INSURANCE

Laura Mutsko Agent, CSA and Certified Healthcare Reform Specialist

Q: I will be turning age 65 in 2019 and will need to sign up for Medicare. What do I need to know before I sign up?

A: You are smart to take some time now before your 65th birthday to look at all your options. It is important to make decisions based on your health, your finances and your doctors, not on what works for a friend or relative. Here are steps to help you get started:

Step 1: Know when to enroll

You can sign up for Medicare at any time during your initial enrollment period or IEP. Your IEP begins three months before your 65th birthday month, includes your birthday month and continues for three months after. Delaying your enrollment outside this period may result in penalties so it is important to enroll on time.

Step 2: Learn what’s covered and what’s not

Original Medicare does not cover 100% of your medical costs. Many people are surprised to learn most routine dental and vision care as well as hearing aids are not covered. Long term care is also not covered. Even if Medicare covers a service or item, you generally have to pay your deductible, coinsurance, and copayments. Learn how much you will be responsible for and what your other options for coverage are so there are no surprise expenses in store for you.

Step 3: Learn about Prescription Drug Coverage

Original Medicare offers prescription drug coverage (Part D) to everyone with Medicare. Part D is added through a standalone prescription drug plan or as part of a Medicare Advantage plan. Each plan can vary in cost and the drugs it covers.

Step 4: Learn about Other Options

You have additional options including Medicare-approved Advantage Plans and Medicare Supplements. There are also plans providing coverage for vision, dental, hearing and long term care. These vary in coverage and cost but are intended to take care of a portion of your costs or offer additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare

Step 5: Attend Getting Started with Medicare

Plan now to join me for my class, Getting Started with Medicare, where we cover all these topics in detail and you have a chance to get answers now, before you sign up for Medicare. Getting Started with Medicare classes are only for educational purposes. No plan specific benefits or details are shared.

Our first class of the New Year will take place at the Concord Community Center on January 14, 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Please call 440-639-4650 for registration information. You can also visit www.mutskoinsurance.com/seminars for information on future classes in Chagrin Falls, Eastlake, Willoughby and other communities. I look forward to having you join me. For more information on Life, Health, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplements, Vision, Dental and other insurance coverage, contact me at 440255-5700 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