What's Open Enrollment, Anyway?

It's that time of year again – Medicare Open Enrollment is upon us.

What's Open Enrollment, Anyway?

Let's start with the basics. Medicare Open Enrollment is the time of year when you get to review, renew, or change your Medicare coverage. It runs from October 15 to December 7 every year. During this period, you can make a bunch of important decisions about your healthcare.

What's Up for Grabs?

First off, you've got Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and Medicare Advantage (Part C) to choose from. Original Medicare covers hospital and medical services. Medicare Advantage is like a combo meal that includes your hospital, medical, and often prescription drug coverage, too.

The Pharmacy Shuffle

Don't forget about Part D, the prescription drug coverage. If you're taking any meds, you'll want to check that your plan still covers your drugs at a price that won't make your eyes water. Plans can change their formularies, which is just a fancy word for the list of drugs they cover.

Doctor, Doctor, Give Me the News

During Open Enrollment, you can also check if your doctors and hospitals are still in-network with your plan. You don't want to be hit with a surprise bill because you saw an out-of-network doc.

When in Doubt, Get Help

If all of this still feels like a bewildering maze of healthcare jargon, don't worry; you're not alone. Health Resources Insurance Services is here to make all of this easy to digest!