The month of November marks the beginning of the open enrollment period for Medicare coverage plans. This year, the enrollment period lasts from October 15 to December 7, 2022, allowing plenty of time to choose the best coverage for your needs. A wide range of coverage options makes the selection process difficult without proper guidance. Summers Pharmacy is committed to helping patients access affordable prescription plan coverage via Medicare Open Enrollment Consultations.
Understanding Medicare Open Enrollment
As you review your plan options, it is important to research all the terminologies surrounding insurance coverage. Summers Pharmacy helps you make the most informed decisions when enrolling for Medicare plans. When researching coverage options, you might encounter the following terms:
Medicare – Medicare.gov defines Medicare as a Federal health insurance plan for:
Patients 65 years and older
Younger patients with disabilities
Patients with permanent kidney failure that requires in-depth treatments, such as dialysis or kidney transplant
If any of these categories are applicable, you are eligible for Medicare prescription plan coverage.
Medicare Part A – refers to plans that cover inpatient/hospital care.
Medicare Part B– covers outpatient and medical expenses.
Medicare Part C – is another name for Medicare Advantage plans offered by private companies approved to service Medicare patients. Medicare Advantage plans incorporate elements of Medicare Parts A, B, and D and allows you to choose from several health providers within the network of doctors and healthcare professionals.
Medicare Part D – covers your prescription drug fees. Part D is available during the open enrollment period.
Open Enrollment Period – an annual period where patients can keep their current coverage or choose from a variety of plans that meet their individual needs.
Coverage Gap, aka Donut Hole – Most Medicare Part D drug plans have a coverage gap. This gap is a set dollar amount at which a plan will no longer cover the cost of your prescription drug costs. For example, for 2023, Medicare part D will cover prescription expenses once you reach $4,460 in total costs. Once you spend $7,400 in out-of-pocket costs for the year, your plan will resume covering your prescription drugs.
Choosing the Right Medicare Prescription Plan for You
Do you want to continue getting medications from your trusted community pharmacist at Summers Pharmacy? Completing a Medicare Consultation helps you make the best decisions and be able to stay covered at our pharmacy.
Things to consider when choosing a new plan include the following:
Are your current health providers included in this plan? Make sure to make a list of all the doctors you see now and make certain your coverage is accepted at their offices.
Will your prescription drug costs be covered? Summers Pharmacy will provide a detailed list of all your medications to accurately list the medicines you need to check prescription coverage options.
Which medications will have out-of-pocket expenses with your new plan?
How much will any additional fees cost you? Depending on whether you need to see a primary care provider or a specialist, some plans may differ when it comes to your copay costs.
What other types of coverage come with the plan? For example, some Medicare plans may include dental and vision coverage. Meanwhile, other plans may require you purchase those additional coverages separately.
Get help with Medicare Plans at Summers Pharmacy
Our Summers Pharmacy staff is here to help you review your Medicare plan options. On average, patients who opt to do a plan review save over $1,100 per year. Don't miss our open enrollment period and the chance to save money on medical coverage this year; book a Summers Pharmacy Medicare Plan Review Session to increase your savings and coverage advantages today.