Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018 | 2 a.m.
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Medicare’s annual enrollment period is almost upon us. Starting on Oct. 15, seniors choose their plans for 2019. They’ll have to make their selections by Dec. 7 for coverage that takes effect Jan. 1. Beneficiaries will also have a second-chance enrollment opportunity from Jan. 1 to March 31, meaning seniors can “test-drive” their plans at the beginning of the year, then select a different plan if they want.
More than 20 million Americans are enrolled in more than 2,300 Medicare Advantage plans, each with its own mix of benefits including transportation services, telehealth, preventive care and even gym benefits. Their focus is to keep seniors healthy, with such benefits as physician hotlines. Seniors may find all these options empowering — and overwhelming. Fortunately, help is available. Medicare.gov contains a wealth of information. And, at no cost, agents and brokers can help seniors determine which plan would be best for them.
The writer is media relations chair for the Clark County Association of Health Underwriters.
