Why You Need An Appointment With A Medicare Consultant

There are merely several short months before it's time for open enrollment for Medicare again. It rolls around every October, and yet it still occasionally catches people by surprise. Some people are not quite sure what they are supposed to do each year during open enrollment. If your medical coverage is sufficient for your needs, do you still need to meet up with a Medicare consultant? Yes! 

No matter who you are, you should talk to a Medicare consultant every year during open enrollment. There are several reasons why this is necessary, including but not limited to the following

Drug Formulary Changes

There are a lot of things changing behind the scenes each year. If you only have a drug plan along with original Medicare, you may need to be extra vigilant about making sure that your medications are covered. Advantage plans also have set drug plans, which can shift from covering specific medications and leave you paying out of pocket with the dawn of each new year. There are several ways to check if your medications will be covered, the easiest of which is using the Medicare website. Your Medicare consultant will be able to assist you with the process. 

Advantage Plan Benefit Changes

Occasionally the copayment amounts for advantage plans can change. This can make certain services more expensive, or they may even cease to cover services that you have used in the past. You may receive a notice in the mail of any changes, but to ensure that you do not lose necessary services too late, make sure to check your plan each year. 

Physician's Contract Changes

You never want to be caught off guard at your physician's office with a lapse in contract. Every so often, a provider will decide to not accept certain Medicare plans any longer, which can come as quite a shock to their patients. If you are not aware of the change, you may be responsible for services you have received since the new year. Make sure to call and ask your physician at the beginning of each year if anything has changed. 

In conclusion, instead of waiting around and eventually getting a letter in the mail about how the plan that you are all signed up for will change in the coming year, you should be proactive! Every year, without fail, you should talk to a Medicare consultant to make sure that your medications, medical needs, and physicians are all covered sufficiently. You will never regret being overly prepared. 

To learn more, contact a resource like Senior Insurance Benefit Specialist.