Medicare for Full-Time RV Travelers

Accessing Healthcare on the Road

Do you plan on visiting any remote areas far away from your usual hometown, and possibly far away from the nearest major city.

While these areas can be incredibly beautiful, it means you may be far away from managed healthcare networks.

Why Medicare Advantage May Not Be Suitable For Full-Time RVers

Limited provider networks aren’t a concern for Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Nor is it a problem if you have Medigap. You can use your Medigap benefits with any doctor, clinic, or hospital nationwide that takes Medicare patients.

But for Medicare Advantage, traveling outside your home town or state can be a problem. You may have a hard time finding a provider that takes your Medicare Advantage plan.

That’s because Medicare Advantage plans are structured as managed care networks. That is, they contract with specific providers who agree to provide steep discounts in return for a steady flow of patients enrolled in the plan.

The discounts are nice. And Medicare Advantage plans usually have very low monthly premiums: many are available at a zero premium.

But the narrow Medicare Advantage managed care networks sometimes aren’t so nice: some Medicare Advantage  plans have a regional focus, with few or no doctors out of state, much less in different regions of the country.

For a full-time RVer who is out-of-state much of the time, or all year round, this can be a significant problem.

Beware the MOOP – High Maximum Out-of-Pocket Expenses in Medicare Advantage Plans

Furthermore, even though Medicare Advantage plans have attractively low premiums while you’re healthy, you may be singing a different tune if you ever need care. Medicare Advantage plans often have prohibitively high Maximum Out-of-Pocket (MOOP) costs. You may have to pay thousands of dollars in deductibles, copays, and co-insurance if you need care while on Medicare Advantage.

Medicare Advantage plans may seem like an affordable option at first, but they are best for people with limited resources who don’t travel much.

And if you need care at the same time you need an RV repair, the combined repair costs and MOOP cost from a Medicare Advantage plan could put you in a serious cash crunch.

Full-time RVers need something with more power. If you’re on the road for much of the year, there are better choices:

Medigap Plan G

Medigap Plan G is a popular option that allows you to use your benefits nationwide.

Plan G also limits out-of-pocket costs for Medicare Part A and B-approved medical services to your annual Part B deductible. That changes every year, but as of 2024, your maximum out of pocket cost for Medicare Part A and B-covered services (and excluding prescription drugs, which are covered under Medicare Part D) are just $240 per year.

That’s the most you’ll have to pay out of pocket for hospitalizations, physicians/ charges, labs, images, and other basic services under Medigap Plan G.

But Medigap Plan G can have some hefty premiums as well – especially in high cost-of-living states.

That’s why thousands of people lately have been dropping Medigap entirely, in favor of a lesser-known but powerful non-insurance alternative to Medigap: the Medi-Share 65+ plan.

Medi-Share 65+

Medi-Share 65+ is an innovative health sharing alternative to traditional insurance. It is health sharing, not health insurance.

Instead of going through a for-profit insurance corporation to access Medicare benefits and help pay for Medicare deductibles and coinsurance costs, Medi-Share 65+ members join a non-profit, Christian association of like-minded individuals who share similar values. They also agree to live a healthy, responsible lifestyle and eschew alcohol abuse and illegal drugs.

Because the risk pool is much better than in Medigap plans, Medi-Share 65+ provides powerful cost sharing benefits even for catastrophic care needs – at a much lower cost compared to traditional Medigap Plan G or Plan N.

There are several great reasons why Medi-Share 65+ is an excellent fit for the dynamic lifestyle of RVers:

1. Flexibility and Choice. You can choose any doctor, clinic, or hospital anywhere in the country. This flexibility allows you to access affordable health care––wherever and whenever you need it most!
2. 24/7/365 Telehealth Access. As long as you have phone or internet service, you can connect with doctors online at any time from anywhere. This service is included in your membership, and there are no additional copays or coinsurance costs! Telehealth doctors can diagnose minor ailments, help provide treatment plans, and update prescriptions no matter where you are.
3. Excellent Protection. All expenses not covered under Medicare Parts A or B are 100% sharable once you cover your minimum household contribution! *There are a few exceptions. Contact a PBM for more details.
4. Great Discounts. A Select Savings Card is included with your membership that provides discounts on a variety of medical services and supplies not covered by Medicare, such as diabetes care supplies, hearing aids, and even lasik surgery!
5. Community Support. Being a member of a health sharing plan is a great way to feel like part of a supportive community while you roam.

Medicare Advantage  vs. Medi-Share 65+ vs. Medigap Plan G 

• Medicare Advantage plans often have lower premiums but can have higher maximum out-of-pocket costs. This is especially important to consider if you require care out-of-network when you are on the road. 
• Medi-Share 65+ provides great flexibility and allows you to access any provider you choose in any location. However, there are some restrictions on what is eligible to be shared.
• Medigap Plan G also allows you to choose any doctor or provider with a cap on out-of-pocket expenses. With some plans, the monthly premiums can be more costly.

Medicare Coverage Options At A Glance

Feature	Medicare Advantage	Medi-Share 65+	Medigap Plan G
Premiums	Low - often zero monthly premiums.	Minimum sharing requirement of $99/month for ages 65 through 74. $150 per month for ages 75 and up.	Relatively high monthly premiums.
Maximum Out-of-Pocket Costs	As high as $8,850 in 2024, but plans can set lower limits. Out-of-Network care may result in higher MOOP costs.	$500 per household for Medicare Part A and Part B-covered services	Capped at Medicare Part B deductible amount ($240 for 2024).
Provider Flexibility	Medicare Advantage Plans rely on limited care provider networks. Some plans have very narrow or regional networks.	High, any provider in any location	High, choose any doctor or provider who takes Medicare patients.
Coverage Restrictions	Yes, especially for out-of-network care	Few restrictions on sharing. However, this plan does not share costs related to alcohol or drug abuse, suicide or suicide attempts, most mental health care, or costs related to drunk driving - even if only as a passenger. a 6-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions applies.	Fewer restrictions mainly standardized benefits
Ideal for:	Those who prefer lower upfront costs and stay within network	Those seeking flexibility and willing to adhere to sharing guidelines. Works best for those in good health, and who want to save money compared to Medigap Plan G and Plan N.	Those wanting predictability in costs and lots of provider choice. Higher monthly costs compared to Medi-Share 65+. But no pre-existing condition waiting periods.

When Travel Takes You Outside the U.S.

If you plan to drive to other countries, such as Mexico and Canada, you should add international travel insurance.

Foreign travel insurance covers accidents, medical emergencies, and even medical evacuation if you should ever need it. These plans are designed specifically for the needs of travelers to foreign countries.

Medi-Share 65+ provides benefits in other countries, as do some Medigap plans – specifically Medicare Supplement plans C, D, F, G, and M.

But most Medicare Advantage plans don’t include foreign travel benefits at all, or only emergency coverage.

International travel insurance plans provide:

• Peace of Mind –  Focus on your fun travel experiences knowing you’re fully covered in case of an emergency.
• Supplemental Protection – A great addition to your existing Medicare plan to make sure you are covered everywhere you go.
• Flexibility – Whether it’s a short trip abroad or an extended stay in another country, you can choose an option for any length of time.
• Easily Accessible – To simplify the billing process when you’re in a foreign country, some plans will bill hospitals and clinics in Canada and Mexico directly so you don’t have to worry about it.
• Customer Assistance – You can contact customer support 24/7/365 to assist with medical emergencies, as well as for other helpful travel advice when you are in a new location.

Don’t let borders limit your freedom!

Wander anywhere the road takes you with confidence, knowing you have protection wherever you go.

Accessing Healthcare on the Road

Do you plan on visiting any remote areas far away from your usual hometown, and possibly far away from the nearest major city.

While these areas can be incredibly beautiful, it means you may be far away from managed healthcare networks.

Why Medicare Advantage May Not Be Suitable For Full-Time RVers

Limited provider networks aren’t a concern for Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Nor is it a problem if you have Medigap. You can use your Medigap benefits with any doctor, clinic, or hospital nationwide that takes Medicare patients.

But for Medicare Advantage, traveling outside your home town or state can be a problem. You may have a hard time finding a provider that takes your Medicare Advantage plan.

That’s because Medicare Advantage plans are structured as managed care networks. That is, they contract with specific providers who agree to provide steep discounts in return for a steady flow of patients enrolled in the plan.

The discounts are nice. And Medicare Advantage plans usually have very low monthly premiums: many are available at a zero premium.

But the narrow Medicare Advantage managed care networks sometimes aren’t so nice: some Medicare Advantage  plans have a regional focus, with few or no doctors out of state, much less in different regions of the country.

For a full-time RVer who is out-of-state much of the time, or all year round, this can be a significant problem.

Beware the MOOP – High Maximum Out-of-Pocket Expenses in Medicare Advantage Plans

Furthermore, even though Medicare Advantage plans have attractively low premiums while you’re healthy, you may be singing a different tune if you ever need care. Medicare Advantage plans often have prohibitively high Maximum Out-of-Pocket (MOOP) costs. You may have to pay thousands of dollars in deductibles, copays, and co-insurance if you need care while on Medicare Advantage.

Medicare Advantage plans may seem like an affordable option at first, but they are best for people with limited resources who don’t travel much.

And if you need care at the same time you need an RV repair, the combined repair costs and MOOP cost from a Medicare Advantage plan could put you in a serious cash crunch.

Full-time RVers need something with more power. If you’re on the road for much of the year, there are better choices:

Medigap Plan G

Medigap Plan G is a popular option that allows you to use your benefits nationwide.

Plan G also limits out-of-pocket costs for Medicare Part A and B-approved medical services to your annual Part B deductible. That changes every year, but as of 2024, your maximum out of pocket cost for Medicare Part A and B-covered services (and excluding prescription drugs, which are covered under Medicare Part D) are just $240 per year.

That’s the most you’ll have to pay out of pocket for hospitalizations, physicians/ charges, labs, images, and other basic services under Medigap Plan G.

But Medigap Plan G can have some hefty premiums as well – especially in high cost-of-living states.

That’s why thousands of people lately have been dropping Medigap entirely, in favor of a lesser-known but powerful non-insurance alternative to Medigap: the Medi-Share 65+ plan.

Medi-Share 65+

Medi-Share 65+ is an innovative health sharing alternative to traditional insurance. It is health sharing, not health insurance.

Instead of going through a for-profit insurance corporation to access Medicare benefits and help pay for Medicare deductibles and coinsurance costs, Medi-Share 65+ members join a non-profit, Christian association of like-minded individuals who share similar values. They also agree to live a healthy, responsible lifestyle and eschew alcohol abuse and illegal drugs.

Because the risk pool is much better than in Medigap plans, Medi-Share 65+ provides powerful cost sharing benefits even for catastrophic care needs – at a much lower cost compared to traditional Medigap Plan G or Plan N.

There are several great reasons why Medi-Share 65+ is an excellent fit for the dynamic lifestyle of RVers:

1. Flexibility and Choice. You can choose any doctor, clinic, or hospital anywhere in the country. This flexibility allows you to access affordable health care––wherever and whenever you need it most!
2. 24/7/365 Telehealth Access. As long as you have phone or internet service, you can connect with doctors online at any time from anywhere. This service is included in your membership, and there are no additional copays or coinsurance costs! Telehealth doctors can diagnose minor ailments, help provide treatment plans, and update prescriptions no matter where you are.
3. Excellent Protection. All expenses not covered under Medicare Parts A or B are 100% sharable once you cover your minimum household contribution! *There are a few exceptions. Contact a PBM for more details.
4. Great Discounts. A Select Savings Card is included with your membership that provides discounts on a variety of medical services and supplies not covered by Medicare, such as diabetes care supplies, hearing aids, and even lasik surgery!
5. Community Support. Being a member of a health sharing plan is a great way to feel like part of a supportive community while you roam.

Medicare Advantage  vs. Medi-Share 65+ vs. Medigap Plan G 

• Medicare Advantage plans often have lower premiums but can have higher maximum out-of-pocket costs. This is especially important to consider if you require care out-of-network when you are on the road. 
• Medi-Share 65+ provides great flexibility and allows you to access any provider you choose in any location. However, there are some restrictions on what is eligible to be shared.
• Medigap Plan G also allows you to choose any doctor or provider with a cap on out-of-pocket expenses. With some plans, the monthly premiums can be more costly.

Medicare Coverage Options At A Glance

When Travel Takes You Outside the U.S.

If you plan to drive to other countries, such as Mexico and Canada, you should add international travel insurance.

Foreign travel insurance covers accidents, medical emergencies, and even medical evacuation if you should ever need it. These plans are designed specifically for the needs of travelers to foreign countries.

Medi-Share 65+ provides benefits in other countries, as do some Medigap plans – specifically Medicare Supplement plans C, D, F, G, and M.

But most Medicare Advantage plans don’t include foreign travel benefits at all, or only emergency coverage.

International travel insurance plans provide:

• Peace of Mind –  Focus on your fun travel experiences knowing you’re fully covered in case of an emergency.
• Supplemental Protection – A great addition to your existing Medicare plan to make sure you are covered everywhere you go.
• Flexibility – Whether it’s a short trip abroad or an extended stay in another country, you can choose an option for any length of time.
• Easily Accessible – To simplify the billing process when you’re in a foreign country, some plans will bill hospitals and clinics in Canada and Mexico directly so you don’t have to worry about it.
• Customer Assistance – You can contact customer support 24/7/365 to assist with medical emergencies, as well as for other helpful travel advice when you are in a new location.

Don’t let borders limit your freedom!

Wander anywhere the road takes you with confidence, knowing you have protection wherever you go.