Every year, the federal Medicare program gives those enrolled in Part A and Part B the opportunity to review, update, or change their current insurance coverage. The date range to take action this year is from October 15th to December 7th, 2021. Any updates or changes you make to your plan during this time frame will become effective on January 1, 2022, and will remain in effect until December 31, 2022. However, you must act quickly if you would like to update your information or change plans as the Medicare program will not accept any changes after December 8th, 2021.
Field & Main Insurance understands that some clients are signing up for Medicare for the first time and there are many questions about current coverage. Our Advisors are available to help you understand the Medicare program and recommend the best healthcare insurance options for your situation.
What to Know About the Open Enrollment Period
Most people who have Medicare coverage are at least 65 years old, but younger people with certain serious medical conditions are also eligible. Medicare program administrators offer everyone enrolled in the government-sponsored health insurance plan the chance to review and make changes during an annual open enrollment period.
We encourage all Field & Main customers to request an appointment with a trusted advisor before the open enrollment period ends. This is true even if you feel satisfied with your plan and do not intend to make any changes. From our experience, the open enrollment period presents a good opportunity to review the standalone prescription drug plan (PDP) and Medicare Advantage Plan (MAPD).
Our experienced Medicare Advisors can help you maximize the benefits you receive from the plan you select. We encourage you to look for any discrepancies when you review your current plan between now and December 7th. You will work one-on-one with a Field & Main Advisor who will assist you with updating the items in question and maximizing your plan.
Understanding the Medicare Coverage Gap
The coverage gap Medicare imposes can be confusing because it is not like other types of prescription drug coverage. For example, you could pay $40 for a prescription during one cycle and up to $150 for the same drug during the next cycle. Our Advisors work with you to find creative solutions to obtain the medication you need at an affordable price. Here are four examples of how we can help you with prescription drug costs:
- Provide you with information on third-party prescription savings programs. E.g., Good RX.
- Encourage you to ask for drug samples from your doctor or pharmacist.
- Negotiate lower prices with pharmacies for members who are struggling to afford the prescription medication they need.
- Provide additional resources for local and federal programs that may be able to help offset the cost of prescription drugs.
Working with a trusted Field & Main Advisor gives you the leverage you would not have on your own. We believe all customers deserve this.
Watch Out for False Advertisements
The reason that signing up for Medicare and navigating the open enrollment period can be so challenging is that people hear so much conflicting information. Maybe you have seen commercials on TV showing a 1-800 number you can dial to learn more about your Medicare benefits. These commercials are misleading since Medicare benefits differ between local areas. Meeting with an experienced local Advisor is the best way to ensure that you receive timely and relevant advice.
How Field & Main Can Assist
Located in Henderson, Kentucky and Evansville, Indiana, Field & Main Insurance is an independent insurance agency that has been in business for more than 100 years. Our experienced and certified Advisors do not charge you for their advising services, but you do need to pay a premium to receive Medicare coverage.
Reviewing various plans on Medicare’s website can feel overwhelming, so we encourage you to work with one of our certified Advisors instead. You can feel assured that your Advisor will take the time to get to know you and understand your medical needs. We work hard to earn your trust and even harder to keep it by protecting your personal information and helping you find the most ways to save money.
Contact Field & Main Insurance Today
We are here to help you get through the open enrollment period with confidence. You may contact our Henderson, Kentucky office at 270-827-3543 or our Evansville, Indiana office at 812-473-8960. Other contact options include emailing us at info@fieldandmaininsurance.com or visiting our website to learn more. Remember, even after enrollment we’re here to help you with any questions that arise
