INSURANCE

Laura Mutsko Agent, CSA and Certified Healthcare Reform Specialist

Q: What are some of the most important points to compare when I look at different Medicare Advantage plans?

A: The decision to switch Medicare Advantage plans is a big one. Take your time, study the various plans and compare coverage. As you compare plans, consider these points:

How is my coverage changing for 2019?

Read over the Annual Notice of Changes your insurance provider sent to you in late September. This contains information about changes you can expect in coverage and costs in the coming year. Look carefully at changes in their prescription formulary and make sure your medications will be covered and whether they are in a more expensive tier.

New Authorizations

See if your insurance provider will require prior authorization for prescriptions. Also check whether there will be new step therapy requirements. You will want to be aware of any changes in these requirements before you have to refill a prescription in January.

What is the cost?

Medicare and private Medicare plans may change their premiums every year. For example, the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $135.50 for 2019, a slight increase from $134 in 2018. (If you pay less than $134 now, you may be one of the 2 million beneficiaries who will continue to pay less than the standard monthly premium due to the statutory hold harmless provisions.) Be sure to note changes in your Advantage plan’s monthly premium, deductibles, copays and coinsurance as outlined in the Explanation of Benefits.

Are my doctors, hospitals and pharmacies covered?

Advantage plans are permitted to change their provider network and preferred pharmacies. Make sure your doctor, other providers and pharmacy are still in their network.

Are you changing?

Has your health changed? Are you likely to require a surgical procedure soon? Will you be spending significant time traveling abroad or living in another part of the country where you may need care? Will you need dental or vision care? Hearing aids? Make sure your plan covers any of these circumstances you can foresee. Picking a Medicare plan may not top your list of fun fall activities. But you want to make sure your current plan does not fall short in 2019. You have until December 7, 2018 to switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan. If you find your current plan no longer meets your needs, call me at 440-255-5700 or email me at Lmutsko@mutskoinsurance. com to switch to a different plan.

Laura Mutsko Mutsko Insurance Services, LLC 6982 Spinach Drive, Mentor, OH 44060 440-255-5700 www.mutskoinsurance.com