It’s Shopping Season for Those on Medicare October 15, 2024 Medicare’s annual enrollment period is underway. It’s an important time of year, whether you are on Original Medicare only or enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan. During this period, Medicare recipients can switch to a new health plan or add to their Medicare insurance coverage for the following year. If you’ve been thinking about making changes to your coverage for next year, here are some things you may want to consider: 1. Look at Your Total Annual Out-of-Pocket Costs Monthly premiums are only a small part of the picture. Be sure to account for all your other health care costs under the plan you are considering, including copays, coinsurance, deductibles and annual limits on your total out-of-pocket spending. 2. Think About Coverage Beyond Original Medicare Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans often include extra coverage and benefits for hearing, vision, chiropractic, fitness memberships and more. Additional benefits like these can help keep you healthier, improve your well-being and enhance your overall quality of life. 3. Check the Provider Network Chances are you’ve established a level of trust with your health care providers over the years, and you’ll want that to continue. Make sure your favorite doctors, hospitals and other important providers are included in the plan’s network. Consider whether coverage for out-of-network providers is offered should the need arise, and compare the copays for national or worldwide emergency and urgent care when traveling. 4. Don’t Forget About Prescription Drug Coverage Original Medicare and Medicare Supplement plans do not include coverage for prescription drugs, so you need to purchase a separate Part D prescription drug plan – with a separate premium – if you want that coverage. Medicare Advantage plans, however, often include prescription drug coverage, along with additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare. With a Medicare Advantage plan, all your hospital, medical and prescription drug coverages are managed within one easy-to-use plan. 5. Talk to an Insurance Agent There are insurance agents who specialize in Medicare plans. They receive ongoing training from the insurance companies they represent and know how to compare the different costs and benefits between plans. They are licensed, knowledgeable professionals and an excellent resource who can help you select a plan that’s right for you. Applications for 2025 must be received by the health plan of your choice by Saturday, Dec. 7. See What Samaritan’s Advantage Plans Offer Samaritan Health Plans offers Medicare Advantage plans to residents of Benton, Lincoln and Linn counties. Samaritan’s Medicare Advantage plans feature low copays for doctor and specialist visits, a $0 medical deductible, and a medical out-of-pocket maximum which limits your financial responsibility each year for hospital and medical-related services. Samaritan plans include: Unlimited rides to and from grocery stores, doctor visits, pharmacies, fitness centers and more. Quarterly allowance for over-the-counter (OTC) health-related items. Fitness benefits. No cost personal emergency response system. Supplemental chiropractic and acupuncture visits. Combined yearly allowance for preventive and comprehensive dental services, routine vision hardware and hearing aids. Worldwide emergency care. Applications for 2025 must be received by the health plan by Saturday, Dec. 7. Samaritan Health Plans offers Medicare Advantage plans to residents of Benton, Lincoln and Linn counties. Local Medicare experts are available to answer your questions. Call 866-768-3166 or visit samhealthplans.org/Medicare.
