Open Enrollment Tips

It’s that time of year again – Open Enrollment from November15th until the end of December.  There is a lot of information to sift through and some of it – or maybe a lot of it – can be very confusing.

The good news is that there are organizations providing help to sift through it all and actually end up understanding what provisions you need, what is affordable and, as a result, which coverage and supplements are right for you.

If you are trying to find understandable information and straightforward facts there are places to go to get the information you need.  Look through your local newspaper in the Calendar Section for free events.  You will find various free seminars on topics such as How to Choose the Right Medicare Coverage; Choosing a Medicare Supplement; Determining What You Will Be Covered For; What is the Difference Between Plans?  and more information.

Usually you can find excellent seminars at your local senior citizens center, your local library, your local hospital, your local clinic and your local health department.  If a seminar is not listed in your newspaper Calendar Section, take the time to call the organizations just mentioned and find out what type of information or seminars they have planned.  You can also go online or call CMS – the Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services – and they will be able to help sort out the basics for you and tell you if they will be having a seminar or presentation in your area.

Try to remember – especially when you attend a seminar or presentation – that many of these are presented by individual insurance companies that are trying to sell you their product.  As a result, it is important to attend a few seminars if possible so that you can compare what several companies have to offer.  Too often some companies charge a lot more for the same coverage that other companies charge far less for.  If you can go to a seminar presented by an unbiased individual, such as an individual from Medicare or an individual comparing several policies for you, this is the best way to get accurate information for making decisions.

Regardless of what you attend, try to at least attend one seminar or talk to someone you trust who understands Medicare and Medicare Supplements. Take the time to be sure that you choose the coverage that is right for you.