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wellness GET READY FOR OPEN MEDICARE ENROLLMENT BY MCGEORGE SORENSEN Medicare open enrollment is set to start this Saturday, Oct. 15, and runs through Dec. 7. If you’re a Medicare recipient thinking about changing your supplemental health plan, now’s the time to get ready. The official blog of Medicare, produced by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, advises that Medicare recipients take the next few weeks to review their coverage and determine if they’re either happy with the insurance they have, or if they want to make changes for next year. If you’re happy with the plan you have, you don’t need to do anything, as your plan will be automatically renewed as long as it is being offered in 2017. Medicare advises that customers look through their mail carefully for notices from their current plan, Medicare or Social Security regarding changes to their coverage or any extra assistance that they may be eligible to receive for paying for prescription medication. Medicare will also be mailing their “Medicare & You” handbook, which contains information about all of the Medicare plans available in your area. Those who have opted to receive only electronic alerts will receive an email with a link to the digital handbook. Look also for brochures from companies offering Medicare health and drug plans, but always be careful about protecting your personal information and identity. Companies are not allowed to make solicitations by phone or in person. Comparing your plan choices is important. Medicare offers a Plan Finder with all of the 2017 health and drug plan cost information to make it as easy as possible. Enter the drugs you take to find out how you can lower your costs and review the plan’s ratings to compare plan quality. If you find a plan that meets your needs, you’ll be able to join the plan right online starting Oct. 15. If you haven’t used the Plan Finder before, visit www.medicare. gov for an informational video. Be sure also to participate in any special enrollment events or meetings about Medicare changes being held in your community. Don’t be afraid to seek advice from a professional counselor.


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To see the actual publication please follow the link above