Columns In a year filled with unforeseen challenges and important decisions, people with Medicare have through Monday, Dec. 7, to select their Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan coverage for 2021.
To ensure you have the right Medicare plan for you in place Jan. 1, 2021, it is important to focus on these three key topics:
Navigating plan options during COVID-19: Traditionally, the annual Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plan open enrollment period offers opportunities for in-person educational events and one-on-one meetings with licensed sales agents. This year, you can safely access the resources you need to choose the best plan for you, online or by phone. The Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov/plan-compare is a great place to start.
Doctors in network, prescription drugs covered? As you connect with a licensed sales agent or research information online, remember to confirm which doctors and hospitals are in a plan’s network. If you have a preferred physician or health care facility, a licensed health insurance agent can help you see if a specific doctor or hospital is in a plan’s network and taking new patients.
Although Original Medicare does not cover most prescription drugs, many Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage, or you can sign up for a Part D Prescription Drug Plan separately. A licensed sales agent can look up the medications you would like covered and help you estimate what the cost of each drug would be on a plan.
