The New York Times reported: “The Medicare open enrollment season, which runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, gives individuals a chance to rethink it all and reassess whether their plan still fits their needs.”
“Elizabeth Cooper, a 68-year-old former elementary schoolteacher, weighs her options each year. She has already tried a couple of plans, including one through Medicare Advantage, which lured her in because it had no monthly premium. But the plan required her to shoulder a significant share of her medical costs.”
“She is healthy now, but she has a history of skin cancer. ‘I didn’t feel that would give me a sense of ease because of the co-pays and the possible unexpected expenses that can crop up,’ said Ms. Cooper, of Birmingham, Ala.”
“So she backed out of that plan during the trial period, and opted for peace of mind. She enrolled in original Medicare, and bought a supplemental policy for about $135 a month that covers items like deductibles and her share of each bill. After having a few diagnostic tests this year, her decision already paid off.”
“‘Had I been on the Advantage plan, I would have had to come up with the money for each test,’ she said. ‘It turned out to be a reasonable plan for me. And for that reason, I plan to stick with it.'”
Click here for ideas on how to approach the decision-making process, and read the full New York Times story “Beware of Shifting Options Within Medicare Plans” by Tara Siegel Berard.
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Doctor, Did You Wash Your Hands? ™ provides information to consumers on understanding, managing and navigating health care options.
Jonathan M. Metsch, Dr.P.H., is Clinical Professor, Preventive Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; and Adjunct Professor, Baruch College ( C.U.N.Y.), Rutgers School of Public Health, and Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration.
This blog shares general information about understanding and navigating the health care system. For specific medical advice about your own problems, issues and options talk to your personal physician.