Dr. Sarita Warrick

Submitted photo

It’s the time of year when millions of Americans across the country have the opportunity to select or switch their health insurance benefits for the coming year.

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period opened Oct. 15 and will run through Dec. 7. For many older adults and caregivers, the process of choosing a Medicare plan can be challenging. Learning the lingo can help guide you in the right direction.

Eligibility

You may be eligible for Medicare benefits if:

• You are a U.S. citizen 65 years of age or older.
• You are receiving Social Security or railroad retirement benefits or have worked long enough to be eligible for those benefits but are not yet collecting them.
• You or your spouse is a government employee or retiree who has never paid into Social Security but has paid Medicare payroll taxes while working.

Types of coverage

You can choose Original Medicare provided by the government or add on additional benefits referred to as Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Supplement plans offered through private insurance.

Original Medicare includes:

• Part A — hospital coverage that helps pay for hospital inpatient care, skilled nursing facilities, hospice care and home health care.
• Part B — medical coverage that helps pay for outpatient services from doctors and other providers, preventive services and medical equipment like wheelchairs and walkers.

You can add on a Medicare Advantage plan called Part C or a Medicare Supplement, also referred to as Medigap. Both plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.

• Medicare Advantage plans combine Part A and Part B coverage into one comprehensive plan. These plans often include prescription drug coverage (Part D) and offer benefits not provided by Original Medicare. These plans are suited for those who are generally in good health and don’t expect a great deal of medical expenses.
• Medicare Supplement plans cover some of what Medicare Parts A and B do not cover, such as portions of coinsurance, out of pocket costs, copayments, and deductibles. These plans may be good for seniors who have significant health issues and out of pocket costs.

 Enrollment periods

There are several enrollment periods depending on your unique situation.

• Initial Enrollment Period: This period starts three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after the month you turn 65.
• Annual Enrollment Period: This period runs from October 15 through December 7 each year and allows you to sign up for a plan, switch plans or leave a plan.   
• Special Enrollment Period: This period applies only to special circumstances; it allows you to make changes to your Medicare Advantage plan and prescription drug coverage when certain events happen in your life like moving or losing your coverage.

Health care coverage is an important decision, so educate yourself before you choose. You can visit the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services website at www.medicare.gov; call 1-800-MEDICARE, (available 24/7) or contact Medicare Advantage health plans directly.

Another good resource is an independent licensed insurance agent or health plan sales agent that helps Medicare beneficiaries learn about benefit options, which options will fit their needs and how they can continue to see their preferred doctors. They can also share options for coverage of unique needs, such as chronic conditions or alternative medicine.

The best advice is to avoid waiting until the last minute. Start early and give yourself enough time to make the decisions that will be right for you.

Editor’s note: Dr. Sarita Warrick is chief medical officer for Optum Arizona and New Mexico. Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.