Reasons to attend a no-cost Medicare seminar
October 15 through December 7 is the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) when Medicare beneficiaries can decide whether to remain in their current Medicare Advantage Plan, choose another plan or return to Original Medicare.
Attending a free Medicare educational seminar hosted by licensed Medicare agents, can give you information about eligibility and enrollment and help you understand covered benefits and services available to support your health care coverage. There’s no cost to attend a seminar and no obligation to enroll.
These are a few important items to keep in mind, so you can get the most out of attending a Medicare seminar and learn about different health plan options to help you make the right decision about your Medicare coverage.
What’s the difference? What are the pros and cons? You should have all your questions answered and know all your options before making a decision.
Some plans offer options for those with varying levels of Medicare and those with Medicare and Medicaid. Talk to advisors at the seminar about your levels of Medicare and or Medicaid and find out if there are plans options best suited for your health and personal care needs.
The enrollment period for Medicare is up to three months prior to turning 65, and 3 months after turning 65, but there are a few special enrollment opportunities that you could qualify for. You should be aware of late enrollment penalties and when you could be eligible to enroll in a Medicare plan.
Health plans are continually expanding and/or modifying their provider networks. Find out if your primary care physician or specialists are in the plan’s network. If they are not, ask about making a request for the plan to reach out to your physicians to invite them to participate in the network.
Many Medicare Advantage plans offer various health and wellness benefits over and above what is provided by Original Medicare. These may include dental, vision, hearing, transportation, over the counter (OTC) drugs and products, alternative medicine, and fitness programs. A Medicare seminar is the place to find out what benefits the plan covers and you can access these benefits. Some plans give you access to a Care Navigator or Care Manager. These professionals are assigned to assist you with accessing providers and health services, supporting your medication management, setting up a care plan based on your clinical and functional requirements, and ensuring that you receive routine screenings and preventative services. Find out if these services are available to you and how it works.
Be aware of the plan’s formulary and if the drugs your physician is prescribing are included. Ask the plan about their process for you to request consideration that your drugs be included.
AgeWell New York Senior Benefits Advisors can assist you in understanding Original Medicare and give you affordable options for a Medicare Advantage Plan. AgeWell New York Health Plan options are available for those with Medicare and those with Medicare and Medicaid residing in the New York Metropolitan area including New York (Manhattan), Bronx, Queens, Kings (Brooklyn), Nassau, Suffolk or Westchester counties.
Contact us today to attend a free Medicare seminar in your community at (718) 696-0205, events@agewellnewyork.com or visit agewellnewyork.com/ diners.