(Feature Impact) Medicare Open Enrollment gives you a chance to review your health coverage and see whether a different plan might suit you better. Because plans can change from year to year, it’s smart to check your options now.
If you have Medicare, setting aside time each fall to look over your coverage is one of the most important health decisions you can make.
Give Your Medicare Plan a Check-up
- Check your coverage. Make sure your preferred doctors, medications and pharmacies are included.
- Check your costs. Review premiums, deductibles, copays and other out-of-pocket expenses.
- Check for changes. Find out what will be different in your plan next year.
- Check your options. Compare plans side by side based on the prescriptions you use. Choose the plan that fits your health needs and budget, and make sure your drugs are covered.
This is the one period when you can make changes to your health and prescription drug plans and choose a plan that better fits your needs. Open Enrollment is your opportunity to compare options and manage your coverage and spending.
Medicare plans change each year, and so do your health needs. What worked well for you before may not be the best choice now. Reviewing your options can help you find a plan that matches your current lifestyle and health situation, while possibly saving you hundreds of dollars in out-of-pocket costs.
For example, one Medicare beneficiary compared drug plans to find the best coverage and price for prescriptions including a blood thinner and a common cholesterol medicine. Using medicare.gov, they found that the annual cost for a Medicare drug plan and those prescriptions ranged from $1,356 to $2,965. By selecting the lowest-cost option, they saved more than $1,600 while keeping their essential medications covered.
Medicare.gov Is the Official Source
For Open Enrollment information, Medicare.gov is the official source. It is a trusted place to explore and compare every available Medicare health and drug plan in your area. If you would rather speak with someone, call 1-800-MEDICARE to reach experts who are available around the clock to help review your options and answer questions about your coverage.
To begin, visit Medicare.gov and select "Find Plans Now." For the easiest shopping experience, log in or create a Medicare account. You can compare plan costs side by side based on the medications you take. Be sure the plan you choose covers both your prescription drugs and your doctors.
Don't Wait - Open Enrollment Ends Dec. 7
If you miss the deadline, you may have to wait another year before making changes to your coverage. That is why it is important to start early and leave enough time to review and compare your choices. Be sure to look at costs, benefits and prescription drug coverage.
Open Enrollment is a good time to plan ahead and focus on your health. Having a health plan that supports your wellness goals is important, so don’t delay. Start reviewing your Medicare plan options at Medicare.gov.
Information provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
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