Once a year, between November
15th and December 31st, people who are already
on Medicare have an opportunity to make changes in how they receive
their benefits. If they are on Original Medicare (Part A and Part
B), they can sign up for Part D coverage or move to a Medicare
Advantage plan. They can also change from one Part D prescription
drug plan to a different one. If they have a Medicare Advantage plan
they can switch to a different plan.
There are many reasons why someone
might want to change plans. Personal circumstances—such as
change in health status or drugs needed—or changes in
what’s offered in the plans from year to year are some reasons
people switch.
“Of course, you don’t
have to change if you don’t want to,” explained Denyce
Singleton, Senior State Director. “But it is important to make
sure you are getting the most out of your Medicare by knowing all
your options. You’ll want to find out if another plan might be
better for you.”
The steps to take are simple:
-
Find the Medicare plans available
in the area.
-
Compare the costs, benefits and
quality of each plan.
-
Choose the plan that’s best
for the individual.
Medicare Options Compare
[http://www.medicare.gov/MPPF/Include/DataSection/Questions/Welcome.asp]
shows which health plan choices are available by zip code. The tool
also allows comparison of benefits, doctors and drugs and the
related costs.
“The more you learn about
your Medicare choices, the better prepared you will be to make the
choice that’s right for you,” said Singleton, “A
good place to go to get help is the State Health Insurance Program
also known as SHIP.” A SHIP office is located in the Juan Luis
Hospital and the Schneider Regional Hospital. In St. Croix the
phone number is 772-7368 and in St. Thomas the number is 714-4254.