Review your coverage now: Medicare open enrollment ends on December 7, 2015

Time is running short for the annual open enrollment period for Medicare, which will be ending on Monday, December 7, 2015. AARP Alabama wants to remind Medicare recipients that now is the time to ensure that your current coverage will still meet your needs in 2016.

If you are currently enrolled in a Medicare insurance plan, you should have received an Annual Notice of Change in the mail sometime this fall. This Annual Notice of Change details any changes to cost and coverage for 2016 in your current Medicare plan. It’s important to review it carefully. Remember: If you do not make changes to your current coverage, then the changes to your coverage and costs detailed in that Annual Notice of Change will automatically take effect on January 1, 2016.

AARP Alabama recommends that all Medicare recipients consider the “4Cs” in determining if their current coverage is still working for you, or if you need to consider a new plan:
• COSTS including the monthly premium, the annual deductible, and cost-sharing.
• COVERAGE for the doctors and pharmacies included in the plan and the prescription drugs and other services you need. Are your current prescriptions still covered? Are your current doctors still on the plan?
• CONVENIENCE of the doctors and pharmacies in your plan. Is there a mail order pharmacy option? Can you get to the doctor easily?
• CUSTOMER SERVICE, or the quality ratings, which are provided for most Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans. These ratings are based on the quality of care and customer service each plan provides and can be found at Medicare.gov/quality-care-finder.

For help and unbiased information on Medicare coverage options, AARP Alabama recommends calling the Alabama Department of Senior Services at 1-800-243-5463, or reviewing your options online at Medicare.gov.