Medicare recipients have until midnight tomorrow (Tuesday) to make changes in their insurance coverage and a local agent said that although the deadline looms, there’s still a little time to take action.
Bradley Edwards, of Consolidated Marketing Inc. (CMI) insurance in Henderson can help review existing policies to make sure consumers are getting the best deal – for them. “You don’t have to do something, but if you want to do something, time is running out.”
He told John C. Rose on Monday’s Town Talk that it’s often challenging for individuals to navigate the plans and coverage options.
“We can help sort through the confusing maze of health insurance out there to help people get the best deal available to them,” he said.
Sometimes, Medicare recipients purchase supplemental coverage to help bridge gaps with prescription medications or copays, he said.
Edwards, who grew up in Henderson, said his whole outlook is about helping people make the best decisions possible. “It’s all about developing relationships and helping each other out.”
Sitting down with an insurance expert to sift through the type of coverage that best suits your needs could be beneficial. There are plans within Medicare that are $0 plans, as there are with Affordable Care Act insurance plans, he added.
“Medicare Advantage plans are becoming more popular,” he noted. That is under Medicare Part C. Parts A and B are the “original” Medicare plans for medical care and hospitalization. and Part D is the prescription drug plan. Visit www.Medicare.gov to read more.
Health needs may change from year to year, and you may need to adjust your plan to reflect those changes. It may be helpful to review the likelihood of needing to see your regular health care provider or specialists in the next year to make sure you have the best coverage possible.
Prescription drug needs, how often you go to the doctor or other medical specialist all can have an affect on out-of-pocket expenses. “Everybody has different medical needs,” Edwards said. “There’s definitely a variety of plans out there.”
Newer insurance carriers have come on the scene and offer alternatives for consumers. When shopping for insurance plans, it’s important to take a look at network coverage as well as the monthly premium amount you’ll pay for the plan.
Open enrollment for ACA plans – those who do not receive Medicare – ends on Dec. 15, so there’s still a bit of time to make changes there for those who want coverage to start on Jan. 1, 2022. The deadline is extended to Jan. 15 for those who wish coverage to begin on Feb. 1, 2022.
Edwards said the cost of everything is going up and that certainly includes medical expenses. A medical bill “can get ugly pretty quick.” Plans that cover these catastrophic events cap the amount that a bill can be run up, he said.
Bluecrossnc.com has a lot of good information about the different health insurance plans it offers. And healthcare.gov is the official website to learn about ACA marketplace options.
Call Edwards at 252.438.2635 or visit the office at 601 S. Chestnut St.