5 Top Tips for Getting Organized for Medicare Open Enrollment

Medicare Open Enrollment

Medicare Open EnrollmentMedicare Open Enrollment is here again! If you are new to Medicare or are the caregiver of an aging loved one who is enrolled in Medicare, be aware that this is the time period when Medicare allows you to make changes to your current coverage. It runs from October 15th through December 7th each year. For many new recipients and for caregivers, this process may seem overwhelming. The increased volume of promotional mail you receive from multiple insurance providers may make you want to ignore the whole issue. But it really is important to take this time to examine what is working with your Medicare benefit and what opportunities there might be for improving your coverage.

Your friends at Fall River Jewish Home offer you these 5 tips for getting organized:

1. Review what expenses you or your aging loved one have had this year. Where there any surprises? Maybe a new medication that isn't covered or a new physician that doesn't accept your current plan? Those are all factors to consider.

2. If you are enrolled with a Medicare Advantage plan are those providers you want to use still contracted? Providers come and go in different insurance plans. Call your provider directly to make sure they will still be participating in your chosen plan. Don't forget to look at your pharmacies, therapy services and outpatient clinics when you do your review. Location and ease-of-service matters a lot when you don't feel well or are recovering from a surgery and relying on others for transportation.

3. Read the information you receive from alternate providers as it arrives. It will be easier to keep up with and digest if you don't have a huge pile of literature to review. You might also want to create a short summary of what each one offers that is of interest to you.

4. Should you need help finding your way through the open enrollment period, every state offers free assistance. The key is to schedule an appointment early and beat the rush. To find out who to contact in your area use this convenient link and enter your state in the drop down menu.

5. Finally, if you or the aging loved one you are a caregiver for have limited resources you might be eligible for help. The Medicare Savings Plan (MSP) and Medicare Extra Help are two great programs to explore.

Have you been through Medicare Open Enrollment on behalf of a loved one? What advice can you offer other caregivers?

We're here to answer questions and help you make the best decision for care for you or your loved one. We invite you to reach out and talk with one of our care specialists at Fall River Jewish Home today! CALL 1.508.679.6172, where assistance is just a phone call away.

 

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