When choosing a health insurance plan, you should consider all your options. You’ll want to check if you qualify for government-run programs like Medicare and Medicaid based on age, income, and disability status. Even if you qualify for one of these programs, you could still choose a private insurance plan from the insurance marketplace.
It’s important to note that Aflac does not offer primary health insurance. However, we offer supplemental insurance that works alongside your existing plan to help offset gaps in coverage.
We have various targeted plans that can help provide financial relief in distinct categories. For example, our hospital insurance helps pay for the costs associated with a trip to the emergency room. In contrast, our critical illness insurance helps cover whatever you need after a covered life-changing illness, like a heart attack or stroke.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Help cover yourself and your family with affordable coverage from Aflac.
It’s not uncommon to wonder what the difference is between Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare is a federal government-run program that provides health insurance to those who have a disability or are over 65 years old. There are no income requirements for Medicare.1
On the other hand, Medicaid is a government and state-run program that helps provide insurance to those with low income.2 The income requirements vary from state to state, so we recommend researching the state you live in and Medicaid guidelines.
In some cases, you may qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. You are able to use both at the same time. When both Medicare and Medicaid work together, you’re more likely to receive better coverage and have fewer out-of-pocket costs.3
Even if you qualify for Medicare, you may want to assess all your health insurance options. For example, if you are over 65 but haven’t retired, you may still get private insurance options from your employer. Your employer-provided plan may offer better coverage than Medicare.
If you aren’t getting insurance through your employer, you can still shop for private insurance through the insurance marketplace. When shopping for a plan, you’ll want to consider how much the monthly payments are (premiums), what out-of-pocket costs will look like after insurance is used, and what all is covered. Looking at each insurance plan carefully is helpful during this part of the process.4
When choosing between Medicare and a private health insurance plan, it depends on what your priorities are. You’ll want to compare the costs and benefits of the private insurance plans you are considering and Medicare. For your reference, Medicare monthly premiums can cost up to $170.5 On the other hand, the average cost of private health insurance for individuals is $456 per month.6
You’ll also want to consider the network of doctors you can choose from in a private health insurance plan vs. Medicare. With Medicare, you can go to any doctor who accepts the National program—and many doctors do.7 You may have more options within a private health insurance plan, but it depends on which one you are considering and how it functions. The specific coverage offered varies from plan to plan, so we recommend looking at each insurance option with a close eye.
Price is usually the main determinant when comparing Medicaid and private health insurance. Since Medicaid is offered to those with low income, the cost of private health insurance can sometimes be more expensive.
Medicaid exists to help provide insurance to those who cannot afford it, and it fulfills a necessary role in the healthcare system. In fact, around 70 million Americans used Medicaid coverage in 2020.8 On the other hand, you may receive better coverage options through a private health insurance company.9 Which insurance option you choose ultimately depends on the coverage and cost of the private health insurance plan you are considering.
Now that you understand the difference between Medicare and Medicaid and your options regarding private health insurance, you may have a better idea of what your next steps look like. Regardless of your chosen plan, medical expenses may not be covered by insurance. Aflac Supplemental Insurance works with your existing plan to help offset those costs.
We provide supplemental cancer, hospital, critical illness, vision, accident, short-term disability, dental insurance, and pet. Chat with an agent to discover how our plans can easily fit your budget. Still not sure which of our supplemental plans can support you best?
1-3 Medicare Interactive - Differences between Medicare and Medicaid. Updated https://www.medicareinteractive.org/get-answers/medicare-basics/medicare-coverage-overview/differences-between-medicare-and-medicaid. Accessed Aug 4, 2022.
6 EHealth -How Much Does Individual Health Insurance Cost. Updated Jan 21, 2022. https://www.ehealthinsurance.com/resources/individual-and-family/how-much-does-individual-health-insurance-cost. Accessed Aug 4, 2022.
4-5,7 Health Markets - Medicare vs. Private Health Insurance. Updated Feb 22, 2022. https://www.healthmarkets.com/resources/medicare/medicare-vs-private-health-insurance/. Accessed Aug 4, 2022.
8-9 Help Advisor - Medicaid vs. Private Insurance. Updated Dec 31, 2020. https://www.helpadvisor.com/medicaid/medicaid-vs-private-insurance. Accessed Aug 4, 2022.
Cancer - In Idaho, Policies B70100ID, B70200ID, B70300ID, B7010EPID, B7020EPID. In Oklahoma, Policies B70100OK, B70200OK, B70300OK, B7010EPOK, B7020EPOK. Coverage may not be available in all states including but not limited to: NY & VA.
Hospital - In Idaho, Policies B40100ID & B4010HID. In Oklahoma, Policies B40100OK & B4010HOK.
Critical Illness - In Oklahoma, Policies B71100OK & B7110HOK. Coverage may not be available in all states including but not limited to: ID, NJ, NY & VA. Accident - In Idaho, Policies A35100ID-A35200ID, & A35B24ID. In Oklahoma, Policies A35100OK-A35200OK, & A35B24OK. In Virginia, Policies A35100VA-A35400VA, A35B24VA, & A35BOFVA.
Short-Term Disability - In Idaho, Policy A57600IDR. In Oklahoma, Policies A57600OK, A57600LBOK. In Virginia, Policies A57600VA, A57600LBVA
Dental In Idaho, Policies A81100RID through A81400RID. In Oklahoma, Policies A81100OK through A81400OK. In Virginia, Policies A81100VA through A81300VA.
Pet - Trupanion policies are sold and administered by Trupanion Managers USA, Inc. (“TMUI”) (licenses available here), and are underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company (“APIC”), with its main office at 6100 4th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98102. Aflac Benefits Advisors, Inc. (d/b/a Aflac Insurance Solutions), a subsidiary of Aflac Incorporated and a licensed insurance producer (NPN 16512385) (California License #0H86831), has limited authority to advertise Trupanion policies, does not intend to sell, solicit, or negotiate policies on behalf of APIC, does not have authority to bind coverage on behalf of APIC, and may receive compensation from TMUI for insurance policies sold by TMUI further to a referral from Aflac Benefits Advisors, Inc. Aflac Benefits Advisors, Inc. does not have authority to sell, solicit, or negotiate insurance policies in Puerto Rico. TMUI, APIC, and their affiliates are separate, independent of, and distinct from Aflac Benefits Advisors, Inc. Terms and conditions including limitations and exclusions apply. Availability and qualification for coverage, terms, rates and discounts may vary by jurisdiction. See the full policy for details. Information you provide to TMUI is subject to Trupanion’s privacy policy and website terms of use, and may be shared with Aflac Benefits Advisors, Inc.
The information contained in this article serves as a general overview of benefits and should only be used for informational purposes. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.
Aflac supplemental coverage is underwritten by Aflac. In New York, coverage is underwritten by Aflac New York.
Aflac | WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, Ga 31999
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EXP 11/23