Open Enrollment 2010 & Things to Consider

Open Enrollment is almost over! December 31st marks the end of Medicare's Open Enrollment period. It's the one time every year when all people with Medicare can review their prescription drug and health plan options, and make any changes in their current coverage, to make sure they have the coverage that best meets their needs. Those who do not have prescription drug coverage can also enroll in a Part D plan during Open Enrollment.

Resources for Medicare Beneficiaries and Caregivers
There are a wide range of tools and resources available to help you make smart choices about Medicare prescription drug and health coverage

• Visit www.medicare.gov to find a wide rage of interactive tools that will help beneficiaries review the different plan available in their area.
• Call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 to find out more about the plan options available
• Check out the 2010 Medicare and You Handbook, which is available at www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/10050.pdf
• Meet one-on-one with trained expert for assistance. Call 1-800-633-4227 or visit www.medicare.gov to find a local Medicare specialist.

Things to Consider When Choosing or Changing Coverage

Medicare offers many prescription drug and health plan choices that are updated yearly. Those who are considering a change in plans should start by looking at their current plan and what it will offer in 2010. Then, compare the cost and overage to other plans available in their area. Medicare offers the following guidance to help beneficiaries change or choose a new plan.

• Your Plan Coverage - Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans cover Part A and Part B services. Have you received the out of pocket costs, coverage and other services of your plan for the 2010 benefit year?
• Other Coverage - Do you have, or are you eligible for, other types of health or prescription drug coverage, such as through a former employer or union? If so, read the materials you get from your insurer or plan, or call them to find out how the coverage works with, or is affected by, Medicare.
• Cost - How much are your premiums, deductibles, and other costs? How much do you pay for services like hospital stays or doctor visits? Is there a yearly limit on what you could pay out-of-pocket for medical services? Your costs vary and may be different if you don't follow the coverage rules.
• Doctor and Hospital choice - Do your doctors accept the coverage? Are the doctors you want to see accepting new patients? Do you have to choose your hospital and health care providers from a network? Do you need to get referrals?
• Prescription Drugs - What are your prescription drug needs? Do you need to join a Medicare drug plan? Do you already have creditable prescription drug coverage? Will you pay a penalty if you join a drug plan later? What will your prescription drugs cost under each plan? Are your drugs covered under the plan's drug list.
• Quality of Care - The quality of care and services given by plans and other health care providers can vary. Medicare has information to help you compare plans and providers.
• Convenience - Where are the doctors' offices? What are their hours? Which pharmacies can you use? Can you get your prescriptions by mail? Do the doctors use electronic health records or E-prescribe?
• Travel - Will the plan cover you in another state if you are traveling, or if you spend the summer and winter months in different locations?