Improved online tool helps seniors choose Medicare plans

Just a reminder that Medicare’s annual Open Enrollment Period started Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7.

This is the time of year when seniors can change how they get their Medicare coverage, switch health and drug plans, and add or drop Medicare prescription drug coverage. So it’s important that they review their current coverage. Check current enrollment at Medicare.gov/find-a-plan/enrollment/ check-rollment.aspx.

Those who are happy with their current Medicare coverage don’t need to do a thing during Open Enrollment. But people often find they can save money or find a plan that better meets their health needs by shopping around.

To help them shop for 2020 Medicare health and drug plans, Health and Human Services just introduced an improved version of its popular Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov/plan-compare/#/?year=2020.

The redesigned Medicare Plan Finder makes it easier than ever to compare coverage options, shop for plans, and feel confident in a choice. This tool works on smart phones, tablets and desktop computers.

With Medicare Plan Finder, seniors you can:

- Compare up to three health or drug plans side-by-side;

- Get plan costs and benefits, including which Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits;

- Build a personal drug list and find a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D) that best meets the subscriber’s needs. When seniors search for a brand name drug, the online tool will show it along with any lower-cost generic alternatives.

Persons new to Medicare need to decide upfront how they get your Medicare coverage. Medicare Plan Finder can help with this, too. By selecting “Learn more about Medicare options before I see plans,” they can compare the different ways they can get Medicare coverage — through Original Medicare (with or without extra coverage) or a Medicare Advantage plan.

For a more personalized experience, they can also create their own Medicare account at MyMedicare.gov. Among other things, this account allows them to print a new Medicare card if they lose theirs.

About 10,000 people enroll in Medicare each day, and online tools are being improved to meet the needs of a growing number of tech-savvy beneficiaries. But seniors don’t need a computer to get information on their Medicare benefits.

If they have any questions, you can always call Medicare’s toll-free number, 1-800-633-4227. Customer service representatives are available 24/7.

There’s also the “Medicare & You” handbook, mailed to every Medicare household in the country each fall. The handbook is also available online.

Seniors also can get free counseling from their State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP.

SHIP is an independent, nonprofit organization that provides personalized counseling to people with Medicare. Seniors can make an appointment to speak with a SHIP counselor in-person or over the phone.

SHIP counselors are well-trained volunteers who often are enrolled in Medicare themselves, so they know the ropes. They can help a person sort through different health and drug plans and help find one that’s right for him or her. They’re not trying to sell any particular product.

To contact the local SHIP office, go to Shiptacenter.org. In California, the program is called the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program, or HICAP.

If seniors enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan this fall but they’re not satisfied with it, they can switch plans or return to Original Medicare between Jan.1 and March 31, 2020. If they return to Original Medicare, they can also buy a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D) during this period.

Persons having trouble paying for the prescription drug plan (Part D) may be eligible for the Extra Help program, which helps cover their premiums, deductibles and co-pays. Medicare beneficiaries typically save $4,900 annually with Extra Help.

For more information, go to SSA.gov/prescriptionhelp.

Greg Dill is Medicare’s regional administrator for California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, and the Pacific Territories.