Medicare Open Enrollment is underway and will close on Dec. 7, giving beneficiaries a critical window to review their health and prescription drug coverage for the coming year. The annual enrollment period is the one time most people with Medicare can make changes to their plans, and experts emphasize that plans change annually, so what worked last year may not be the best fit now.
“Medicare Open Enrollment is your opportunity to give your Medicare plan a check-up,” the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services advises. Beneficiaries are encouraged to check their coverage to ensure preferred doctors, prescriptions and pharmacies are included; review costs such as premiums, deductibles and copays; and compare plans side by side based on the medications they take.
The stakes can be significant. According to the agency, a person with Medicare who compared drug plans for a blood thinner and a common cholesterol medication found yearly costs ranging from $1,356 to $2,965. By choosing the lowest-cost plan, they saved more than $1,600 while keeping their essential medications covered. Such savings underscore why a thorough review can directly impact a household’s budget.
For all Open Enrollment needs, Medicare.gov is the official source, allowing users to explore and compare every available Medicare health and drug plan in their area. Those who prefer speaking with someone can call 1-800-MEDICARE to connect with experts available 24/7. To get started, beneficiaries can visit Medicare.gov and click on “Find Plans Now.” For the best shopping experience, users can log in or create a Medicare account to easily compare plan costs side by side based on their prescriptions.
Missing the Dec. 7 deadline could mean waiting a full year before making any changes to coverage, making early action important. Beneficiaries should consider factors like costs, benefits and prescription drug plans to secure coverage that supports their health and budget.
During Open Enrollment, scammers often take advantage of the season, pretending to be from Medicare or an insurance company to steal personal information. Medicare will never contact beneficiaries unsolicited. If someone unknown calls, texts or emails about Medicare, individuals should hang up or delete the message. Suspected fraud should be reported immediately at Medicare.gov/fraud or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Beneficiaries should never give out their Medicare Number, Social Security Number or financial information to anyone they don’t know.
The information was provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and distributed by NOTICIAS NEWSWIRE.
