Five Steps to Choose the Right Medicare Plan

It’s time for Medicare beneficiaries to choose a 2017 Medicare plan. The annual enrollment period for Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. You have the opportunity to review your options and find the plan that suits you best.

These are five easy steps that will help you make the right decision.

1. Review your current Medicare health plan. Analyze what you’ve spent on your health care in the last year. This allows you to benchmark your 2017 healthcare expenses and determine whether your current Medicare plan meets your needs.

2. 2. Choose the Medicare plan best suited to your needs. You have the following options:

* Original Medicare, which provides basic coverage for medical expenses without coverage for most prescriptions, and includes cost-sharing in the form of deductibles and coinsurance. These are Medicare Parts A & B.

* Medicare Advantage, which includes all of the coverage offered under Original Medicare through a private insurer, and may include extra benefits, such as dental, hearing and vision coverage, a nurse advice line and fitness program, as well as prescription drug coverage. With nearly a third (or more) of Medicare beneficiaries now enrolling in Medicare Advantage plans, the number has tripled since 2004. according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. This is Medicare Part C.

* Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, which offer coverage for prescription medications, and can be added to Original Medicare, a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan that does not include prescription drug coverage. This is Medicare Part D.

* Medicare Supplement Plans, which pay some costs not paid by Original Medicare, such as deductibles and coinsurance. A Medicare Supplement plan’s enrollment is open beyond the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period. These plans also do not have a defined provider network.

3. Comparison shop. Compare the different types of Medicare plans available. Seek out information about whether your hospital and doctor are included.

4. 4. “extras”Included. Medicare Advantage plans may include additional benefits such as a fitness program or exercise classes that are specifically for Medicare beneficiaries. Other benefits include hearing, vision, and dental care. Consider how important these additional benefits are for your lifestyle and health.

5. Get help. Although it can seem daunting to shop for a Medicare plan, there are resources that will help you. For 2017 Medicare plan information, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1 800 633-4227), or TTY: 1 877 486 2048, 24 hours a days, seven days a săptămână. Websites like www.Medicare.gov www.humana-Medicare.comThis site will help you find plans available in your local area prior to the Dec. 7 Medicare Advantage/ Prescription Drug Plan annual enrollment deadline.

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO/PPO and PFFS organisation. It also offers a standalone prescription drug plan and a Medicare contract. The contract renewal is necessary to be eligible for any Humana plan. This information does not include all benefits. Contact your plan for further information. There may be restrictions, copayments or limitations. Benefits can change every January 1.