Understanding Medicare And The Options Available To You

Now is the time to review your current Medicare Plan and decide if it still meets your needs. Open Enrollment begins early this year on October 15, and ends December 7, 2011. There are some changes to give you more choices, more benefits, ways to save money and more protection against unscrupulous marketing.

Medicare provides a wider selection of free preventive services like mammograms, colon cancer screenings, and will continue to pay for an Annual Wellness Visit with your doctor.

Every person with Medicare will have to choose a Part D plan to help with prescription medications. There are numerous prescription plans available, including some with a zero deductible, and generics plans. And those who reach the coverage gap (donut hole) will get a 50 percent discount on covered name brand drugs and 14 % on generics. The premiums of the Part D plans are staying about the same in 2012 as in 2011, too.

During the open enrollment period you can also add a Part C Medicare Advantage (like an HMO or PPO) plan to your Original Medicare. Part C can also contain prescription coverage. You can also stick to your current Medicare Advantage, change to another plan or leave your Medicare Advantage plan for Original Medicare. The cost of Medicare Advantage premiums is averaging 4 percent lower than last year.

So many choices of health and prescription plans can be a tad overwhelming, though. Medicare has decreased the number of duplicate plans to help make it relatively easier. There are also several ways for you to get help with comparing the plans and making your decision.

Be sure to review your existing plan when you search for a new one, including the Annual Notice of Change letter. You can use the following resources to help find your new plan:

1. The most recent "Medicare and You" handbook has a listing of all the plans available in your area.

2. The Medicare site has a wealth of information including a Medicare Plan Finder at www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan.

3. Help is available 24 hours a day, including weekends, at the 1-800-MEDICARE hotline. Just say "Agent."

4. Your State Health insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can give you personalized help. Call or visit the volunteers in your area who will to walk you through your choices.

5. During the Open Enrollment period you can also get expert advice and tips from health experts on The Medicare Blog http://blog.medicare.gov/