The grass may be greener in a new plan: why it pays to revisit your Medicare decision

The proverbial saying, “the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence,” is typically used to caution against comparing your current situation to a rosy, overly optimistic view of something new or different. It seems to say, “Be happy with what you have.” But, what if the grass really might be greener somewhere else?

When dealing with your physical and mental health, it always makes sense to look for new and better opportunities – for that greener grass, so to speak. And that may mean considering a new health plan.

Oct. 15 begins Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). It’s the one time of the year when you have an opportunity to make changes to your Medicare coverage for the upcoming year. It’s also the perfect time to see if the grass is greener in another plan with different coverage options, benefits, perks and pricing. Just as your health needs can change from one year to the next, the details of your Medicare plan coverage can change each year too.

“Just like your doctor recommends an annual checkup, it’s important to review your coverage and compare plans each year too. You may be surprised to find that there are more cost-effective options that better fit your anticipated needs going into the next year,” Michael Smith, MD, chief medical officer at Health Alliance^TM, says. “We know there are so many things to consider when thinking about how to stay mentally and physically strong so that your quality of life does not suffer. Choosing the right health plan absolutely needs to be one of them.”

On the surface, Medicare plans can appear very similar, but the factors that can affect overall satisfaction with a specific plan are often found in the details. To make sure the plan you have is still the best fit for your health status, budget goals and lifestyle, there can be great value in asking yourself these six key questions:

• Have your healthcare needs changed, or do you foresee them changing in the upcoming year?
• Has your financial situation changed?
• Will the doctors you see continue to be in your plan’s network?
• Are your prescription medications still covered?
• Are you getting the additional benefits you want – ones that actually fit your needs and lifestyle?
• Do you plan to travel away from home often?

Medicare Advantage plans (also known as Medicare Part C) are increasingly popular because of their one-stop-shopping approach – bundling Part A (hospital), Part B (medical) and often Part D (prescription) coverage into one plan. And $0 monthly premiums have become the standard, not the exception. With Medicare Advantage plans, look for plans that mirror your needs as though they were specifically made for you.

There may also be brand-new Medicare Advantage plans available to you that are worth a look. For instance, Health Alliance is introducing the Health Alliance POS Choice Rx plan. Shaped by what members said was most important for their lives and their needs, the new plan features benefits and perks that are high-impact and easy to use, and provides access to a broad network of more than 25,000 providers – all with cost-friendly flexibility to see any doctor who accepts Medicare.

If it’s the personal touches you appreciate, look closely at which plans meet your comfort and lifestyle needs like those that are part of the new Health Alliance POS Choice Rx plan.

• Would you be more comfortable with a plan that works together with your primary care doctor to coordinate your care and ensure you receive the safest and best evidence-based medicine? Look for options that include care coordination and health coaching.
• Are you wanting a plan packed with perks such as $0 pharmacy deductibles; dental, vision and hearing coverage; options to connect virtually to providers; and allowances, prepaid cards to help pay for over-the-counter items, fitness expenses and vision hardware?
• Do you frequently travel more than 100 miles from home – and would you value knowing that health-related assistance is available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year on your trips?

Plans like those offered by Health Alliance try to reflect the wants and needs of real members – assisting them in living their healthiest lives.

“It comes down to matching your needs to what different plans offer,” Terra Mullins, director of community outreach at Health Alliance, explains. “For over 40 years, Health Alliance has been building strong relationships with providers to ensure our members get the best possible care, and we continue to listen to members so we can provide the benefits they want while keeping costs down. We want members to have the best patient experiences and better health outcomes without breaking the bank to achieve them. Each Medicare plan offers something a little different – which is why it’s worth reviewing the options every year.”

Which brings us back to that greener grass. Make sure your health doesn’t end up on the wrong side of the fence. Consider devoting just a little bit of time and effort this year to reviewing your Medicare plan and comparing it to other Medicare plan choices. There are many sources you can turn to for balanced information. To learn more about the plans available from Health Alliance, speak with a Health Alliance representative at (888) 382-9771 or visit HealthAlliance.org/Medicare online to discover more options to fit your lifestyle. And remember, the enrollment period ends Dec. 7, so start reviewing plans today. Greener grass may very well await.