Medicare Annual Enrollment in progress

By Bill White, Humana Georgia Medicare Vice President

This fall, seniors and those eligible for Medicare must pay special attention to the decisions they face during an important election—the Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP).

During this year’s Medicare AEP, from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, people with Medicare should understand that the choice they make can affect their health throughout 2017. Thoughtful research will go a long way toward making the best coverage choice based on your individual health needs.

The first step is to review your current Medicare health plan and analyze how much you’ve spent on health care during the past year, including hospital, pharmacy and doctor bills. This will help to determine the health care expenses you can expect in 2017 and whether your current Medicare plan meets your needs.

It is important to research all available choices, determine their impact on your life and be comfortable with your choice. Options include:

A C

Original Medicare (Parts A and B), basic coverage for medical expenses without coverage for most prescriptions. There is cost-sharing, or copays, coinsurance and deductibles for coverage through Original Medicare.

B D

Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D), coverage for prescription medications, which may lower prescription drug expenses.

Medicare Advantage (Part C), which covers everything Original Medicare covers and may include extra benefits, services and prescription drug coverage through a private insurer. Medicare Advantage is used instead of Original Medicare for those who sign up for these health plans.

Medicare Supplement Plans, which pay some costs not paid by Original Medicare, like deductibles and coinsurance.

Medicare Advantage plans are steadily gaining popularity. Compared to Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans often include lower copays, lower or no deductibles, and zero or low monthly plan premiums – although you must continue to pay your Part B premiums. Some of these plans offer additional features designed to meet members’ needs, such as dental, hearing and vision coverage, a nurse advice line and fitness programs.

Once you choose the type of Medicare plan that best fits your needs, research the costs, benefits and network of doctors and hospitals associated with each plan. Make sure your hospital and doctors are included. Features such as wellness programs and personal care management services can be valuable in helping you achieve or maintain the level of health you want throughout 2017.

One easy way to compare Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans is by taking a close look at Medicare Star quality ratings, a one- to five-star scale, with five stars awarded to the highest quality plans. Resources, like www.Medicare.gov and www.humana-Medicare.com, can help you make the right choice as you identify the best plan for you before the Dec. 7 deadline.

You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or TTY: 1-877486-2048 24 hours a day, seven days a week for 2017 Medicare plan information.