Your Kines Family Pharmacy is here to help you navigate Medicare Open Enrollment

This time of year, you'll likely see several ads surrounding the open enrollment period for your medical insurance. During November and December, Medicare patients get to choose their prescription drug coverage plan. For 2023, Medicare's open enrollment period lasts from October 15 to December 7, 2022, giving you ample opportunity to switch your coverage for the new year. How do you know the best coverage and cost savings with so many coverage packages available? Kines Family Pharmacy is committed to helping patients access affordable healthcare coverage through Medicare Open Enrollment Consultations.

Understanding Medicare Open Enrollment

As you review your plan options, there may be some terms with which you are not familiar. At Kines Family Pharmacy, we educate you on the latest Medicare information to help you make the best healthcare decisions. Here are some words you may come across:

Medicare – Medicare.gov defines Medicare as a Federal health insurance plan for:

• Patients who are 65 years and older

• Younger patients who have a disability

• Patients who suffer from kidney failure and will require dialysis or kidney transplant accommodations

You are eligible for Medicare prescription plan coverage if you meet these criteria.

Medicare Part A – are plans that cover inpatient/hospital care.

Medicare Part B– helps cover outpatient/ medical coverage.

Medicare Part C – Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private companies that are approved to service Medicare patients. Medicare Advantage plans are often a combination of Medicare Parts A, B, and D and grant you access to a network of healthcare providers within the plan.

Medicare Part D – helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. You can change Part D plans during the Medicare open enrollment period.

Open Enrollment Period – an annual timeframe to assess your current healthcare plan & determine if you need to switch to a better option.

Coverage Gap, aka Donut Hole – Most Medicare Part D drug plans have a coverage gap. This gap is a set amount of money at which a plan will no longer cover the expense of your prescriptions. In 2023, Medicare part D will cover prescription expenses once you reach $4,460. Once you spend at least $7,400 in out-of-pocket costs for the year, your plan will resume covering your prescription drugs.

Choosing the Right Medicare Prescription Plan for You

Completing a Medicare Consultation ensures you can still come to Kines Family Pharmacy for all your prescription needs.

When deciding which plan you will choose for 2023, consider the following:

• Do your healthcare providers accept the new plan? Talk to your doctors about which types of insurance they accept.

• Will all your medications still be covered? Kines Family Pharmacy will give you a detailed list of your medications to make the process that much easier.

• Which medications will have out-of-pocket expenses?

• What fees can you expect? Based on whether you need to see a primary care provider or a specialist, your co-pay costs may differ from plan to plan.

• What other types of coverage come with the plan? Some Medicare plans may include dental and vision coverage, and others might require you purchase separate coverages.

Get help with Medicare Plans at Kines Family Pharmacy

We realize that a lot goes into making your decision to switch Medicare plans each year. Our Kines Family Pharmacy staff is here to help you review your Medicare plan options. On average, patients who opt to do a plan review save over $1,100 per year. Don't go through the process alone or miss an opportunity to save money on your health coverage and prescriptions; book a Kines Family Pharmacy Medicare Plan Review Session today.