Top 5 things to Do to be Ready for 2023 Medicare Open Enrollment

Public Benefits

Oct 21

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 reviewing your coverage. Medicare plans change their offerings annually- even your current plan may make changes. Here are the top 5 things to do to prepare for this year’s Open Enrollment.

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

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. This is an excellent time if you have not set up a MyMedicare account yet.
Contact the Tennessee State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to discuss your coverage options with a trained, unbiased volunteer. Call 1-877-801-0044 for more information.

Sources cited: CMS.gov- Medicare Open Enrollment Article.

Medicaremedicare open enrollmentmedicare savings program

Amelia Crotwell, JD

Amelia Crotwell, founder and managing partner at Elder Law of East Tennessee, has guided families through long-term care and special needs challenges for nearly two decades. Specializing in Life Care Planning and special needs trusts, Amelia also collaborates across all areas of elder law, including wills, trusts, Medicare, Medicaid, probate, and veterans benefits planning. Certified as an Elder Law Attorney since 2011, she is president-elect of the Life Care Planning Law Firms Association and co-chair of their strategic planning committee. Amelia is deeply involved in the Special Needs Alliance and a prominent member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. She played a key role in founding the Tennessee chapter of NAELA, serving as its first president. A member of the Tennessee Bar Association and past chair of its Elder Law Section Executive Council, Amelia also dedicates time to pro bono work and community education. She earned her J.D., summa cum laude, from the University of Tennessee College of Law and teaches Elder Law there as an adjunct professor since 2018.