Tips for Medicare Open Enrollment

Beginning Tuesday October 15th, adults who are age 65 or older or are disabled will have the option to keep or switch their Medicare Advantage plans for 2014.

Medicare’s open enrollment period runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. You can “age in” to Medicare throughout the year.

“Eligible individuals should first review any premium or benefit changes to their current plans for 2014,” said Michael Burke, senior vice president, Government Programs, Univera Healthcare.

“Even if they’re happy with their current plan, major benefit or premium changes might indicate that another Medicare option might best fit their needs,” he added.

Individuals should also consider the following:

· Which “star” rating did the health plan receive? The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services rate the quality of these “Medicare Advantage” plans on a scale of one to five, with five stars representing the highest quality.

· Does your doctor, pharmacist or hospital contract with the health plan? It can be costly to see a doctor, pharmacy or hospital that’s not in a health plan’s network.

· Lower premium vs. higher premium. Would you rather pay a higher monthly premium, but pay less when you go to the doctor? Or would a lower monthly premium with higher costs for services work best?

· Consider a $0 premium plan. You’re paying $0 a month, but still receiving comprehensive benefits.
“Medicare is not part of the new health insurance exchanges,” Burke added. “The exchanges are for individuals who are not eligible for Medicare and need health coverage.”

For Medicare help, call (888) 529-0019 or find a Medicare informational seminar near you at univeramedicare.com/seminar.

Medicare Advantage plans are a type of Medicare health plan offered by health insurers that contract with the federal government to provide hospital and medical coverage to eligible individuals.