By Jackie Tangires, LCSW-C, Certified Aging Life Care Manager
WOW! Time sure does fly! It is that time again to take responsibility for your future and review your Health insurance coverage needs.
Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15, 2024, and ends December 7, 2024. Do not delay, start planning today! Make this a priority!
You are ALWAYS encouraged to review your coverage from year to year as the companies and formularies change. You do not want to be blindsided by the news that your medication is no longer covered. Take the time to review your coverage from the current year and choose the best plan that suits your needs.
National and local resources are available to assist you through this process. Please be sure to contact them to ensure that you have all the answers to your questions.
Please get in touch with one of the following agencies to get your questions answered.
MARYLAND:
MARYLAND STATE HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN 1 (866) 360- 0209 (SHIP)
MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF AGING 1 (800) 243-3425 Option # 2
https://aging.maryland.gov/Pages/state-health-insurance-program.aspx
PENNSYLVANIA
PA MEDI 1 (800) 783-7067
https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/aging/aging-programs-and-services/pa-medi-medicare-counseling.html
DELAWARE
DELAWARE MEDICARE ASSISTANCE BUREAU (Formerly Elder Info)
1 (800) 336-9500 or local (302) 674-7364
https://insurance.delaware.gov/divisions/dmab/
HELP AND ASSISTANCE ARE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY, INCLUDING WEEKENDS: 1 (800) MEDICARE OR 1 (800) 633-4227.
MEDICARE ALSO HAS A PLAN FINDER TOOL:
https://www.medicare.gov/drug-coverage-part-d/how-to-get-prescription-drug-coverage
Things to consider when reviewing the plans that are offered:
- If you acknowledged gaps in your Medicare coverage or paid out of pocket for prescriptions more than normal
- A new plan may save you money if you take different medications.
- If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to Original Medicare from January 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025. Services will begin the month after your request.
- If you currently have Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan, you should receive an ANOC (Annual Notice of Change) from your plan. These notices should reflect any changes in your plan’s benefits, costs, or rules for 2024-2025.
- Even if you are happy with your current plan, reviewing different Medicare Part D plans that have changed for the upcoming year could be beneficial.
Additional helpful information when you visit your pharmacy:
- Request a 90-day supply; three refills on one trip.
- Request generic medications; lower-priced medications might be available.
- Ensure that the bottles are easy to open and that you are confident administering the medication.
- Make sure that the information for each prescription is easy to read.
Mark your calendar now for October 2025 to remind you of the next Open Enrollment period.
If you or someone you care about needs additional support to help cope, The Option Group is here to help. Don’t hesitate to contact our professional care management team for assistance.
About The Option Group: Founded in 2010, The Option Group’s compassionate team of experienced Certified Life Care Managers and Educational Advocates provides services for families, their loved ones, medical professionals, and professional family advisors in Maryland, Northern Virginia, Southern Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The firm understands the challenges of caring for individuals who need assistance throughout their lifespan due to aging, dementia, disability, or serious illness. Our skilled providers possess over 100 years of combined experience navigating the healthcare maze and accessing hundreds of resources. The Option Group helps families spend quality time with their loved ones, providing clear choices that lead to better care. For more information, visit www.theoptiongroup.net or call 410-667-0266 (MD) or 717-287-9900 / 610-885-8899/ 215-896-6756 (PA)or 302-858-6449 (DE). For Minor & Young Adult Life Care Management or Educational Services, call Mary Jo Siebert at 410-967-0122 or 443-318-4244.