Eric Bohannon: Eligible for Medicare? Here’s what you should consider when choosing a plan

As inflation causes us all to stretch our dollars, the majority of Americans are likely focused on finding the best prices without sacrificing quality. Health care is no different; picking the right insurance plan that meets individual or family needs can be critical to maintaining a balanced budget.

Right now, during the annual election period Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, people eligible for Medicare have the opportunity to select a plan that provides affordability, convenience and the benefits they want.

Over 2.8 million individuals in Pennsylvania rely on Medicare for their health insurance. To pick the best plan, it’s a good idea to make a list of what’s necessary to have in your plan and then think about what else you’d like to have included:

• Network of doctors and hospitals. If you have specific doctors and hospitals you prefer, make sure they are in network for the plan you select.

• More than medical coverage. Determine what benefits are important to you, based on your health status and medication requirements. Do you want dental, vision and hearing coverage?

• Prescription drug coverage. Prescription drug coverage is included in many Medicare Advantage plans, but it is not part of original Medicare. Have a list of your medications handy so you can compare estimated prescription costs as you evaluate plan options. Some plans even offer $0 copays for prescriptions.

• Additional benefits. Do you need transportation assistance to and from doctors’ appointments? Care in your home? Allowances to cover out-of-pocket dental, vision or hearing expenses? Access to fitness programs? Services to support your mental health? These are all considerations when selecting a plan.

Your list will help you determine if original Medicare or Medicare Advantage is best for you. With all-in-one plans that include dental, vision, hearing and prescription drug coverage in addition to consumer savings of nearly $2,000 per year compared with what beneficiaries pay in original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans are increasing in popularity every year. There are many new Medicare Advantage offerings this year, so it is worth taking the time to evaluate your options.

The Medicare Plan Finder on Medicare.gov can help compare plans and benefits, including an estimated cost for each plan. For more information, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227; TTY 877-486-2048).

Eric Bohannon is Humana’s regional president of Medicare for Pennsylvania.