Why It Pays to Review Your Medicare Coverage

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(Feature Impact) Medicare open enrollment is a chance to take a fresh look at your coverage. Each year brings changes to plans, so it is worth checking whether a different option may better suit your needs.

If you have Medicare, reviewing your coverage choices each fall 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, prescriptions 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 in the coming year.
• Check your options. Compare plans side by side based on the medications you take. Look for a plan that fits both your health needs and your budget, and confirm your drugs are covered.

This is the one time you can make changes to your health and prescription drug plans and choose coverage that better fits you. Open enrollment gives you the opportunity to compare options, control your spending and review your benefits.

Medicare plans change every year, and so does your health. What worked in the past may not be the best choice now. Reviewing your options can help you find a plan that matches your current lifestyle and health needs, while potentially saving you hundreds of dollars in out-of-pocket costs.

For example, one Medicare user compared drug plans to find the best coverage and price for prescriptions that included a blood thinner and a common cholesterol medication. Using medicare.gov, they found annual costs 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 medicines covered.

Medicare.gov Is the Official Source

For open enrollment help, Medicare.gov is the official source. It is the trusted place to explore and compare every Medicare health and drug plan available in your area. If you prefer to speak with someone, call 1-800-MEDICARE to reach experts who are available around the clock to help you review your choices and answer questions about your coverage.

To begin, visit Medicare.gov and select “Find Plans Now.” For the easiest comparison, 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 your prescriptions and your doctors.

Do Not Wait — Open Enrollment Ends Dec. 7

If you miss the deadline, you may have to wait a full year before making changes to your coverage. That is why it is important to start early. Give yourself enough time to review and compare your choices, including costs, benefits and prescription drug coverage.

Open enrollment is a good time to plan ahead and focus on your health. Having a plan that supports your wellness is essential, so do not delay. Start reviewing your Medicare options today at Medicare.gov.

Stay Alert for Medicare Fraud

Be especially cautious about Medicare fraud during open enrollment. Scammers often take advantage of this period and may pose as Medicare or insurance representatives to steal personal information.

Keep in mind that Medicare will not contact you out of the blue. If someone you do not know calls, texts or emails you about Medicare, hang up or delete the message. Staying alert can help stop fraud before it starts.

If you suspect Medicare fraud, report it right away at Medicare.gov/fraud or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. As always, never share your Medicare number, Social Security number or financial information with anyone you do not know.

Information provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.