- November 23, 2024
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by: Richie Santomassino
Flagler County Volunteer, ElderSource’s SHINE program
Time is running out for those who still wish to review and make changes to their Medicare health coverage. This year’s Open Enrollment Period for Medicare beneficiaries ends Dec. 7. That’s how much time is left for comparison, evaluation and changing plans.
Those interested in making changes should begin by getting out their insurance cards. This includes your Medicare card, Supplemental Insurance card, Medicare Advantage Plan insurance card, and perhaps your Medicaid card. Next get out your drug plan card, if you have one, and a list of your current medications. Finally dig out your Medicare Summary Notices or Explanation of Benefits that have arrived in the past several months.
With this information in hand you can better understand what went well during the year, where you had difficulties, and if you wish you had made a different plan selection decision last fall.
You will also want to confirm that your current favorite primary provider and specialist will be accepting the same plans in 2021. Is your pharmacy still the preferred one for your plan? Are your drugs all covered by your plan? This may require changing plans or providers.
Further, you should determine if your financial situation has changed. Are your current plans still within your budget? Do you need to reduce your costs? Do you qualify for, and need to apply for, premium assistance with Medicare Part B or Part D?
These are just some of the questions that comprise a thorough Medicare coverage check-up. Now is the time to start!
Confused? Overwhelmed? Unsure? There is help available as close as your computer or telephone. Medicare.gov is a user-friendly website with a convenient Plan Finder Tool that can guide you through the options available.
You can also call the ElderSource Program, SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Elders). This program offers free, independent and unbiased counseling with the goal of helping people find the best information possible to make important healthcare decisions.
I am a SHINE volunteer and we are not insurance brokers, but rather specifically trained guides to help enrollees understand the possible changes they can make to their Medicare plans. This year, older adults may need additional guidance on coverage options because of the impacts of the COVID-19.
Call an ElderSource SHINE volunteer today so you can start that check-up now and ensure smooth running health insurance in 2021.
