For senior citizens, it's the time of year to take a good hard look at their Medicare plans.
That's because today marks the beginning of open enrollment season, an almost two-month window where Medicare beneficiaries can swap health plans and prescription drug coverage for next year. Carroll County's Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program is holding seminars to help senior citizens navigate Medicare's services.
Today through Dec. 7, beneficiaries can change health plans if they're on a Medicare Advantage Plan, which is a health plan run by a Medicare-approved private insurance company. Additionally, those on original Medicare can switch into a Medicare Advantage Plan if they so choose, and vice versa.
They can also make changes to their Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D), which helps cover the cost of medicine, if they so choose. All new plans start Jan. 1.
There's one major change in Carroll County affecting some on a Medicare Advantage Plan, according to SHIP coordinator Celene Steckel.
Bravo Health, a Medicare-approved private insurance company, is no longer providing its services to Carroll County, she said. That means those who used Bravo Health must switch Medicare Advantage health plans or go to original Medicare.
Since residents were notified at the beginning of the month, Steckel said she has received more than 50 calls regarding this change. It affects 250 Carroll County residents, according to Bravo Health press officer Graham Harrison.
"Bravo Health is transitioning its care model to a network design that works with physician groups to better coordinate care and impact health outcomes for patients by focusing on more preventive and personalized medicine," Harrison wrote in an email. "Unfortunately, we were unable to create this type of network in Carroll County."
Pauline Ford and Grant Pensinger both received letters from the company alerting them of the change around Oct. 1. It's not a hassle, but it does require research, the two Finksburg neighbors said.
There are five total advantage plans available in the county for next year - three through Aetna and two through Kaiser.
Ford and Pensinger said they're planning on attending a SHIP open enrollment event to garner more information about Aetna and Kaiser Permanente's plans.
Several such events will be held for free around the county to give advice to senior citizens, enroll them on the spot if they so choose and to help lower income individuals possibly secure additional financial assistance. An appointment is required, and attendees should bring their Medicare card with them. They should also fill out a questionnaire beforehand, and send it to the Carroll County Bureau of Aging, 125 Stoner Ave., a week prior.
It's important to fully research what option works best for the individual, Steckel said.
"Just because the plan has the lowest premium it doesn't mean it'll be the lowest cost for that person," she said.
Beneficiaries can also switch plans through Medicare.gov, calling 1-800-MEDICARE and through the plan directly, according to Steckel.
"If they have questions, come and see us," Steckel said. "That's why we're here."
