Medicare Open Enrollment is here. From October 15 through December 7, you can review your Medicare plan and make changes for next year. Any changes you make during Medicare Open Enrollment will take effect January 1.
Even if you're happy with your current Medicare Advantage plan, taking time to review your plan
Not sure where to start? Here are five important things to think about when reviewing your Medicare Advantage plan and what it covers.
- Are your doctors in your plan's network?
The relationship you have with your doctor matters. Before choosing your Medicare Advantage coverage for next year, check whether your primary care doctor, specialists, hospitals, and other health care providers are in the plan's network.
With Medicare Advantage plans, you may need to see doctors and other providers who are part of your plan. These doctors and providers are “in-network”. If you see a doctor or provider outside of your plan, they are “out-of-network”, and you may have to pay more to see them.
If you already have doctors, you know and trust, make a list of them before comparing your options. Then, check with the health plan that they will be in-network for the upcoming year to help avoid surprise costs.
Current IntuneHealth patient? If keeping your current doctor and care team is important to you, remember to check whether the Medicare Advantage plan you're considering is accepted at your center. Just call your local center or ask any care team member.
- Are your medications covered?
If you take prescription medications, don't forget to include them when reviewing your plan.
Most Medicare Advantage plans include Medicare drug coverage, but the specific medications covered and what you pay for them can vary by plan. Medicare plans use a list of covered medications, called a formulary, and some medications may cost more than others depending on your plan.
Make a current list of:
- Your prescription medications
- Dosages
- How often you take each medication
- Your preferred pharmacy
Then, check each plan you're considering to see how your medications are covered and what you may pay.
- What will your health care cost?
The monthly premium isn't the only cost to consider.
Medicare Advantage costs vary by plan and can include premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Medicare Advantage plans also have an annual limit on what you pay out-of-pocket for covered health services.
When reviewing your options, think about ALL of these costs together, including:
- Monthly premiums
- Deductibles
- Doctor and specialist copays
- Prescription drug costs
- Other out-of-pocket expenses
A plan with a lower monthly premium doesn’t always mean you will save money. Your total costs will depend on the plan and the health care services you use.
- Which additional benefits matter to you?
Medicare Advantage plans may offer benefits beyond what Original Medicare covers, including some dental, vision, and hearing services. Benefits vary by plan, so it's important to understand what's included in the plan coverage you're considering.
Think about which benefits you use or expect to use next year.
Rather than choosing coverage based on the number of extra benefits offered, consider which ones are most useful for your health and lifestyle.
- Does the plan fit your health needs for next year?
Finally, think beyond today.
Have you received a new diagnosis? Are you planning a surgery or procedure? Do you expect to see a specialist more often? Will you be traveling or living somewhere else for part of the year?
Your health needs and lifestyle can change. Your coverage should work for the care you expect to need.
Medicare recommends considering your prescriptions, benefits, providers, costs, and even whether a plan provides coverage if you live in another state for part of the year when comparing your options.
Taking a few minutes now can help you pick the right plan for you in the coming year.
Take your time and review your options
Choosing a Medicare plan is an important decision, and you don't have to rush through it.
Start with your health. Think about the doctors you want to see, the medications you take, the care you may need, and the benefits that matter most to you. Then, compare your options.
Medicare Open Enrollment runs through December 7. You can compare Medicare Advantage plans available in your area through Medicare.gov's Medicare Plan Compare tool. Medicare also offers free, personalized health insurance counseling through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).If you’re already a patient, we can help. Just call your local IntuneHealth or let a care team member know. We can connect you with trusted, licensed Medicare agents at no additional cost to you.
Looking for a primary care experience designed for seniors?
Your Medicare coverage is important. So is choosing a primary care team you can trust.
At IntuneHealth, our approach to primary care is designed around the unique needs of seniors. We take time to get to know you, understand your health goals, and work with you to help you enjoy more good days.
If you're considering your health care options during Medicare Open Enrollment, we'd love to meet you.
Call us at (844) 646-8863 or find your local IntuneHealth and stop in to meet our care team and learn more about our approach to senior-focused primary care
