Every day, 11,000 baby boomers age into Medicare, joining more than 58 million other beneficiaries of the federal health insurance program. Understanding how to enroll and what kind of coverage you’ll need can be a daunting process.
“Medicare is not one-size-fits all. It’s complex and can be confusing,” said Gregg Kunemund, CEO of Medicare & Retirement for UnitedHealthcare in Georgia.
Indeed, more than one in five Medicare beneficiaries describe it as confusing, according to a UnitedHealthcare survey. And 70 percent of baby boomers in their early 60s said they have a “poor” or “fair” understanding of Medicare.
With the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (Oct. 15-Dec. 7) fast approaching, UnitedHealthcare is hosting its sixth annual National Medicare Education Week offering free education seminars nationwide to help explain and answer questions about the health insurance and supplemental coverage options.
In metro Atlanta, local UnitedHealthcare representatives, including Kunemund, and a Walgreens pharmacist will present information and answer questions on Thursday, Sept. 21, at 9 a.m. at the Frank Bailey Senior Center, 6213 Riverdale Road, Riverdale.
The event is free, but registration is requested at 1-855-603-7423 or by going to NMEW.com. Beneficiaries and their loved ones can also learn more and have their questions answered through two live Facebook broadcasts on Monday, Sept. 18, and Thursday, Sept. 21. More information is available at MedicareMadeClear.com.
In addition, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program in Cobb County is offering assistance to current Medicare users who want to re-evaluate their plans and make changes during the open enrollment period. Help is available Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from Oct. 16 through Nov. 29, by appointment only. Call 770-528-1448 to reserve a spot.
Among the most confusing aspects of Medicare are the different “parts” and what they mean, what is covered and the enrollment period.
If you miss an important sign-up, it can cost you, especially those enrolling for the first time. The early enrollment period is seven months, beginning three months before your 65th birthday. There are exceptions, especially if you’re still working, so find out your options and write down the dates.
“This is really key. If you enroll after that time you could incur penalties,” Kunemund said.
Once you’re enrolled, you need to know the A, B, C and D of Medicare. Those are the different parts, what they cover and what you’ll pay.
Beneficiaries should also look into Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans. Kunemund will explain everything as simply as possible in a slide presentation during the National Medicare Education Week event.
He said the goal is to make Medicare easier to understand. There are additional resources at MedicareMadeClear.com, such as educational videos, guides and worksheets.
Boomers should start looking at their options at least a year before they’re eligible, Kunemund said. If you’re still working and getting health care insurance through an employer, Medicare could become the secondary insurance. Once retired, the seven-month early enrollment window kicks in.
For seniors already receiving Medicare, the open enrollment period is a chance to look over their existing coverage to see whether changes are needed.
Some questions to consider:
» Is the current health care plan meeting my needs, and are my needs going to change in the coming year?
» Is there a surgery planned and will my current benefits cover the expenses?
» Are my benefits changing, and are my doctors, hospital and pharmacy staying in the Medicare network?
“You need to understand what the basic choices are, and don’t be afraid to ask questions,” Kunemund said.
Understanding Medicare
Opportunities to learn the basics of the health care plan and get your questions answered. Medicare Open Enrollment period is Oct. 15-Dec. 7.
• UnitedHealthcare National Medicare Education Week seminar, 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, Frank Bailey Senior Center cafeteria, 6213 Riverdale Road, Riverdale. Free. Register at 1-855-603-7423, or NMEW.com.
• Retired Senior Volunteer Program in Cobb County is offering free assistance to current Medicare users by appointment Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from Oct. 16 through Nov. 29. Reservations can be made at 770-528-1448.
• Free unbiased, one-on-one counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries and their families is available year-round through GeorgiaCares. Call 1-866-552-4464 (option 4) to schedule a counseling session.
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