Medicare’s Open Enrollment is almost here!
Here are 5 tips to help you get ready for Open Enrollment:
Check your mail. You may get important notices from Medicare or Social Security. If you’re in a Medicare plan, you’ll get an Annual Notice of Changes (ANOC). Note any 2022 changes to your health coverage or any extra help you may get to pay for prescription drugs. You may also get health plan marketing materials, like brochures, from insurance companies that offer Medicare health and prescription drug plans. Remember — plans aren’t allowed to call or come to your home without an invitation from you.
Review your 2022 “Medicare & You” handbook. It has information about Medicare coverage, as well as Medicare plans in your area. If you get your handbook by mail and want to get your next copy electronically, choose to go paperless next fall.
Think about your Medicare coverage needs for 2022. Carefully review your Medicare coverage materials during Medicare Open Enrollment. Note any changes in 2022 costs or benefits. Decide if your current Medicare coverage will meet your needs for the year ahead. If you like your current coverage and it’s still available for 2022, you don’t need to take any action.
Preview 2022 health and prescription drug plans. Medicare Plan Finder makes it easy to compare coverage options and shop for health plans. For a personalized search, log in or create an account (if you have a Medicare Number) to create or access a list of your drugs, compare your current Medicare plan to others, and see prices based on any help you get with drug costs.
Get personalized help in your community. Tioga Opportunities, Inc.’s HIICAP insurance counselors work directly with Medicare beneficiaries to educate you about the Medicare Program, Medigap policies, Medicaid, Medicare Advantage Plans, Long-term Care Insurance, Low-Income Subsidy Programs, employer-sponsored insurance, and other health insurance programs that are available in New York State. Call and schedule an appointment at 607-687-4120.
Helpful links and resources: Homepage: Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE
Medicare Plan Finder: Medicare.gov/plan-compare
Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan costs: http://go.cms.gov/helpwithRx
Medicare & You Handbook: https://www.medicare.gov/medicare-and-you
Tioga Opportunities, Inc.: www.tiogaopp.org
