Medicare enrollment period ends New Year's Eve
The clock is ticking for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries to enroll in a variety of health care coverage plans.
Beneficiaries have until midnight New Year's Eve to change their Medicare Advantage plans for prescription medication and health care.
"There are a number of different options for people," said Grace-Marie Turner, president of the Galen Institute, non-profit research organization focusing on health policy. "It's really important for seniors to take a look."
Different plans are available depending on the area beneficiaries live in, so beneficiaries should check which plans are available and what the costs are, Turner said.
"Most people think they have to stick with their program, but prices might have gone up," Turner said.
Such things as copayments and drug coverage may vary from plan to plan, Turner said.
Creating the ability for beneficiaries to choose from a variety of health care programs was part of the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003. The idea was that a "competitive marketplace" would reduce projected costs for health care coverage, Turner said.
Beneficiaries can compare cost and coverage information two ways: by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or by going online to www.medicare.gov.
Beneficiaries have until midnight New Year's Eve to change their Medicare Advantage plans for prescription medication and health care.
"There are a number of different options for people," said Grace-Marie Turner, president of the Galen Institute, non-profit research organization focusing on health policy. "It's really important for seniors to take a look."
Different plans are available depending on the area beneficiaries live in, so beneficiaries should check which plans are available and what the costs are, Turner said.
"Most people think they have to stick with their program, but prices might have gone up," Turner said.
Such things as copayments and drug coverage may vary from plan to plan, Turner said.
Creating the ability for beneficiaries to choose from a variety of health care programs was part of the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003. The idea was that a "competitive marketplace" would reduce projected costs for health care coverage, Turner said.
Beneficiaries can compare cost and coverage information two ways: by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or by going online to www.medicare.gov.
Leave a comment