Common questions of people enrolling in Medicare

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic health care is more important than ever, and with open enrollment for Medicare beginning Oct. 15, Montana seniors may have questions about how to sign up and make sure they are properly covered.

These decisions can have significant effects on people’s coverage for the next year and the process often prompts questions from enrollees, especially if they’ve just turned 65 and are enrolling for the first time.

UnitedHealthcare of Montana recently put out a release that said there are three common questions people looking to sign up often ask. The first is when can they enroll in a Medicare plan.

The release said people have a seven-month window around their 65th birthday to enroll which begins three months before their birth month and ends three months after.

It’s best to sign up early to avoid gaps in coverage and late enrollment penalties, the release said.

It said people already enrolled in Medicare are permitted to to make changes to their plan or enroll in a new plan during the open enrollment period.

It said people who have experienced significant life events like a move can get a special enrollment period to switch plans during the year.

The second big question the release said seniors have is what the different parts of Medicare do.

It said Medicare has four main parts, A, B, C and D with Original Medicare including Parts A and B.

Part A, it said, provides coverage of in-patient care in hospitals and nursing facilities, as well as hospice care and some home care.

Part B provides coverage of the costs of doctor visits, outpatient hospital services and durable medical equipment as well as some preventive health care, the release said.

Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is an option for coverage that combines Parts A and B into one plan offered by private health insurers, it said.

This part, the release said, often includes prescription drug coverage and other additional benefits not included with Original Medicare depending on the private insurer.

The release said Part D primarily helps with the cost of prescription drugs.

The release also detailed Medicare supplement plans, which it said help cover some of what Parts A and B don’t.

This includes portions of coinsurance, copayments and deductibles.

The third question most often asked is how people should be comparing the various plans.

The release said that when it comes to Medicare, one size does not fit all, and people should explore their options and understand the benefits and costs of each plan by asking themselves questions when making their decision.

It said if people are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, they should have received a document called the Annual Notice of Changes, which they should look at to make sure they’re not caught off guard by any changes.

The release said this is important to take into account when people are considering whether their current plan is satisfactory to them.

It also said people should be considering their budget and looking at more than just their monthly premiums.

People should also understand the other out-of-pocket costs, including the deductible, copays and coinsurance, the release said.

It said people should also consider whether they are comfortable with the hospitals and doctors they are able to see with their plans, and whether their medications are on the formulary, or approved drug list.

It said the drug list for plans can change from year to year and even if the drugs a person needs are covered this year, they should review the materials they receive from their plan to make sure these drugs will still be covered next year.

The release also said people should ask themselves if their prospective plan offers additional benefits, including dental and vision care coverage or even a gym membership.

It said by keeping these kinds of things in mind people will be better able to navigate their choices for Medicare enrollment or when changing their plans.

It said people looking for more information, webinars, or looking to find a local agent can go to https://www.medicaremadeclear.com/basics/get-to-know-medicare?WT.mc_id=8017463 .