P
lans will start revealing their
changes and new plans as early as
October 1st. Be on the lookout for
what changes your plan will have.
This comes in the form of a letter called:
MEDICARE
OPEN
ENROLLMENT
COMING SOON
October 15th - December 7th
Plan Annual Notice of Change
(ANOC letter)
The ANOC includes any changes in
coverage, costs, or service area that will be
effective in January. Review any changes
to decide whether the plan will continue
to meet your needs in the next year. If you
don’t get this important document, contact
your plan.
If your medication or health needs have
changed through the year, you might fi nd
that the current plan you’re on isn’t meeting
your needs. This would be the time to
change that plan. If you feel overwhelmed
by the choices available or even how to
decide which plan to move to, it’s best to
seek out an Independent Agent who can
help you determine which plan is best
suited for your needs. There is no cost to
you to use an agent. You can also follow
the same tips below for a person turning
65, on how to determine what plan is right
for you.
Turning 65?
Welcome to Medicare!
By Michele Campbell,
Independent Agent
Michele has been in the insurance
business for over 25 years and
specializes in Medicare, individual
health and life insurance. She is
passionate about helping her clients
to find the right plan to fit their needs.
She is an active member of the Gilroy
Chamber of Commerce, Gilroy Rotary
and Gilroy Leadership Class of 2015.
Visit mcinsuranceservices.com or
call 408.848.2271.
How do you know which
Medicare plan to choose?
• Medicare Supplement plan
• Medicare Advantage plan
• Part D plan
Choosing a plan can be a daunting process
when you start reading all the material that’s
out there. It is complex and if you make the
wrong choice, you have to live with it for the
remainder of that calendar year, in most cases.
Medicare is confusing at fi rst, but once you
understand the basics, it’s easier to understand
as you use it. If you need help with learning
about Medicare, an Agent is one of the best
ways to understand how it all works. If you
want to do some of your own research, here are
some things to consider when choosing a plan:
1
2
3
4
Tips For Choosing
A Medicare Plan
At 65 you can enroll in Medicare for the
fi rst time. Your Initial Enrollment Period
(IEP) starts three months before your 65 th
birthday, includes your birth month and
ends three months after your 65 th birthday.
You have a total of 7 months to enroll in
Medicare.
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
5
6
Research which plans are available in
your area?
• Check out the Medicare.gov website
or use the current “Medicare
and You” Handbook.
• What is the Star Rating for the plan?
Do you need a separate drug plan
(Part D) or is it included in your plan
(Ad vantage plan)?
• Are your prescribed medications
covered under the plan?
• What pharmacies can you use or
who are the preferred pharmacies?
• Do they offer mail order service?
What are your out of pocket costs?
• Premiums, deductibles, co-pays?
• Hospital costs?
• Diagnostic testing?
• What is your maximum
out-of-pocket cost?
Does your doctor(s) or hospital accept
that plan?
• Do they take Medicare?
• Are they in network?
• Do you need a referral to see a
specialist?
How well does the plan cover other
needs?
• Vision coverage?
• Dental coverage?
• Transportation?
Does the plan provide coverage when
you’re out of the country?
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