Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Starts Oct. 15

The annual enrollment period for Medicare starts earlier this year (Oct. 15) and runs through Dec. 7. This is an important time to review your program and get current on possible changes to your health insurance benefits. This period offers eligible individuals an opportunity to enroll in drug and health benefits which will be effective Jan. 1, 2012. For those already enrolled, it is a good time to review and confirm that your program is the best option to meet your needs. These are just a couple of the important changes you should be aware of: 

Preventative Care: At the beginning of 2011 your co-payment for most preventative services was reduced to nothing (ie covered 100%). These include many of the important screening tests (mammograms, colonoscopies, flu shots and many others) as well as an annual wellness exam. If you obtain added tests, you could be responsible for a share of these services. Consult with Medicare.gov as well as your doctor for a more complete list and coverage details. The idea is to encourage more preventative care and improve your health. 

Prescription Drugs: The coverage gap often referred to as the donut hole is gradually being reduced. Generic drugs are now discounted in the donut hole with brand name costs reduced again for those in the donut hole. Check with your pharmacy for details about your specific medications to help with your annual budget.

Help is available for this important planning. You can contact Medicare directly. The official site is: Medicare.gov or you can call at 1-800-Medicare. There is great information on how the various parts work, benefits, and how to enroll. In addition, private companies that offer Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans (Part D) are a great source of information and can assist with enrollment. Remember you must first be enrolled in Medicare (A&B) to take advantage.

Good planning and a thorough understanding of your options/coverages can save you money while getting you the health-care services you need.