Yes, you can purchase private health insurance at the age of 80.
Most private health insurance policies provide coverage for health services such as doctor's visits, hospital stays, laboratory tests, imaging services, psychotherapy, and prescription drugs. Premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums vary depending on the plan.
Some basic points to consider when shopping for health insurance at the age of 80 are:
• Look for policies that fit your budget and provide adequate coverage.
• Consider the type of care you anticipate needing in the coming years and look for private health insurance policies that provide the type of coverage you need.
• Consider if a Health Savings Account (HSA) is right for you. This will allow you to set aside pre-tax money to use in case of medical expenses.
• Remember that some policies only cover catastrophic medical events, such as accidents or illnesses requiring long-term care, while others provide full coverage of routine health services.
A few companies that provide private health insurance coverage to the elderly are:
• Aetna
• Humana
• UnitedHealthcare
• Cigna
• Guardian
Before making any decision, it's important to do your research and shop around for the best policy. Talk to your doctor about what type of coverage would be best for you, and make sure to ask questions about any age restrictions or other conditions that might apply.
You can also contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free, personalized health insurance counseling. They can assist you in finding the health plan that provides the best coverage for your needs and budget.
For additional helpful information about health insurance for seniors, you can visit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website.