When you turned 65 and enrolled in Medicare, you made a series of complex decisions so that you could access the healthcare you needed while maintaining out-of-pocket costs within your budget. So why would you review your coverage each year and possibly make changes to your plan or plans? Actually, there are several great reasons for doing so.

Plan networks can change. Medicare Advantage plans operate through a network of covered providers and facilities. But sometimes a doctor, clinic, or hospital will drop out of the network. Reviewing your plan each year will help you to learn whether your preferred providers will continue to be available to you. If they aren’t, reviewing new plans can help you maintain the same care with the same doctors.

Plan formularies can change. Each Medicare Part D (prescription) plan or Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription coverage compiles a formulary of covered drugs each year. But that formulary can and probably will change from time to time. You should review your plan’s formulary each year, to ensure that your preferred prescriptions will continue to be covered, and also review the plan with any emerging medication needs.

Additional benefits might be available. Some Medicare Advantage plans have become quite competitive in their offerings. If you’re interested shop around during the Annual Election Period or Open Enrollment each year. Another plan might offer more to you.

You won’t know until you look. Even if you feel satisfied with your current plan, make sure you are minimizing your costs while maximizing your benefits. You simply won’t know until you review all of your options.

With the Annual Election Period starting now, give us a call to speak with a licensed agent to discuss your Medicare coverage options. We can help you decide if your current plan is the best one available to you based on your needs.