The Sentinel

Healthcare tip: 7 can't-miss steps for Medicare annual enrollment

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BPT - It's here - your yearly opportunity to make changes to your Medicare coverage. Medicare Annual Enrollment happens every year Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, during which you can review your current plan, compare your coverage options, and make any necessary updates. Any changes you make then go into effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

Whether you're enrolling for the first time or not, it can be a lot of information to sift through. To help you stay organized and make sure you check every box, ClearMatch Medicare created the following handy checklist. Follow these steps to find the coverage that works for you.

1. Create a provider list

Make a list of all your current medical providers, including your primary doctor as well as any specialists or services you use regularly. This should also include the clinics or hospitals you visit most. Listing this information will help you decide which Medicare plan is right for you.

2. List your prescriptions

Do you take any prescription drugs? If so, write them down. Medicare plans change each year, and it's possible that your current plan may stop covering your prescriptions. Have your medications top of mind before comparing plans for the coming year.

3. Plan ahead

If possible, have a conversation with your doctor about what screenings, tests or medications you might need in the coming year. While you can't see into the future, try to note any healthcare changes you expect over the next 12 months.

4. Review your plan's Annual Notice of Change and Evidence of Coverage

If you have any coverage outside of Original Medicare (Parts A and B), your plan sends an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and Evidence of Coverage (EOC), which you should receive in September. If you don't receive one, contact your plan. These documents provide details about upcoming changes to your coverage. Compare them to your current and projected medical needs to determine if it's time to change plans.

5. Review your current Medicare and other insurance coverage

Think about your existing plan. Is it meeting your needs? Are you OK with the cost? Reflect on what's working and what's not - then plan for any changes you need to make for next year.

And if you have other health insurance benefits besides Medicare, talk to your benefits administrator to determine how your Medicare enrollment impacts your additional health coverage.

6. Review Medicare Advantage options

Many Medicare Advantage plans offer benefits not covered by Original Medicare, such as prescription drug coverage and routine dental and vision care. You may find that a Medicare Advantage plan saves you money thanks to this increased coverage. These plans also have a yearly out-of-pocket maximum, unlike Original Medicare.

7. Confirm your total cost

The total cost of your Medicare plan may include monthly premiums, deductibles, co-pays and co-insurance. When comparing plans, dig a little deeper for an accurate picture of total costs so you're prepared for the year and know what you can afford. Keep in mind:

* For Part D plans, you need to consider the monthly premium, co-pays and the drug formulary. Most insurers use tiered pricing for prescription drugs. If your prescriptions are on one of the upper tiers, your co-pay could be substantial.

* Most Medicare Advantage and Part D plans with extremely low premiums have higher co-pays, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.

Overwhelmed by all these steps? Don't worry, free help is just a phone call away. ClearMatch Medicare is dedicated to making Medicare easier to understand so you can choose the plan that's right for you. Their highly trained and licensed insurance agents are patient and helpful, and if they find you're already in the right plan, they'll tell you so.

Call 1-888-441-7382 (TTY:711) for a free Medicare review, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (ET) or visit ClearMatchMedicare.com, open 24-7.

Guest Commentary | Who should you vote for in the next election?

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

I’m voting for the Presidential candidate who will promise to keep Social Security solvent. I’ve hit the age where I’m finally on the receiving end of some of this government money and I want to keep it going. Never fear, I’m still paying plenty of taxes. I’m still holding down a job so Uncle Sam takes a big slice of every paycheck.

Seventy million Americans feel the same way I do when It comes to Social Security. For over 30 million Americans, Social Security is all they have and many do not even collect $2,000 a month. Many receive far less and so every month they have to juggle their money to survive.

I do agree with the perspective that if we could have put our money into a 401k or stock from ages 18 to 62, we would have more than a million dollars. The monthly check from a million-dollar stock portfolio would be much more than what most are collecting form monthly Social Security. You would also have some money to leave your kids, maybe. However, keep in mind that Social Security is a safety net for millions of Americans who become disabled before retirement age. I know many who started collecting full benefits in their fifties. In these situations, the monthly income is greater than if their money had been placed into a stock fund, most likely. So overall, I’m still a fan of Social Security.

I will further support the candidate who promises to keep Medicare going. I’m at the age now where I have doctor’s appointments. I have traditional Medicare, not “advantage.” I do have to pay for a supplement every month which is not cheap. However, I can walk into any doctor’s office in America and they are thrilled to see me when they find out I have traditional Medicare. I don’t enjoy going to doctors but knowing the bulk of the cost is covered relieves some of the pain.

Next, are our military and Veterans. Our military is hurting. They are having trouble recruiting. Attracting young men and women has become a challenge. The military population has gotten older. Keeping military pay, benefits and adequate housing up to date is crucial in order keep a stable, strong military. Plus, take care of our Veterans who served. It breaks my heart when I meet a homeless Veteran. This should never be in America.

We have to have border security. We do not have it now. Millions of illegal migrants have entered America. Thousands are still entering illegally each and every month.

The list goes on. We need a strong positive emphasis on growing and supporting our police force and a broad approach to energy. Let’s use all of our resources, electricity, oil, gas and coal. Why can’t we have a balanced approach to our energy needs? We can and should. Manufacturing and farming are critical to America. We need to build and grow. Everything our government can do to encourage both of these should be welcomed and applauded.

Of course, there is plenty more that’s very important and we’ll be talking about it in the months ahead.

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Dr. Mollete was a senior minister for 39 years and served as President of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. He is the author of 13 books including Uncommon Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.

The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.