My Top Eight Medicare Open Enrollment Tips

Every fall, everyone, especially seniors, are inundated with Medicare "Open Enrollment" information. In print-magazines, newspapers online with ads (there may even be one on this page) on television and the radio. More and more ads telling you to "look into it right away" and "act now!"

The truth of the matter is that not every senior or Medicare eligible person needs to do something. Many do not need to do anything at all. I've put together my own list of things that every Medicare eligible person should do year round, but especially before open enrollment season...

1. Find an independent broker. There are good things about every insurance plan. There are things that might be detrimental to you as a member one way or the other. An good independent professional will help uncover what your biggest concerns are and address them when finding appropriate coverage. If you don't know one personally ask a friend or neighbor who they use and if they can recommend them. There are also websites out there like Medicareful that can help you find someone local.

2. Learn the differences in Medicare. There are big differences when it comes to Medicare supplements, Medicare Advantage plans and Part D Drug plans. Your broker can help with the decision making, but you should be armed with the basics. United Healthcare has a handy guide called " Medicare Made Easy" which is not a sales or marketing brochure and explains the basics in a simple format. I've loaded a copy of it here where you can download it free.

3. Find and attend an educational meeting. A community Medicare meeting must always disclose if it is a sales meeting or an educational meeting. Don't just go to the "sales pitch" meetings. Find an educational one in your area where you can ask general questions and get answers that are not related to a specific insurance company, plan or product.

4. Ask your doctor. Your doctors office can often be a great resource. They cannot enroll you in a policy but may recommend something or someone that can help you get better, more personalized care. They may also know a good broker who can help you.

5. Ask your pharmacist. Again just like a doctor's office. Your pharmacist may be a great resource. They may know what plans give their customers the most trouble, or which ones may offer great extras or added values. I personally use a small local pharmacy, Langhorne Pharmacy for this reason. It's a knowledge base of helpful advice that you can only benefit from tapping into.

6. Ignore the hype. TV commercials and infomercials may be great entertainment but they are not a great source of advice. A great example of something to watch out for is a sales kiosk, brochure , magazine or online ad, that lists a specific company. Remember that company may be a great plan offering a great product, but it may still not be a great fit for you. This is where personalized advice from a professional will be most beneficial for you.

7. Find out about special programs. You know Gus? He's the second most famous groundhog in Pennsylvania. Whenever you see a PA Lottery commercial they always issue a disclaimer at the end that proceeds are used to benefit older Pennsylvanians. One way they benefit is through programs like PACE and PACENET in PA and PAAD in New Jersey. A good agent will help you determine if you qualify, or you can investigate this yourself.  Some of these programs will help you get lower co-pays, may help you with your premiums and may even help you navigate the next topic, the Medicare "donut hole" in your drug plan.

8. Get familiar with the lingo.  In this business we use a lot of them. Understanding what they mean to you is the most important. Educate yourself to the point that you know what to expect throughout the year. Medicare plans can change during the plan year and you may not be able to change your plan if that happens. You don't need to become an expert, but you should know what it means if you get billed for an excess charge, exceed your initial coverage limit or hit the catastrophic coverage level. No surprises, I always say.