Medicare Open Enrollment is Here
The Medicare Open Enrollment period is October 15 until December 7. Robin Thompson, Information and Assistance Director with the Senior LinkAge Line, wants people to remember, “This is the time of year people on Medicare should review their Medicare plan options for 2020.” She added, “Taking time now to do your research can save you money and help you to find coverage based on your situation and your healthcare needs.”
The Senior LinkAge Line receives calls every year from people who failed to review their plan changes for the coming year. Since Medicare changes every year, the Senior LinkAge Line recommends that each person review their options for the coming year and open and read every piece of mail received from Medicare, Social Security and their current plan. Annual plan changes can include:
Medicare Part D:
- Premium
- List of medications covered by your plan (formulary)
- Medication restrictions such as adding prior authorization and quantity limits
- Cost-sharing: deductible, copays and coinsurance
- Pharmacy network
Medicare Advantage and Cost Plans:
- For plans that include Part D the list above will also apply
- Coverage area
- Premium
- Out-of-pocket maximum costs
- Cost-sharing: deductible, copays and coinsurance
- Provider network
- Covered-benefits and restrictions
Use the new revamped Medicare Plan Finder tool at www.medicare.gov to compare your current plan with other plans available in 2020. This will help you plan for the coming year and give you confidence and peace of mind.
If you need Medicare help, contact the Senior LinkAge Line, a free statewide service of the Minnesota Board on Aging and the Area Agencies on Aging. The Senior LinkAge Line is Minnesota’s federally designated State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and the place to call for non-biased Medicare counseling. Call 1-800-333-2433 Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
