Medicare review essential as pandemic continues

It’s time to take stock of your Medicare coverage. Open enrollment begins today, Oct. 15, and you will have until Dec. 7 to think about health care needs for 2021 and decide whether you need to make any changes in your coverage.

This review is important every year, but it’s essential as the country continues to struggle with the repercussions of COVID-19, an illness that disproportionately affects older Americans.

During open enrollment, enrollees get to decide whether Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage (MA) — an alternative that relies on private health insurance plans — is best for their health needs. During this period, you can switch from Original to MA or shift from an MA plan back to Original Medicare. You can change MA plans and decide whether to enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan or change plans if you already get your drugs through a Part D policy. Any changes you make will take effect in January 2021.

MEDICARE, page 6 To help you make this decision, you need to consider all of Medicare’s parts. Part A covers hospital and hospice care and some skilled nursing services after you’ve been in the hospital.

Part B includes doctor visits, diagnostic tests and other outpatient services. Part C is Medicare Advantage, which combines Part A, Part B and, usually, Part D, which helps pay for prescription drugs.

Medicare has evolved from the traditional government-operated program to a marketplace that offers beneficiaries dozens of private plans from which to choose.

With all the options to choose from, it’s important to take a look at what’s available and pick coverage based on medical needs and preferences in conjunction with your income and ability to cover the costs.