Act now: Medicare plan shopping ends Dec. 7
Medicare’s Annual Election Period (AEP) is open now and will close on Dec. 7. People who are eligible can shop for a health plan during AEP to potentially improve their coverage, lower their costs or both.
Whether you’re new to Medicare or wondering if you should shop for a new plan, there are many options to think about: Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, Medicare Supplement plans and Prescription Drug Plans.
But keep in mind that health care is the most important investment you can make, especially now as we’re facing the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s why taking the time to review all of your options before it’s too late is so important right now.
Speaking of COVID-19, you can shop online from the comfort of your home using a computer, smart device or phone. Visit plan websites like www.cigna. com/medicare or Medicare’s Plan Finder at Medicare.gov. You can also look into attending a virtual educational session. If you prefer phone, call individual plans or independent brokers who represent the health plan you’re considering.
If you want to meet faceto-face, take extra care to follow the COVID-19 safety precautions as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Many local and state agencies provide free, objective Medicare plan guidance, including the State Health Insurance Assistance Program. And, it’s always helpful to ask friends and family about their experiences with different plans and companies.
Even with these resources, understanding your choices can still be confusing. Here are some tips to navigate this important shopping season:
Understand any plan changes: Plans can change every year. Don’t assume your plan will remain the same as last year. Instead, make sure you investigate and understand any changes coming for 2021 and how they impact you.
Consider extras: There are extra benefits not available with Original Medicare that may be available in an MA plan at no additional cost. Such benefits include dental, vision, transportation or even an allowance for purchasing certain over-the-counter items. You might be especially interested in benefits that help you stay healthy without leaving home, such as telehealth, prescription medication delivery and in-home fitness programs.
Get the facts about costs: To get a handle on total plan costs, first determine what the premium or monthly cost would be. Next, check for out-of-pocket costs such as any co-pays and deductibles that will be required for doctor and hospital visits and prescription drugs. Finally, check to see how much you’ll need to pay to see a specialist. For example, some plans require you to pay more for choosing specialists who are outside your network.
Know your network: Cost is not the only consideration. You may have favorite facilities and doctors, so check to be sure they are in the plan’s network. If not, there may be an extra cost to seek care outside of the network. Only you know how important these kinds of considerations are to you. Let your own personal goals and preferences be your guide.
Stay focused on prevention: Many MA plans cover preventive health screenings in addition to those covered by Original Medicare. Always consult with your doctor about the screenings that are important for you given your age and health condition, such as a seasonal flu shot. You can keep up with your preventive care even in the time of COVID-19, so discuss what safety protocols your doctor has in place.
Remember, you have until Dec. 7 to research and finalize your health plan choice for next year. Think about your personal health situation to be sure your plan is right for you – and don’t hesitate to ask questions to get the answers you need.
Dr. Alla Zilbering is a board-certified internal medicine physician in Philadelphia. She graduated from SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine and completed her Internal Medicine training at Temple University Hospital. She currently serves as the market medical executive for Cigna’s Pennsylvania region.