Medicare open enrollment runs through Dec. 7; here’s more advice, including a book by a former Kentucky business editor
“For those approaching Medicare or already covered by it, now is a critical time of year to review health benefits,” Sally Squires writes for The Washington Post. “Several changes are coming in 2019, including to Medicare Part D drug coverage insurance and to some Medicare Advantage plans, which are offered by private insurance companies and are known as Medicare Part C.”
So, it seems “more important than ever for Medicare recipients — and anyone approaching age 65 — to begin looking at all the details right now, during Medicare’s open enrollment period, which began Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7,” Squires writes. “This is the prime time of year when changes can be made in a plan without penalty. There are a lot of different plans that can work better or worse depending on your health status and finances. Experts say you should choose a plan that will not just take care of your health needs today but also what they could be in 10 years.”
Also, it’s important to remember that “Medicare covers most, but not all, costs,” Squires writes. “For 2018, the Part A deductible that a patient must cover is $1,340 for each hospital admission during the year. For extended hospitals stays beyond 61 days, there are additional costs of at least $335 per day that recipients pay.”