Plans may have new benefits

by Carson Bloomquist

Optum at the HCC

It’s that time of the year again: Annual Enrollment Period (AEP).

This is when your inbox and mailbox start overflowing with advertisements for Medicare options. Before you chuck everything out, it’s worth taking some time to think about what you need and want from your health coverage.

What Benefits Matter to You?

Health plans have come out with a lot of new benefits in the last few years. Many plans already offer gym memberships and transportation. There are some plans offering tech support, food delivery services and more.

You may be surprised to see what’s available these days!

What’s your health like? If this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that our health can change overnight. If you’ve had any changes in your health, like a new diagnosis, it’s worth comparing plans. There are some out there designed just for people with certain conditions, like diabetes or heart disease.

What medications are you on? Most of us are taking generics, which are less expensive. But if you’re taking any brand-name drugs, be sure to compare plans’ formularies. A formulary is a list of copays for medications. And each health plan has a different formulary— confusing, right? It’s worth putting in a little time, though, because you could save a lot of money next year.

You don’t have to go at this alone. Health plans hold meetings throughout this season to share their benefits information. These meetings are a great way to ask questions and get help in understanding what you need. There are also independent licensed agents who can help you compare multiple plans at a time.

AEP starts tomorrow (Oct. 15) and runs until Dec. 7. If you do enroll with a different plan, it won’t be effective until Jan. 1.

So use these eight weeks to your advantage and get next year off to a good start.