Generally, no, you should not choose the same Medicare plan as your spouse. This is because you and your spouse likely have different healthcare needs and different anticipated expenses. Choosing the Medicare plan that gets you the best coverage for your money is always the right choice, and the right plan for your needs is likely to differ from the right plan for your spouse.
Medicare Advantage
When we talk about choosing a Medicare plan, that usually means we’re referring to a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan. Those are the policies that give you Part A and Part B coverage through a private health insurance company. People often choose Medicare Advantage plans to gain additional benefits such as dental or vision care and to look for regional savings.
All Medicare plans are tied to the individual, so the only person you should consider when choosing a plan is yourself. Your benefits are for you alone, and your costs will be determined by your medical history and healthcare needs.
Spouses can serve as a resource for each other to help find the best plan suited to each partner’s situation. Your goal is to find the most coverage for your money, and you may need to do some shopping and careful comparisons to choose the right Medicare plan.
Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D plans operate in the same way. You likely do not take the same prescriptions as your spouse, so you will have different coverage needs when it comes to finding a prescription drug plan. Always search for a prescription drug plan that will cover the prescriptions you are currently taking.
Medicare Supplements
Choosing a Medicare Supplement, or Medigap plan, can be slightly different. Medicare Supplement plans are standardized such that each plan of the same letter, across health insurance providers, will offer the same coverage. While you may have different anticipated healthcare expenses compared to your partner, you might be able to choose the same Medicare Supplement policy and experience equal benefits. One major bonus with Medicare Supplement plans is that if you purchase one during your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period, you will not be charged extra because of your medical history. That means that even if you and your spouse have vastly different medical needs, you may be able to purchase the same policy at an equal rate.
If you want to learn more about saving on a Medicare plan or about how to find the best plan for your situation, reach out to our trusted Medicare Sharks today!
