As the Beatles’ song goes “Here comes the sun. . . “and the cooler weather. The leaves are starting to change colors and it’s a sign that fall is here. And that’s exactly what the leaves do, right? Fall for us to pick up!
Another sign that it’s fall is the Annual Election Period for Medicare beneficiaries. I mentioned the Annual Election Period to Ruth and her friend, Patsy, when we had lunch October 2 (yes, a safe lunch with masks on, washing hands and social distancing). Patsy immediately asked if I was involved in this year’s election. I told her “Oh, no! I’m in the insurance business. I help people “elect” and enroll in their Medicare Prescription plan, Medicare Advantage plan and/or Medicare supplement plan.” A totally different “election period”. Both are everywhere you look – mail, TV, internet, radio. Ruth and Patsy both said they had already received tons of mail and seen lots of ads on TV. With over 30 Medicare prescription plans offered in 2021 and over 20 Medicare Advantage plans offered (based on where you live), which plan(s) fits you the best? How much will you have to pay every time you get a prescription filled starting in January? How much will your current prescription plan premium change? Will your doctors still accept your Medicare Advantage plan in 2021? What’s the premium for your Medicare Advantage plan? All of these are very good questions and concerns. For some people these changes could be financial “tragedies” or at least may make you feel that way. There is a bright spot to all this. You can change plans between October 15 and December 7. This is when you can solve a potential problem before it happens. You can review your current plan and compare it to all the other plans offered. If there is a more suitable plan for you (one that meets all your needs, has a lower premium, covers your prescriptions, is accepted by your doctors), you can change plans without any concern of being turned down. What’s your next step? Reach out and ask for help and advice. Share your situation, listen to a professional who is certified to discuss your options. Then choose the plan that works best for you in 2021. Wouldn’t it be nice to have someone listen to you and help you wade through this with you being their primary concern - and maybe even solve a potential problem? Even though you have until December 7, reach out now and get this off your mind. If you’re like Ruth’s friend, Patsy, you may be confused and frustrated about this Medicare Annual Election Period. Patsy didn’t know who to reach out to. If you want someone to listen to you and help you, feel free to do what Patsy did – she called me at 501-868-6650 and said “Caroline, can we talk?” As the Beatle’s song goes “Here comes the sun . . . “and enjoy it!
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AuthorCaroline Beauchamp specializes in personalized life and health insurance solutions. Archives
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