Tips to Taking the Stress Out of Medicare Annual Enrollment
Toni:
Read in your column last week that there is only 3 weeks to the Medicare Annual Enrollment period. I’m really confused on what I need to do. I am receiving so much mail that I am stressed about making the wrong decision and messing up my Medicare.
Is there a law that I have to change my Medicare? You helped my husband and me with our Medicare decision in January when my husband retired from his job of 30+ years and now it seems we have to do this all over again. Could you explain what we need to do? Thanks, Alice from Rosenberg, TX
Hello Alice:
Stress is running rampant this Medicare Annual Enrollment season because the price of the economic times that America is experiencing. Many are concerned that they could lose their jobs or better yet not have enough money for retirement because of a personal healthcare crisis.
Good News, Alice because there is not a law that says you must make a change to your Medicare. You do not have to change your Medicare Supplement, which the Toni Says Medicare team assisted you and your husband to enroll in. I would advise you to check your Part D plan for any significant changes. If you see a change to enroll in a new Medicare Part D plan for next year beginning January 1st, 2023.
Below are a few tips to simplify your Medicare Annual Enrollment or if you are new to Medicare and want to make the correct choice and personalize your Medicare just for you:
- Medicare Tip #1: Learn your Medicare ABC and Ds. Part A is hospital coverage. Part B is for medical/outpatient coverage such as doctor visits and performing surgery. Part C is Medicare Advantage plans that combines both Part A and B benefits with some plans having Medicare Part D included. Part D is for prescription drugs with the “famous” donut hole and can be in Part C or a standalone plan.
- Medicare Tip #2: Know what Original Medicare covers…and what it doesn’t. What your Part A deductible is and for Part B that Medicare pays 80% of approved charges while you pay 20% and a once-a-year deductible with a monthly premium that depends on your income.
- Medicare Tip #3: Keep in mind not all Medicare plans are created equal. Medicare Supplement works directly with Original Medicare and Medicare Part C Medicare Advantage plans work differently with low or no premiums and different out of pocket than a Medicare Supplement. Do your research especially is you have health issues and may have expensive brand name prescriptions.
- Medicare Tip #4 Research Medicare Part D plans every Medicare Annual Enrollment. Plans can change benefits and the drug formulary for the next year.
- Medicare Tip #5: Don’t choose manly on cost. Make sure there are not any hidden copays or other fees that will end up costing you money.
When one visits, the Toni Says Medicare office to personalize their Medicare situation, we tell them to forget everything they know about their old health insurance plans because
October’s Confused about Medicare Workshops:
- Confused about Medicare Zoom Webinar on Wednesday, October 12th at 4-6:00PM. Visit Tonisays.com for the Zoom enrollment link.
- LIVE Confused about Medicare Webinar on Thursday, October 13th at 11:00AM to 1:00PM at St John Presbyterian Church, 5020 West Belfort Blvd, Houston, TX77035
RSVP-832/519-8664.
Visit /www.seniorresource.com/medicare-moments to listen to Toni Says® new Medicare Moments podcasts.
Medicare question? Call 832/519-8664 or email info@tonisays.com.
Toni King, author of the Medicare Survival Guide®, is on sale at www.tonisays.com. Personal consultations or to have Medicare/Social Security questions answered, please contact Toni at www.tonisays.com/ask-toni or call 832-519-8664.
