What to know about Medicare open enrollment

Medicare open enrollment is here, giving millions of Americans the chance to review their health coverage and make changes for the coming year. From Thursday, Oct. 15, through Monday, Dec. 7, Medicare beneficiaries can compare plans, update prescription drug coverage and decide whether their current coverage still meets their needs.

During open enrollment, you can decide to switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan. If you have an MA plan, you can switch back to Original Medicare. Or you can change to a different MA plan.

You can also decide to enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan or switch to a different Part D plan.

Before you begin

It's helpful to first review the various parts of Medicare:

• Part A covers hospital and hospice care, as well as some skilled nursing services after you leave the hospital.
• Part B covers outpatient services, such as visits with your doctor and diagnostic tests.
• Part D helps pay for prescriptions.
• Part C is Medicare Advantage, which combines Parts A, B and usually D.

Get the information you need

To compare plans, go to Medicare's Plan Finder at medicare.gov. There you can review coverage and pricing for Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, compare costs and get information about Part D prescription drug plans.

You'll want to make sure your doctors are in your plan's network. You'll also want to check whether the medications you take are covered by your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. Prescription drugs that aren't covered or aren't preferred medications could end up costing you more. Co-pays also vary from plan to plan, so be sure to review those costs carefully.

If you like your current plan, make sure to review its Annual Notice of Change. Your plan may be changing for the coming year. But if your current plan isn't undergoing significant changes and will still work well for you, you may not need to do anything during this enrollment period.

Hendrick Health has partnered with Resource Corporation of America to help patients enroll in Medicare and other programs. For assistance, call 325-670-4031.

For information about enrolling in Medicare, comparing health and drug plans or speaking with a Medicare representative, visit medicare.gov.

Medicare beneficiaries, family members and caregivers can also get benefits counseling and help with Medicare questions through the Area Agency on Aging of West Central Texas. For assistance, call 325-793-8417.