If you're eligible for Medicare, you've probably been inundated with mail from health insurance companies describing their benefits and urging you to sign up for coverage. For many people, the sheer volume of information can be overwhelming, not to mention confusing.
Need help making sense of it all? Here are eight things you can do to better understand your options and make sure you're getting the most from your health plan benefits before you make any decisions.
1. Decide whether to keep or change your existing coverage before Dec. 7.
Open enrollment for Medicare runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, so you'll need to decide whether or not you want to change your coverage before the deadline. If you are happy with the plan you have now, you may not want to do anything different. If your medical or prescription drug needs have changed, or you want a new physician or hospital network, you may decide to adjust your coverage level or switch to another Medicare plan.
2. Consider your needs and make sure your plan covers them at a cost you can afford.
Think about the type of medical services that you need, including both primary and specialty care, and which physicians and hospitals you prefer for your care. Also consider which prescription medications you need. Make a list with two columns. In the first column, list what your coverage must include, such as specific services or physicians. In the second, list what you would like to have, but are willing to give up if necessary.
3. Review your existing health and drug benefits, and pay attention to any changes announced for the coming year.
In October, your insurance provider will send information to let you know what, if any, changes will be made to your current Medicare coverage starting in 2015. Review these carefully to ensure the providers, services and medications you need are covered and at what cost. Check your premiums, coinsurance, co-payments, deductible and out-of-pocket limits. Would another plan better suit your needs in 2015?
4. Ask questions and make sure you understand all of your options.
Medicare coverages can be very confusing. For example, do you know the difference between Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap)? There are no silly questions when it comes to your health, so ask for more information about anything that is unclear. In addition to your agent of record, there are a number of sources available to help you online. Scripps will be holding several free presentations to explain your options, answer questions and provide information
5. Check with your employer or union before making changes.
If you still receive benefits through your employer or union, check with your plan's benefits administrator before making any changes to your coverage. Otherwise, you could lose coverage for yourself and your dependents.
6. Remember key dates and the differences between various enrollment periods.
There are different dates for Medicare Fall Open Enrollment, disenrolling from the Medicare Advantage Plan and joining Original Medicare. Be sure you understand which dates apply to you so that you don't miss important deadlines.
7. Take advantage of the benefits your plan offers.
Your Medicare coverage offers more than just sick care. Review your benefits and take advantage of wellness and preventive services such as an annual exam, weight and blood pressure check, flu shots and more.
8. Choose the plan that best meets your needs.
Once you have evaluated all of your choices, choose the Medicare plan that is the best fit for you and complete the enrollment process. You may be able to sign up in person with your agent, through the mail, over the phone or online. Be sure to complete any changes between October 15 and December 7, 2014.
Dr. Dan Dworsky is the vice president of quality for Scripps Clinic Medical Group. For more information or a physician referral, please call 1-800-SCRIPPS.
Need help making sense of it all? Here are eight things you can do to better understand your options and make sure you're getting the most from your health plan benefits before you make any decisions.
1. Decide whether to keep or change your existing coverage before Dec. 7.
Open enrollment for Medicare runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, so you'll need to decide whether or not you want to change your coverage before the deadline. If you are happy with the plan you have now, you may not want to do anything different. If your medical or prescription drug needs have changed, or you want a new physician or hospital network, you may decide to adjust your coverage level or switch to another Medicare plan.
2. Consider your needs and make sure your plan covers them at a cost you can afford.
Think about the type of medical services that you need, including both primary and specialty care, and which physicians and hospitals you prefer for your care. Also consider which prescription medications you need. Make a list with two columns. In the first column, list what your coverage must include, such as specific services or physicians. In the second, list what you would like to have, but are willing to give up if necessary.
3. Review your existing health and drug benefits, and pay attention to any changes announced for the coming year.
In October, your insurance provider will send information to let you know what, if any, changes will be made to your current Medicare coverage starting in 2015. Review these carefully to ensure the providers, services and medications you need are covered and at what cost. Check your premiums, coinsurance, co-payments, deductible and out-of-pocket limits. Would another plan better suit your needs in 2015?
4. Ask questions and make sure you understand all of your options.
Medicare coverages can be very confusing. For example, do you know the difference between Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap)? There are no silly questions when it comes to your health, so ask for more information about anything that is unclear. In addition to your agent of record, there are a number of sources available to help you online. Scripps will be holding several free presentations to explain your options, answer questions and provide information
5. Check with your employer or union before making changes.
If you still receive benefits through your employer or union, check with your plan's benefits administrator before making any changes to your coverage. Otherwise, you could lose coverage for yourself and your dependents.
6. Remember key dates and the differences between various enrollment periods.
There are different dates for Medicare Fall Open Enrollment, disenrolling from the Medicare Advantage Plan and joining Original Medicare. Be sure you understand which dates apply to you so that you don't miss important deadlines.
7. Take advantage of the benefits your plan offers.
Your Medicare coverage offers more than just sick care. Review your benefits and take advantage of wellness and preventive services such as an annual exam, weight and blood pressure check, flu shots and more.
8. Choose the plan that best meets your needs.
Once you have evaluated all of your choices, choose the Medicare plan that is the best fit for you and complete the enrollment process. You may be able to sign up in person with your agent, through the mail, over the phone or online. Be sure to complete any changes between October 15 and December 7, 2014.
Dr. Dan Dworsky is the vice president of quality for Scripps Clinic Medical Group. For more information or a physician referral, please call 1-800-SCRIPPS.