Oct. 15 marked the beginning of open enrollment for those on Medicare.
Whether enrolled in Original Medicare only or already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan, Medicare recipients can take advantage of this period each year to switch to a new health plan or add to their Medicare insurance coverage for the following year.
If you’ve been thinking about making changes to your coverage for next year, here are some things you may want to consider:
1. Look at Your Total Annual Out-of-Pocket Costs
Consider not only monthly premiums but other costs such as copays, coinsurance, deductibles and annual limits on your total out-of-pocket spending.
2. Think About Coverage Beyond Original Medicare
Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans often include extra coverage and benefits for hearing, vision, chiropractic, fitness memberships and more.
3. Check the Provider Network
Make sure your favorite doctors, hospitals and other important providers are included in the plan’s network.
4. Don’t Forget About Prescription Drug Coverage
Original Medicare and Medicare Supplement plans do not include coverage for prescription drugs, so you may need to purchase a separate Part D prescription drug plan. Medicare Advantage plans, however, often include prescription drug coverage without a separate premium.
Samaritan Lowers Premiums & Adds New Benefits for 2022
Samaritan Health Plans has made some exciting changes to our Medicare Advantage plans for next year. We’ve lowered the premiums on our Conventional Plan and Premier Plan, so now we can offer a plan that includes Part D prescription drug coverage for only $19 per month.
In addition, we’ve added some great new benefits to all three of our plans including preventive and comprehensive dental coverage, a quarterly allowance for many over-the-counter items (such as cold and flu medicine, bandages, vitamins, pain relievers and more), rides to any health-related location, hearing and vision benefits, fitness benefits and more.
Applications for 2022 must be received by the health plan by Tuesday, Dec. 7.
Samaritan Health Plans offers Medicare Advantage plans to residents of Benton, Lincoln and Linn counties. Local Medicare experts are available to answer your questions.
Call 800-832-4580 or visit samhealthplans/Medicare.