Checklist Helps Seniors Through Medicare Open Enrollment

GLENDALE, Calif., Sept. 4, 2013 /PR Newswire/--With Medicare open enrollment beginning Oct. 15, now is the time to start preparing for future health care needs.

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Frank Nelson, program manager at the Central Coast Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program, regularly educates Medicare beneficiaries about the importance of open enrollment. He urges seniors to use this period to reevaluate their Medicare Part D coverage and make the most of their policies.  

In an interview with MySilverAge.com, Nelson said many beneficiaries feel overwhelmed or have questions about their plans: "It can be a complicated maze. There are a lot of ways you can get tangled up in the nuances." To avoid the headaches that often come with health insurance, Nelson advises seniors to:

• Check changes to Medicare Part D. Part D plans should be specific to an individual's medication needs. Seniors will need to make sure their prescriptions are still covered each year during open enrollment.
• Request local pharmacy pricing. Open enrollment is a good time to check pricing of prescriptions, as each pharmacy can differ.
• Purchase a supplemental policy. Older adults might consider Medigap to cover health care costs that aren't already covered by Medicare.

The steps outlined in this checklist help readers successfully navigate the complexities of Medicare open enrollment and stay on top of their health care plans. Read the full checklist here: http://www.mysilverage.com/medicarechecklist.

About MySilverAge
MySilverAge is a website and online resource center, brought to you by be.group, that is designed to help seniors enjoy "what's next." MySilverAge brings together thought leaders on the subject of successful aging, leading intelligence on healthy aging and senior living, and expert tips and advice for creating the home, community and relationships in which seniors can thrive.

About be.group
As one of California's largest nonprofit providers of senior living communities, be.group is committed to creating communities and services that make the lives of older adults more fulfilling. be.group's dedicated, well-trained staff is devoted to helping its residents and clients discover new ways to embrace life's possibilities and new options for exploring their potential. Follow @begroupliving on Twitter.

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SOURCE MySilverAge