Expert: Pay Attention To Medicare Enrollment Period

Residents in the Upper Cumberland need to make sure they are ready for the Medicare enrollment period starting October 15.

UCDD Regional State Health Insurance Assistance Program Coordinator Sara Martin said this period is also the opportunity for Medicare beneficiaries to make changes to their coverage. Martin said it is important for people to review their options because certain programs tend to change every year such as the Advantage and Part D plans.

“You know, if you forget about Medicare’s open enrollment and you make no change, more than likely your plan is going to continue for the next year but then you become liable for that plan for a whole ‘nother year,” Martin said. “So, you know, whatever those new policies are changing to, whatever the new monthly premiums are changing too.”

Martin said the upcoming changes for next year’s Medicare program will be revealed when registration opens. Martin said it is important for people to start enrolling as soon as possible so they have the time to do any research and ask any questions they have.

“As with our services for sure, we cover all fourteen counties here in the Upper Cumberland,” Martin said. “So definitely the earlier people start reaching out to us, the better. They can always reach out to Medicare directly as well.”

Martin said they will be hosting county events throughout the Upper Cumberland to have one-on-one sessions with anyone who needs help with enrollment.

“We’re actually going to also be doing over the phone appointments,” Martin said. “People can mail in a Medicare worksheet that we can send them and have that stuff done over the phone without them having to leave their home.”

Martin said the number of Medicare beneficiaries is on the rise throughout the Upper Cumberland.

“It’s so important, especially living in a rural area, you know, we’re limited to our providers and our healthcare services,” Martin said. “So Medicare is a hot topic and making sure you have the right coverage and not just looking at, you know, what are the alternatives to the non-medical benefits for my Medicare but looking at the drug coverage, looking at my providers and making sure I’m getting the best coverage I can.”

Martin said anyone in the region who wants help from the Tennessee State Health Assurance Assistance Program should call (931) 432-4150. Martin said the enrollment period closes on December 7.