Free Medicare enrollment advice available at Laughlin Chamber

LAUGHLIN — The annual Medicare enrollment period ends Dec. 7, and the Laughlin Chamber of Commerce has partnered with a local Medicare expert to offer free advice to seniors on how to select the best medical insurance program for their needs.

Lisa Caulkins, an independent licensed insurance broker in Nevada and Arizona with more than 10 years' experience in the field, is offering free "Drop-In Benefits Checkups" at the Chamber on Tuesday, Nov. 28, and Wednesday, Dec. 6 from 1 to 4 p.m. (2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Arizona time).

Seniors who have Medicare hospital and medical insurance coverage — known as Medicare Part A and Part B — may only join, switch or drop a Part C Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D Medicare drug plan during certain times each year, called enrollment periods. In 2023, the Medicare open enrollment period began Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7, with changes made during the period taking effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

This is the only time when Medicare members can make changes to their insurance coverage and benefits. During open enrollment, it is possible to join, drop or switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan, add or drop drug coverage, switch from original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan or from a Medicare Advantage Plan to original Medicare. Current members of original Medicare may also join, drop or switch to another Medicare drug plan during this time.

Numerous insurers offer a variety of benefits for Medicare members, who must decide whether they want a plan that uses doctors and pharmacies within a network or the option to select providers from outside a network. Medicare assesses penalties if members do not maintain enrollment in certain required programs, so reviewing coverage during the open enrollment period can help avoid problems in the future. Calkins provides free, no-obligation advice on Medicare requirements and options available.

"Everyone needs an effective and affordable healthcare plan that is best for them," she said. "I look at what's most important to you, your providers, your prescriptions, extra benefits and overall costs and make sure you are getting the most value and coverage from your plan. I work tirelessly to stay informed about the latest changes in Medicare. I can provide information on what your market has available right now and any expected changes to existing plans. I can also let you know what plans are coming into your area for the next year. There is never any cost to you for my assistance."

Some Medicare Advantage plans are actually free to members.

"Advantage plans have low maximum out-of-pocket limits that protect you in case of a catastrophic event, and most Advantage plans offer many ancillary benefits as well," she said. "These types of plans have low premiums or often no premium at all. There are even plans that have a national network to cover you out of your home service area for snowbirds and those on extended vacations."

To reserve an appointment time at the Laughlin Chamber of Commerce, located at 1585 S. Casino Drive, on Tuesday, Nov. 28, or Wednesday, Dec. 7, email lisamedicaregal@protonmail.com or call (520) 977-5911.