Be Your Own Health Insurance Advocate
It’s that time of year for Medicare open enrollment. Whether you are signing up for Medicare for the first time or changing to a Medicare HMO/Advantage plan, be sure to do your research and choose a plan that is right for you as not all Medicare Advantage plans are created equal. Confidently choose the best Medicare plan by using our tips and tools.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, or people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD).
Moffitt is Florida’s top choice to achieve the best outcomes for each patient.
Do I automatically get Medicare when I turn 65?
Most people become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65. If you are receiving Social Security retirement benefits or Railroad Retirement benefits, you should be automatically enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B.
When is the Medicare Open Enrollment Period?
- October 15 – December 7, 2022
- During this time Medicare users can change their health plans and prescription drug coverage to better meet their needs for 2023.
- Coverage begins on January 1, 2023
What is Medigap?
A Medigap policy helps fill "gaps" in Original Medicare and is sold by private companies. There are many forms of Medigap policies, each offering different benefits, it may help to compare the coverages and cost to your needs. These plans can help pay some remaining healthcare costs such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Your initial Medigap open enrollment period is the best time to buy a Medicare Supplement policy. During that time, you can buy any Medigap policy sold in your state, even if you have prior medical conditions. If you're able to purchase a Medigap plan later, options may be limited, or it may cost more due to past or present health conditions. For more information on Medigap, please visit Medicare.gov.
Make sure a Medicare Advantage plan meets your needs and offers the best coverage. Here are things to consider when selecting a Medicare plan:
- Compare costs
- Coverage (i.e. Virtual Care appointments)
- Quality of care
- Best cancer outcomes
- Make sure your doctors and hospitals of choice are covered
- Is it part of the national network and managed care organizations?
- Is Moffitt Cancer Center part of the plan?
- Does the plan cover specialty pharmacy drugs?
- Does the plan cover an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Ask the right questions
- Understand the insurance lingo
For more information about Medicare, please email FCUinsuranceNavigator@Moffitt.org or call 813-745-7300. Our financial clearance specialist can confirm whether any plan you might be considering will cover Moffitt services and specialists.
