It’s that time of year again, when millions of Americans across the country have the opportunity to switch their Medicare plans for the coming year. The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) takes place October 15^th through December 7^th. AEP is a good time to evaluate whether your current plan is meeting your evolving healthcare needs.

Types of Coverage

Picking the right plan can be confusing. Medicare beneficiaries can choose Original Medicare provided by the government, which can be paired with supplemental plans from private insurance companies. Or, they may also choose a Medicare Advantage plan, offered by private insurance companies.

Here are some basics to understanding Medicare:

Original Medicare

Part A is hospital coverage that helps pay for hospital inpatient care, skilled nursing facilities, hospice care and home health care.

Part B is medical coverage that helps pay for outpatient services from doctors and other providers, preventive services, and medical equipment like wheelchairs and walkers.

Medicare Part D

Designed to provide drug coverage, Medicare Part D is not part of Original Medicare but can be added as a separate plan if desired. Coverage is provided by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.

Medicare Supplement Plans

These plans cover some of what Medicare Parts A and B do not cover, such as portions of coinsurance, out-of-pocket costs, copayments, and deductibles. Medicare Supplement Plans may be good for seniors who have significant health issues and out-of-pocket costs. Supplemental plans are often purchased to add to coverage provided in Original Medicare.

Medicare Advantage

These plans combine Part A and Part B coverage and often Part D in one comprehensive plan. Medicare Advantage plans also often offer more benefits and promote better health outcomes.

Choosing a plan

Some questions to ask yourself when choosing or changing Medicare coverage:

• Does your Reliant care team accept the plan?
• Does the plan cover your medications?
• Can you afford the monthly premium?
• Does the plan cover the services you need?

Reliant accepts many Medicare plans, including several Medicare Advantage plans, which sometimes can be more affordable. Check out all of your options so you don’t miss out on savings and extra benefits!

Reliant accepts many Medicare plans, including several Medicare Advantage Plans, which sometimes can be more affordable.
Visit reliantmedicalgroup.org/medicare for a list of Medicare plans Reliant accepts.

Have questions about how Medicare works? We are here to help!

• Attend a Reliant “Medicare 101” educational session

• Visit our website for Medicare resources

• Contact Reliant’s Medicare Educator

• Visit medicare.gov

The best advice is to avoid waiting until the last minute to choose a plan. Start early and give yourself enough time to make the Medicare coverage decisions that will be right for you.