Medicare Open Enrollment is upon us! Open Enrollment is a chance to compare your choices for the year ahead and see if you could save money in 2023. Open Enrollment runs through December 7th so don’t delay in reviewing your coverage.

Medicare plans change their offerings annually- even your current plan may make changes. Here are the top 5 things to do so you can feel prepared for this year’s Open Enrollment.

  1. Review your current plan to see what changes (if any) will be ahead in the coming year.
    1. gov makes it easy to review coverage options, shop for plans, and feel confident in your choices. You can easily see your own plan’s information and what it may look in 2023.
  2. Check if your prescriptions are included in your plan’s formulary and if your health care providers are in a plan’s network.
  3. Review a plan’s estimated total costs to you, including deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs.
  4. If you take insulin, there is a new cap on your out-of-pocket costs. Talk to someone for help with comparing plans.
    1. To speak with an unbiased, trained volunteer, contact Tennessee’s State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) at 1-877-801-0044
  5. If you have limited income and resources, check to see if a Medicare Savings Program could help you with your Medicare costs.
    1. Medicare Savings Programs run by your state can help you save money on health, prescriptions drug costs, and sometimes even your Part B premium! For more information contact your state Medicaid office or talk with a Tennessee SHIP volunteer.

Again, Medicare Open Enrollment runs through December 7th so the time to check in for next year is now! To get help during Open Enrollment with comparing plans and coverage, reach out to these resources:

  • Call 1-800-MEDICARE for 24 hour help with comparing coverage.
  • Got to Medicare.gov to use their Plan Finder Tool to review coverage options side by side. If you have not set a MyMedicare account yet this is a good time to do so.
  • Contact the Tennessee State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to speak with a trained, unbiased, volunteer about your coverage options. Call 1-877-801-0044 for more information.

Sources sited: CMS.gov- Medicare Open Enrollment Article