PAID ADVERTISEMENT A DOCTOR'S PRESCRIPTION FOR MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT: Taking the Confusion Out of the Process By C. Rocky White, MD. Interim Chief Medical Officer, OptumCare Colorado Springs Medicare's Annual Open Enrollment period begins soon. During this time Medicare beneficiaries can change their medical costs, their doctors and prescription coverage. For many older adults the process can be challenging. Dr. White, an Internal Medicine Specialist doctors you prefer to see. If you like your and Interim Chief Medical Officer with Q: What is the best way to get information to make smart decisions during open enrollment? A: Before you consider your enrollment options, make sure that the care provider network that you choose includes the OptumCare Colorado Springs, provides the following tips for older adults and their caregivers: doctors, confirm that they will be in the care provider network for the health plan you choose. You can visit the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services website at Q: How do I get Medicare coverage? A: You can choose Original Medicare www.medicare.gov; call 1-800-MEDICARE, (available 24/7); or contact Medicare (Parts A and B). Part A is hospital coverage Advantage health plans directly. You can find more information at and Part B is medical coverage. Coverage is provided by the federal government. You can also get benefits through a www.MedicareMadeClear.com. Another good resource is an independent Medicare Advantage plan (called Part C). licensed insurance agent or health Medicare Advantage plans combine Part plan sales agent. They help Medicare beneficiaries learn about benefit options, include prescription drug coverage (Part what's going to fit their needs and how they can continue to see their preferred doctors. They can explain health plans that have programs for chronic conditions or A and Part B coverage. Many plans also D) and offer benefits not provided by Original Medicare. Plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. There's also Medicare supplement plans. These plans cover some of what Medicare Parts A and B don't pay, such cover alternative medicine. Q: Why is the topic of health care planning so stressful? as portions of coinsurance, copayments A: Health care is an important decision. It and deductibles. Q: What are some of the things I should think about when choosing coverage? A: Ask yourself these questions to guide your decisions: How often do you visit the doctor? What prescription medications do you regularly take? Do you have a particular doctor, hospital or pharmacy that you want to use? Do you have retirement health coverage? Would you rather pay less in monthly premiums or pay less out of pocket when you receive health care? can be stressful for caregivers because they don't want to make a decision that will hurt the Medicare beneficiary. Ultimately, the worst response is no decision, when someone may say, "Well, I won't make a choice, ll leave everything as-is because I'm comfortable with that." The more you know and the sooner you know it, you can do your research and then decide. Don't wait until the last minute. Start early and give yourself the time you need to make the decisions that will be right for you. For more information about how to choose a health plan in Colorado Springs, call 1-866-964-1547. OPTUM PAID ADVERTISEMENT A DOCTOR'S PRESCRIPTION FOR MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT: Taking the Confusion Out of the Process By C. Rocky White, MD. Interim Chief Medical Officer, OptumCare Colorado Springs Medicare's Annual Open Enrollment period begins soon. During this time Medicare beneficiaries can change their medical costs, their doctors and prescription coverage. For many older adults the process can be challenging. Dr. White, an Internal Medicine Specialist doctors you prefer to see. If you like your and Interim Chief Medical Officer with Q: What is the best way to get information to make smart decisions during open enrollment? A: Before you consider your enrollment options, make sure that the care provider network that you choose includes the OptumCare Colorado Springs, provides the following tips for older adults and their caregivers: doctors, confirm that they will be in the care provider network for the health plan you choose. You can visit the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services website at Q: How do I get Medicare coverage? A: You can choose Original Medicare www.medicare.gov; call 1-800-MEDICARE, (available 24/7); or contact Medicare (Parts A and B). Part A is hospital coverage Advantage health plans directly. You can find more information at and Part B is medical coverage. Coverage is provided by the federal government. You can also get benefits through a www.MedicareMadeClear.com. Another good resource is an independent Medicare Advantage plan (called Part C). licensed insurance agent or health Medicare Advantage plans combine Part plan sales agent. They help Medicare beneficiaries learn about benefit options, include prescription drug coverage (Part what's going to fit their needs and how they can continue to see their preferred doctors. They can explain health plans that have programs for chronic conditions or A and Part B coverage. Many plans also D) and offer benefits not provided by Original Medicare. Plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. There's also Medicare supplement plans. These plans cover some of what Medicare Parts A and B don't pay, such cover alternative medicine. Q: Why is the topic of health care planning so stressful? as portions of coinsurance, copayments A: Health care is an important decision. It and deductibles. Q: What are some of the things I should think about when choosing coverage? A: Ask yourself these questions to guide your decisions: How often do you visit the doctor? What prescription medications do you regularly take? Do you have a particular doctor, hospital or pharmacy that you want to use? Do you have retirement health coverage? Would you rather pay less in monthly premiums or pay less out of pocket when you receive health care? can be stressful for caregivers because they don't want to make a decision that will hurt the Medicare beneficiary. Ultimately, the worst response is no decision, when someone may say, "Well, I won't make a choice, ll leave everything as-is because I'm comfortable with that." The more you know and the sooner you know it, you can do your research and then decide. Don't wait until the last minute. Start early and give yourself the time you need to make the decisions that will be right for you. For more information about how to choose a health plan in Colorado Springs, call 1-866-964-1547. OPTUM