Medicare Open Enrollment happens every year from October 15 to December 7.

It’s a good time to sit down with your Medicare advisor, review your current coverage, and make changes if needed.

But…the better prepared you are, the smoother and more productive your appointment will be.

Here’s the information you need to gather before you meet with your advisor for Medicare Open Enrollment.

1. Your Current Medicare Plan Details

Bring a copy of the following:

• Your current Medicare ID card
• The latest statements or policy documents for your Medicare Advantage or Medigap policy
• Your Medicare Part D drug plan ID card and latest statement

Why are these important?

Your advisor needs to see exactly what you have now. They can compare it to other options, plus your current plan may have changed. Other plans could save you money or improve your coverage (or even both).

2. Your List of Prescription Medications

For most of us, getting older means more prescriptions…and Plan D policies can change the way these are covered.

Your Medicare advisor needs the following information for each prescription you take:

• Name of the medicine
• Is it brand-name or generic
• Dosage (how much and how often)

Drug costs can vary widely between plans. Your Medicare advisor can compare plans and make sure your medications are covered at the lowest possible cost.

3. Your Preferred Doctors and Hospitals

Most doctors and hospitals accept Original Medicare (parts A&B). However, many Medicare Advantage plans limit you to their provider network. Out-of-network providers will usually cost  extra.

If you have a primary care doctor, specialists, or a hospital you trust, have their names and locations ready. Your Medicare advisor can help make sure your preferred providers remain in-network.

4. Your Healthcare Needs and Concerns

Your medical needs can change as you get older.

Any major health changes in the past years? Surgeries planned for next year? New diagnoses?

Here’s why this matters: your Medicare coverage needs to align with your healthcare needs…now and in the future.

For example, if you anticipate more specialist visits or physical therapy, you may need a plan with lower copays in those areas.

5. Your Travel Plans

Retirement often means travel…and sometimes that can mean a medical emergency.

No problems if you’re on traditional Medicare (as long as the provider accepts Medicare patients). But Medicare Advantage plans may not cover you outside your state, or even your county.

Do you spend part of the year in another state? Travel often to visit your family?

During Open Enrollment, your Medicare advisor can help you find a plan that works wherever you go.

6. Your Budget

Medicare isn’t free. Besides your Medicare Part B premium, you may need to pay out-of-pocket for things like:

• Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and prescription plan premiums
• Deductibles (what you pay before your coverage kicks in)
• Copayments

Some plans have higher premiums but lower deductibles and copayments. Other plans are the opposite.

Your Medicare advisor can help you pick the right coverage for your budget as well as your medical needs.

7. Any Notices from Medicare or Your Current Plan

In September, your current plan is required to send you an Annual Notice of Change from your plan.

This notice outlines any changes in costs, coverage, or provider networks for the coming year.

Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and drug plans can change every year. Your old plan may no longer fit your needs, provider preferences, or budget.

Preparation: The Key to Open Enrollment

Remember final exams back when you were in school? Well, Medicare Open Enrollment may be even more important for you now than those tests were then.

Your choice of plans will affect your healthcare decisions for a whole year. Choose wrong, and both your budget and health could be affected.

Accurate and complete information about your Medicare coverage, health, budget, and travel plans will help your advisor recommend the best coverage for you.

It also saves time for you and your advisor. No scrambling for pill bottles or calling your doctor’s office mid-appointment.

Think of your advisor as your personal Medicare guide. They can’t choose for you, but with the correct information they can give you a clear picture of your options.

Need help getting ready for Medicare Open Enrollment? At Goodell Health Services, we’ll walk you through every step so you can feel confident in your Medicare choices.

Make your appointment today! Call us at (832) 773-7981, email us at scott.goodell@ghstx.com, or use our easy contact form (https://goodellhealthsolutions.com).

Scott Goodell
Goodell Health Solutions

We Put the “Care” in Medicare