Evergreen Insurance- When choosing a health insurance plan, you need to wait for 10 years

The “2024 Silver Hair Healthy Living Expo” took place on Saturday, October 26th, at the Los Angeles Chinese Community Service Center, organized by the World Journal of Los Angeles. Leading the discussion, Qiu Wenling, the head of Green Village Insurance, provided a comprehensive overview of significant changes to medical insurance in 2025, aimed at guiding seniors and their families in effectively navigating insurance plans.

Qiu began by explaining the fundamental structure of Medicare, which comprises four primary parts: A, B, C, and D. Part A covers inpatient services, skilled nursing facilities, and hospice care, while Part B addresses outpatient services, lab tests, and ambulance rides.

She cautioned attendees to be wary of hospice care plans, noting that some organizations might exploit patients who sign up for these services in order to generate additional income, potentially limiting access to emergency care. Additionally, Qiu reminded participants that Parts A and B of Medicare are not entirely free; there are deductibles for hospital stays, and Part B only covers 80% of outpatient costs. Without Medicaid assistance, individuals are liable for the remaining balance.

Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, was another key topic. Qiu discussed various network options such as HMO and PPO plans. She explained that HMO plans restrict participants to a specific network and require referrals from a primary care physician for specialist care, while PPOs offer more flexibility at a higher premium. She observed that an increasing number of seniors are opting for Medicare Advantage plans but urged careful selection to avoid limitations on future medical services.

Furthermore, Qiu emphasized the importance of considering long-term needs when choosing insurance, rather than focusing solely on current offers. She recommended thoroughly evaluating plan details and health requirements, encouraging attendees to prioritize their health needs rather than viewing them as secondary concerns. Additionally, she advised thinking about future health conditions when making insurance choices. Qiu reiterated that coming policy changes may arise from the upcoming government elections, and historically, many insurance companies adjust premiums in response to rising costs. Thus, securing health insurance remains crucial.