MISSION, Kan., Nov. 2, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- (Family Features) Medicare's Open Enrollment gives people with Medicare the opportunity to sign up for health or prescription drug plans, or make changes to their existing health plans or prescription drug plans for coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2021. But don't delay ? Open Enrollment ends on Dec. 7.
Why compare plans for next year? Just as your health care needs can change from year to year, so do Medicare plans. While Medicare plans generally cover all Part A and Part B benefits, not all plans offer the same cost sharing or additional benefits. You may be able to find new extra benefits, save money ? or both.
What's new this Open Enrollment?
Medicare plans in 2021 have historically low premiums ? dropping an average of 34% over the last three years, and in some states dropping over 50%. There's never been a better time to go to Medicare.gov and look at your options.
If you're among the 1 in 3 people with Medicare who has diabetes, here's some more good news: hundreds of prescription drug plans will be participating in a new insulin savings initiative, through which they'll offer a month's supply of a range of insulins for a copayment of $35 or less in 2021. If you take insulin and enroll in one of these plans, you could save an average of $446 per year on your out-of-pocket costs for insulin next year.
Here are some things to consider when shopping for Medicare plans:
Medicare is here to Help
Think you'll need help comparing plans? Here are some things you can do safely from your home:
You can also find help in your community. Get personalized health insurance counseling at no cost to you from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Visit shiptacenter.org, or call 1-800-MEDICARE for your SHIP's phone number. Many SHIPs also have virtual counseling this year.
Medicare Open Enrollment ends on Dec. 7. Now's the time to act if you want to enroll in or make changes to your Medicare health or prescription drug plan for coverage beginning January 1, 2021. If your current coverage still meets your needs, then you don't have to do anything. Remember, if you miss the Dec. 7 deadline, you'll likely have to wait a full year before you are able to make changes to your Medicare coverage.
For more information, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE. If you need help in a language other than English or Spanish, let the customer service representative know the language.
You can also find information about Medicare on the Medicare Facebook page and by following @MedicareGov on Twitter.
Medicare Covers the Flu Shot
This year, it's more important than ever to get a flu shot, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many people with Medicare are at greater risk for serious complications from flu. A flu shot is your best protection from getting and spreading the flu, and Medicare covers it at no cost to you if you get it from an in-network provider. Protect yourself and others ? visit your doctor, pharmacy or other local provider and get your flu shot today.
Protect Your Medicare Card and Help Fight Fraud
Don't let your guard down. Here are a few important steps you can take to protect your identity and help fight Medicare fraud.
Get Help Paying for Prescriptions
People with Medicare can get prescription drug coverage. Some people with limited resources and income may also qualify for what's called "Extra Help" to help pay for monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments related to a Medicare prescription drug plan.
Medicare estimates that more than 2 million people with Medicare may be eligible for Extra Help but aren't currently enrolled the program. To qualify for Extra Help in 2020, your annual income must be less than $19,140 a year ($25,860 for married couples). Even if your annual income is higher, you may still qualify. Also, your resources must also be limited to $14,610 ($29,160 for married couples). Resources include bank accounts, stocks and bonds, but not your house, car or life insurance policies.
To see if you qualify for Extra Help, apply online at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
Information provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Michael French
[email protected]
1-888-824-3337
editors.familyfeatures.com
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SOURCE Family Features Editorial Syndicate
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