Check your coverage: Medicare open enrollment starts Oct. 15
More than 2.3 million Ohioans are covered by Medicare, the federal health insurance program for those 65 and older, some people with disabilities and those with end-stage renal disease.
From
Even if your Medicare plan works for you now, experts say it's important to review your options carefully each open enrollment season. Your medical needs or financial situation might have changed since last year, and the benefits that come with the different plans can change each year.
"Medicare health and prescription drug plans often change year-to-year, which is why it is so important to look at your options every year and make a change if necessary," said Ohio Department of Insurance Director
Those with Medicare should have just received a notice in the mail with any changes to their current plans, said
Epp said his team has so far seen some changes in price and coverage for the upcoming year, such as
"Every year during open enrollment, it's really important that you at least look at the options available," Epp said.
He said cost isn't the only thing people should consider. Users should look at what kind of coverage they are getting, such as whether all the medications they take are covered and whether their doctor is in network.
Sorting through the different plan options can be complicated and Epp recommends working with an adviser who knows the process.
The most commonly sold Medicare supplement, Plan F, is getting phased out on
Epp said he doesn't recommend rushing to buy a Plan F plan before they are phased out, because he expects the prices to climb and there are alternatives available.
"People are trying to run in and get Plan F before it goes away but once we look at the rates and compare it to another plan, the rates for Plan F are actually increasing. Long term, I don't think its a good plan to get F before it goes away," he said.
Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program, a division of
Those with questions who are unable to attend a Medicare Check-Up Day event can call the state at 1-800-686-1578, Monday through Friday,
Enrollees can decide between original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan. Original Medicare plans are managed by the federal government, and typically those with traditional Medicare also buy supplemental coverage to cover things like prescription drugs.
Another option is to buy a Medicare Advantage plan, which is an insurance plan managed by a commercial insurance company.
Just under 1.5 million Ohioans have original Medicare and about 860,000 have Medicare Advantage, according to the
During open enrollment, Froment warned Ohioans to be aware of predatory sales practices and Medicare scams, which can pick up this time of year.
No one should be calling or knocking on doors and saying they are with Medicare or asking for any kind of payment or personal information. The only contact seniors should get will be from someone calling back or contacting them about a scheduled appointment.
If consumers suspect wrongdoing, they should call the department's Fraud and Enforcement hotline at 1-800-686-1527 or the Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-800-488-6070.
___
(c)2019 the Dayton Daily News (Dayton, Ohio)
Visit the Dayton Daily News (Dayton, Ohio) at www.daytondailynews.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Forum discusses living in poverty in rural areas
Mark Farrah Associates Presents 2020 Medicare Plan Benefits in Medicare Benefits Analyzer™
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News