Medicare deadline Dec. 7th

Just a reminder that choosing your Medicare Plan is due by Dec. 7th.  You can review your options at www.medicare.gov and use your zip code to determine your options.  "You should review all of your coverage options even if you are happy with your current coverage because plans change their costs and benefits every year," from MedicareRights.org. 

How should you make your decision:

1.  Look at your income, budget, and health risk.

2.  If healthy and no hospitalizations in the last couple of years you might consider an Advantage Medicare Plan since they generally include additional services such as fitness, transportation, dental and eye services.  Make sure to check with your doctors if they accept these plans.  With Advantage Plans you are not eligible for a supplemental plan.

3.  Review your Part D coverage for prescription drug plans.  Remember, if you get a $4 generic drug from WalMart do not put it on your drug plan since it will get you to the donut hole sooner(generally they submit the true cost of the medication to the plan Also, according to MedicareRights.org Part D plans "can place coverage restrictions, such as quantity limits, prior authorization and step therapies (requiring you to try another drug before the plan will cover the prescribed drug) on certain drugs.
Also, make sure to use a preferred pharmacy by your plan if there is one available.

Just like taxes, this enrollment/change period happens every year but we some how procrastinate and don't take the time we need to plan, review and choose.  You still have a week to do your homework.