Getting the most from Medicare means understanding the coverage that you have and keeping track of the parts that you are paying for that you need and things that you do not! It also means that you are keeping careful notes about changes in the types of care and medications that you are taking to make sure that everything is well covered in the plan that you have for this year. These are the notes that we will use to make changes during the open enrollment period in the fall to improve your coverage for the next year!
There are some important steps you can start right now to make sure that you are ready for Next Year’s Open Enrollment!
1. Grab a notepad to keep a health journal for during the year! Keep a list of what you needed health coverage for and make a note of any out of pocket expenses you incurred during the year or charges that were not covered by your Medicare Part A/Part B/ Part D and Supplemental Plans.
If you travel during the year – especially if your travel takes you to the same destination, make notes about what coverage traveled with you or whether you needed to pick up additional insurance to cover you while you were away.
2. Make sure that the medications you are prescribed are actually covered by the plan you have and that your pharmacy accepts the coverage you have. If not, you will need a new Part D plan next year!
3. Make a note of the out of pocket expenses that you have for visits to the dentist, eye doctor and audiologist. If you do not have insurance for these expenses, it might prove to be cost-beneficial to add the coverage.
AND the flurry of enrollment is actually just beginning for retirees who have Medicare Advantage Plans. If you have Medicare Part C or Medicare Advantage plans and want to make changes to move to a better plan for your current needs or to reinstate your original Part A and B plans, your opportunity to do that Is from January 1 until March 31!
At PBS llc, we are happy to help you review your current plan and investigate plans that might be better for whatever reason you are considering making a change.