Open Enrollment is the best time to review existing plans and consider new options.

It’s OPEN ENROLLMENT season. Are you resting easy knowing that you have the proper coverage to meet your various needs? There are a variety of plans and add-ons for Medicare which may be an important part of your healthcare strategy.

This time of year, during open enrollment, is the best time to consider a review of benefits, or select new options, as your circumstances may change from year to year. Consider the following:

1. Basic Medicare coverage does include a variety of preventative tests and screenings, but certain things might not be included such as eye exams, hearing aids and some types of podiatry. So, if you need these types of items you will want to review other options.
2. You may be able to join a Medicare Advantage Plan. Many of these plans offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like vision, hearing, dental coverage, prescription drugs, or extended coverage when you travel.
3. If you rely on prescription medicines for your “healthy you” regimen be sure that you have selected Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage as you may save up to 75% on many brand name pharmaceuticals should you hit the gap.

Act Now – Open Enrollment ends December 7th!

There is still time to review your plan. We want to help take the guesswork out of your Medicare planning. One of our experienced agents can assist you with plan comparisons and other options. Call 603-.437-1992 to set up your free consultation in the Greater Derry area, or 603-296-0077 to speak with our Seacoast team, or email Marie Brownell at Marie@BrownellInsurance.com.

Managing Your Care Using Medicare Insurance

Open enrollment period is upon us, and so too are the questions about coverage. As consumers, it can be a challenge navigating the coverages and understanding what items are covered and those that are not. This can be especially confusing when it comes to testing and specialized services.

Medicare coverage for many tests, items and services depends on where you live. Certain items like: chemotherapy, cardiac rehabilitation and disease screenings, glucose control protocols and annual wellness visits, will be covered no matter where you live, which is especially important to “snow birds” as they may seek services in more than one location within any given year. These and many more items may be covered in part, or whole, its’ important to check on your responsibility prior to receiving service.

For example, chemotherapy is covered under Medicare Part A and/or Medicare Part B. Part A covers hospital inpatients, and Part B covers hospital outpatients and patients in a doctor’s office or freestanding clinic. You pay a copayment if you’re a hospital outpatient. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount if you get your treatment in a doctor’s office or freestanding clinic. The Part B deductible applies.

Most importantly, within the first 12-months of enrolling in Medicare PART B, you may attend a welcome visit. You pay nothing for the “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit or the yearly “Wellness” visit if your doctor or other qualified health care provider accepts assignment. The Part B deductible doesn’t apply.

However, you may have to pay coinsurance, and the Part B deductible may apply if your doctor or other health care provider performs additional tests or services during the same visit. These additional tests or services aren’t covered under the preventive benefits.

There are times when specific tests, services or items are recommended by a physician and are NOT covered under Medicare. If you need certain services Medicare doesn’t cover, you’ll have to pay for them yourself unless:

• You have other insurance that covers them
• You have a Medicare health plan that covers them

Some of the items and services that Medicare doesn’t cover include: Long-term or custodial care, most dental care, eye exams related to prescribing glasses, Dentures, Cosmetic surgery, Acupuncture, Hearing aids and exams for fitting them and Routine foot care. If you are unsure about the coverage of a specific item check the list here.

For more information about Medicare enrollment, coverages or coinsurance options, please schedule a FREE consultation with Marie Brownell at marie@brownellinsurance.com or by calling 603-437-1992.