Medicare Open Enrollment for 2023

October 15-December 7, 2022

Signing up for Medicare Options for 2023 can be very stressful, but it does not have to be. Take your time to look at all of your options, and there are many. Each carrier offers just a different approach to managing your healthcare. You need to determine your personal situation and with the help of a licensed certified agent, get your questions answered. Do not be pressured into making a decision unless you are comfortable with the program. Remember, you have until the end of Medicare Open Enrollment to make your final decision.

Before you speak with someone, let’s look at some of the considerations:

• Your current health. This is a key component for the options you choose.
• The complete list of your current medications and prescriptions.
• Your financial ability to meet copays, out-of-pocket expenses, and maximum liability.
• Eligibility of government help.
• Checking to see what Insurance Networks your Doctors, Hospitals, Providers, and Pharmacies are part of.
• Specific programs for Veterans, Chronic Illness, Medicaid/low-income situations, and more.

Let’s look at your options:

• Stay with the U.S. Government Medicare Program Directly. This option needs a stand-alone Rx Drug Card that needs to fit your current list of prescriptions.
• Choose a Medicare Supplement to help with the out-of-pocket cost inherent in Medicare.
• Choose a Program offered by an Insurance Company that will be managing your healthcare. These are referred to MAPD (Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans). With these plans, you must be aware of the healthcare networks being offered, the copays, the deductibles, and the out-of-pocket maximum. Most MAPD plans offer other added benefits that are not available with standard Medicare.

Other information you should be aware of would be the new requirement that over-the-phone presentations need to be recorded. Do not let that scare you. The idea is to protect you, the consumer from any conflicts that may arise during your sign-up and decision. Remember, the CHOICE is always yours. Take your time and choose the plan that fits your needs and that you are comfortable with.

If you live in New York State, feel free to call 315 622-7000 or email me at [email protected]. Let me know the best time to reach you and we can discuss the programs available for you and answer all of your questions. If my line is busy, please leave a message and I will call you back. You will always speak to me, Art.