Rest Easy – Medicare Decisions Don’t Have to Be Complicated
Whether you’re a newbie or looking to switch, there’s a plan for you
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Navigating the Medicare process can cause worry. If you or a loved one are becoming eligible for Medicare this year or looking to switch plans, you probably have many questions about Medicare eligibility, Medicare Advantage, and prescription drug plans. Meet Joe, Wendy, Paul and Anne – they have important Medicare decisions to make. Read their stories and get Rest Easy Tips that may help you and your loved-one during this year’s open enrollment, October 15, 2018 – December 7, 2018.
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Meet Joe, a recently retired chef and new to Medicare
After thirty years in the kitchen, Joe has decided to hang up his apron and enjoy retirement. Now almost 65, he knows he’s eligible for Medicare Parts A and B (Traditional Medicare), but not sure what it covers exactly. Joe’s been fortunate to have enjoyed good health most of his life, but recently he was diagnosed with COPD and after years on his feet his arthritis means more trips to the doctor. Joe’s got big plans, from eating his way through Italy to spending more time with his six grandkids, so having the right medical coverage to help make those plans come true is important to him. Here’s what Joe should know:
Medicare Rest Easy Tip: The recipe for the right health coverage is to know when you’re eligible to sign up for Medicare and to plan for your future health care costs. You’re eligible when you turn 65 and the enrollment period is three months before you turn 65, and three months after. All Medicare plans are not created equal and Traditional Medicare only covers so much. Example prescriptions and physical therapy are not covered, something Joe needs to consider. To limit out-of-pocket costs think about adding Medicare Parts C or D or a Medigap plan to have complete coverage.
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Meet Wendy, Paul, and Anne, looking to switch for better Medicare coverage
It’s true what they say – “it is a family affair”! Recently Anne moved in with Wendy and Paul and the kids. It’s perfect, Anne provides after-school help and gets to spend time with her grandkids, and Wendy and Paul are there to help make life easier for Anne. A not-so-easy decision has been figuring out a new Medicare plan that will cover Anne’s changing healthcare costs. Recently, Anne was diagnosed with a rare lung disease that requires her to see specialist and needs the flexibility to see broader choices in doctors. They know open enrollment is the time to reevaluate so their Mom can get the treatment she needs without breaking the bank. Here’s what Wendy, Paul and Anne need to know:
Medicare Rest Easy Tip: It’s critical to re-evaluate your Medicare coverage each year as your health and prescription needs change – not doing so can lead to excessive out-of-pocket costs that could be uncontrollable. If you require specialist doctors and need the broadest choice in medical providers, Traditional Medicare (Parts A+B) won’t have you fully covered. Look for a Medicare Part C that provides more physician options and Part D for to cover the cost of a wide variety of prescriptions.
There’s a lot of pressure to make the right decision, and that’s understandable because the decision you make today will last until the next Medicare enrollment period. Gain confidence and get peace-of-mind when you work with an Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield representative who’s empowered to help.
Anthem is a Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Anthem depends on contract renewal.
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