Medicare annual enrollment for 2012 started earlier this year, beginning on Saturday, Oct. 15, and ending Dec. 7, 2011. This enrollment window allows Medicare beneficiaries the chance to make changes related to their Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) and Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) coverage. All Medicare recipients should review their current coverage and compare other plans in order to make an informed decision about their health care coverage for 2012.
“This is the opportunity for New York seniors to ensure they have the right Medicare coverage to meet their current health care needs,” says Rob Caione, Touchstone Health HMO’s chief administration officer and acting President and CEO. “It is important for senior citizens to identify any changes in their situation and choose the plan that will best serve them in the coming year.”
In late September, Medicare beneficiaries received in the mail the handbook, “Medicare & You,” which contains useful information for seniors wishing to enroll in Medicare or change their coverage. Medicare beneficiaries who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan should have also received their Annual Notice of Change, a document that explains how their plan’s benefits and costs will change next year.
Assess Your Current Needs
Take time to accurately and completely determine your current medical requirements. Pay specific attention to any changes that have occurred in the last year. Have any of the medications you take changed? Were you diagnosed with a new medical condition? Have you moved? Any of these changes could impact which plan is best for you.
Shop and Compare
Information for the 2012 Medicare plans is available online at www.medicare.gov. This begins your opportunity to shop and compare available plans to determine which option is best suited for you. In addition to your health care needs, there are other facts to consider:
- Calculate the actual plan cost. Make sure to consider the total costs such as premiums, deductibles for doctor visits or hospital stays and if there is a yearly limit on out-of-pocket costs.
- Determine if your doctors and preferred hospital will accept the coverage you are considering. If not, are there other caregivers nearby that you will be satisfied seeing? Take into account if referrals are required or if you will be required to choose from a specific network.
- If you travel, it is important to understand what is covered when out of state or out of the country.
- Look carefully at prescription drug coverage and costs. Verify if the plan you are considering includes your pharmacy of choice or if you have the option to get your prescriptions through the mail.
- Look for other conveniences such as a 24-hour customer service line.
If you need additional help, people with Medicare and their families can arrange for one-on-one counseling and assistance by contacting The State Health Insurance Assistance Program. In New York, contact Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) online at www.aging.ny.gov/ or toll-free at (800)701-0501.
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