VPAS Offers Help during Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period

67 million people ages 65 and over, as well as younger adults with long-term disabilities, rely on Medicare for their health insurance. The annual open enrollment period is currently upon us, giving those eligible the opportunity to review coverage and choose what is right for them. Those who qualify could save money, or find better coverage during open enrollment, which runs until December 7. If you decide to enroll in a different option, your new coverage will start January 1.

It can be confusing, however, because of yearly changes and a wider variety of options. For instance, people with Medicare may choose to receive their Medicare benefits through traditional Medicare or through a Medicare Advantage plan, such as an HMO or PPO, administered by a private health insurer.

Ashley Hutchison of Valley Program for Aging Services in Bath and Highland Counties offers Medicare Counseling during this time, but you need to make an appointment by emailing ashley@vpas.info or calling 540-468-1975.

Those seeking counseling are asked to bring all paperwork and current prescriptions so Hutchison can help to review the information and find a plan that best matches your current needs. 

Medicare options vary based on location, but, in general, the average Medicare beneficiary can choose from 43 Medicare Advantage plans offered by 8 insurance companies for the current open enrollment period. These plans vary across many dimensions, including premiums and out-of-pocket spending, provider networks, extra benefits, prior authorization and referral requirements, and prescription drug coverage. As a result, enrollees face different out-of-pocket costs, access to providers and pharmacies, and coverage of non-Medicare benefits (such as dental, vision and hearing) based on the Medicare Advantage plan they choose.

With the open enrollment period also comes changes to policies, so enlisting free help from Hutchison can be important for overall navigation. For instance, one exciting change for 2025 plans means that Medicare beneficiaries will pay no more than $2,000 out of pocket for the prescription drugs they take that are covered under Medicare Part D. 

Don’t forget, open enrollment ends on December 7 and after that changes to plans can be extremely difficult or even impossible to make. Again, to make an appointment with Hutchison, email ashley@vpas.info or call 540-468-1975.