Network Magazine Fall 2021 | Issue 24

January 1st start of the following year. You will likely see your mailbox filled with advertisements soon, and if you're watching TV, no doubt every other commercial will be about Medicare. Lots of choices to choose from and lots of carriers spending money marketing at this time of the year. They try to tease you in with free dental and vision and other ancillary benefits that you think my plan doesn’t offer that? A thorough review of your current plan versus other options is necessary.

Make sure you keep your eyes open for the ANOC (annual notice of changes) to come in the mail, usually by the end of September. If you receive your paperwork from the company electronically, you should receive an email regarding the critical changes. This is an important read to see what if any big changes in coverage and premium are happening. Also, a good reminder to review what you’ve spent out of pocket this past year on your health care. Is your current plan still doing the job? Original Medicare may have made changes as well regarding the Part A & Part B premiums and deductibles.

This is a good time to figure out what’s changing for the coming year. Find an insurance agent that specializes in Medicare and works with all different kinds of plans.

They can help you navigate your way and help you decide if you should stay on your current plan or make a change.