The Medicare Open Enrollment period began a couple of weeks ago and runs through Dec. 7 – it’s a time for Medicare beneficiaries to try to figure out if they need to change anything about their plan for 2027.
There are so many options – how do you choose? Well, if you ask Kerr-Tar COG Regional Ombudsman Kimberly Hawkins or Vance County Medicare Coordinator Amber Gregory, they would probably suggest you make an appointment with someone who can guide you to what works best for your individual situation.
Gregory said, “I think my number one question is, and I get it every year, is basically, ‘What the heck do I do?’”
As for the annual process, Hawkins acknowledged it can be confusing. “It appears cumbersome – ‘cause it is,” she said. “But it’s doable.”
It’s not something that beneficiaries have to do alone, she said. Getting non-biased guidance from people trained in the process is vital, Hawkins said.
Gregory and Hawkins were guests on Tuesday’s TownTalk and shared some helpful suggestions about scheduling a time to meet with people who can help beneficiaries decide if they are better of keeping what they have or changing plans.
The health coverage that most people associate with traditional Medicare consists of three parts, Hawkins explained. Parts A, B and D. Part A is for hospital coverage and Part B is, generally speaking, outpatient coverage. Part D covers prescription drugs.
Medicare Part C, or Medicare Advantage plans, may be something you’d like to consider.
Again, Hawkins said, if you’re unsure of the choices you want to make, “I would say meet with a counselor early.”
You can sign up to speak with a SHIIP counselor at your local Senior Center, or you can communicate with KTCOG or Medicare to learn more.
Call 866.506.6223 to schedule a meeting.