INSURANCE

Q: There is so much information to sort through during Medicare’s Open Enrollment. Can you offer me some tips on what to look for? A: This year, Medicare’s Open Enrollment begins on October 15 and runs through December 7. It is the time of year when you can make changes in your coverage for 2019, whether you have Original Medicare, a Medicare Advantage Plan or a standalone Prescription Part D Drug plan. Before the end of September, you will be receiving information in the mail on any changes in your coverage for 2019. If you are happy with what you have, you do not have to do anything. You will automatically be re-enrolled as long as your current plan is still available.

However, don’t go on ‘auto-pilot’ without first looking at your options. Your situation may have changed since last year. And plans make changes, with some adding or dropping benefits that may be important to you. Here are some points to consider: 1. Are your doctors, hospital or other health care providers in your plan’s network? Make sure any new health care providers you are using are in your plan’s network. 2. Do not assume a plan that meets your needs will be the best one for your spouse. You may be better off choosing different plans for the two of you. 3. Will you be in the market for vision, dental or hearing coverage in 2019? Original Medicare coverage of these items is very limited however some Medicare Advantage Plans provide additional coverage. 4. Review your prescription coverage and your share of costs. Are the preferred pharmacies the same? Find out if your plan has added any new hurdles to your medication being covered. 5. Are you going to winter for an extended period in another state? Find out if your Advantage plan travels with you. 6. Will you be facing any major medical issues requiring expensive treatment or the possibility of a long-term hospital stay? Medicare Advantage Plans have a maximum on what you pay out-of-pocket annually for medical services. There is no yearly limit on your out-of-pocket costs with Original Medicare.

Mutsko Insurance Services offers Life, Health, Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans. Call me at 440-255-5700 or email me at Lmutsko@MutskoInsurance.com. Laura Mutsko Mutsko Insurance Services, LLC 6982 Spinach Drive, Mentor, OH 44060 440-255-5700 www.mutskoinsurance.com