for teeth.

Nibble some cheese
Cheese is a saliva maker. The calcium in cheese, and the calcium and phosphates in milk and other dairy products, help put back minerals your teeth might have lost due to other foods. They also help rebuild tooth enamel.2

Use mouthwash
If you happen to have some mouthwash handy, you can use it to help freshen your mouth. Just don't use it any longer than recommended because the chemicals may dry out your mouth, which can cause bad breath.3

Chew sugarless gum
Sugarless chewing gum can help in 2 ways: it can loosen food particles stuck between your teeth; and it helps produce more saliva, which is what your mouth uses to naturally wash away bacteria.4

Avoid sugar
You already know that sugar of any kind, whether in candy, soda or desserts, is not good for your teeth. Sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth and can also create bad breath. If you want to keep your breath fresh, don't eat or drink anything sugary.5

Considering a new dental plan? Let’s find one that works for you.

Common dental myths
Always brush your teeth immediately after eating
No, wait at least 30 minutes. Saliva is your mouth's natural way to offset the acids in the foods you eat. So wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth to give your saliva a chance to do its job. This is especially important if you're eating or drinking anything acidic, such as oranges or lemonade.1

You can use mouthwash instead of brushing
No. Mouthwash and mouth rinses can help freshen breath, and some even have fluoride to help prevent tooth decay. However, nothing does a better job of removing the sticky plaque that builds up on your teeth than a good brushing.2

If your teeth look and feel fine, you don't need to see a dentist
Not so. Dentists and dental hygienists are trained to look for problems before they occur, so regular checkups are the best way to avoid future problems.

Do you use alcohol or to***co? Eat an unhealthy diet? Then you are more vulnerable to dental problems in general.

Get routine checkups every 6 months as recommended and you can avoid the discomfort and expense of dental problems.3

You can skip flossing if you use an electric toothbrush
Not the case. An electric toothbrush is meant to clean tooth surfaces. While some electric toothbrush makers claim the brushes can reach between teeth, nothing is as effective as plain old dental floss.

Only flossing removes plaque between teeth and below the gum line. It's simple—for healthy teeth you have to brush, and for healthy gums, you have to floss.4

Fruit juice and diet drinks are OK to drink
Not really. Unfortunately, fruit juices are bad for teeth. They contain natural acids and sugars that can break down enamel and cause cavities and gum disease. Diet drinks also contain acids that wear down tooth enamel.5

Your best bet is always water. If you do choose to drink something else, be sure to have a drink of water afterward to help rinse away any acids and sugars.

You should rinse out your mouth with water after brushing your teeth
No. While it's perfectly fine to spit out any excess foam and toothpaste, you should not rinse out your mouth after brushing. If you do, you'll wash away a valuable layer of fluoride that protects your teeth.6

Considering a new dental plan? Let’s find one that works for you.