Medicare open enrollment is now open and seniors are urged to review their plans to make sure they're getting the most out of their coverage.
Leslie Spencer, AARP Florida associate state director for advocacy,said it's important that your plan cover prescription drugs and your provider is included in any new plan you may consider.
"It's really important to look at quality ratings for the plans, which are available for most Medicare Advantage plans," Spencer said. "It really pays for seniors to do their homework."
AARP Florida reports 3.3 million Florida seniors are enrolled in Medicare. The Florida Shine Program, sponsored by the Department of Elder Affairs, has 450 volunteers to helpseniors make the right Medicare plan choices.
"Certainly they should look at plan costs and what is included in those costs, such as monthly premiums, deductibles and any cost sharing that may be in place," she said.
During open enrollment, Medicare enrollees can switch plans, add a prescription drug plan or drop Medicare Advantage for a plan under original Medicare.
Those satisfied with their plan don't have to do a thing. Open enrollment ends Dec. 7.
Get information on the Florida Shine Program by calling 800-96-ELDER or logging on to FloridaShine.org. Any changes made during open enrollment take effect Jan. 1.
