Beginning Oct 15th Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (“AEP”) will begin. It runs through Dec 7th for coverage effective Jan 1st.

AEP allows Medicare recipients to reevaluate coverage for Part C (Advantage) and Part D (Prescription Drug). Studies show most people overpay. Why? They base purchase decisions on premium instead of individual health care needs. The lowest cost plan is one that aggregates premium, co-payments, co-insurance, deductibles and costs of specific drugs.

Obviously it’s time to look elsewhere if a provider has discontinued Part C and/or Part D coverage. Other common reasons to shop around include:

– major health conditions have been diagnosed
– state of legal residence has changed
– prescription medications have changed
– plan features have changed (such as what’s covered and at what cost)

Medicare.gov is an excellent free resource. A real live human being (in 2015?…shocking!) is available for consultation 24/7 by calling 800-MEDICARE.

Another free resource is eldercare.gov – a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging. Information is available regarding services designed specifically for and available to older adults and their families. Medicare consultation is available Mon-Fri 9am-8pm by calling 800-677-1116

Lastly free Medicare counseling is available on the State Health Insurance Assistance Programs website – a public service of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.