Medicare, Social Security, and Insurance Selecting the Right Medicare Plan 10/20/2023 | By Dr. Lily Pham Dr. Lily Pham, Regional Vice President of Health Services in Virginia, Humana, offers “A Prescription for Good Health: Selecting the Right Medicare Plan,” to help those 65 and older, specifically Virginia residents, in choosing health insurance coverage from among the many options. As a physician, the last thing I want is for a patient to make decisions about their health and well-being based on the cost of care and medication rather than their actual care needs. Right now is a critical time for the over 1.6 million individuals in Virginia who rely on Medicare for their health insurance. Evaluating your own health care needs can help you select a plan that will cover you when you need it the most and fit within your budget. While it’s impossible to foresee all health issues that may require treatment, there are several things to consider during the Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan Annual Election Period (AEP), happening Oct. 15 through Dec. 7: Future Health Risks: In addition to making sure your plan covers your current health needs, speak to your doctor about health risks that may require additional treatment. For instance, if you have prediabetes, consider the potential for future diabetes management. Prescription Drug Benefits: Prescription drug coverage is included in many Medicare Advantage plans, unlike Original Medicare. If you prefer Original Medicare, you can opt for a stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan through a private insurer. Prepare a list of your current medications to compare costs while choosing plans. Doctors and Hospitals: If you have a favorite doctor, ensure they accept your plan to avoid any additional expenses for out-of-network providers. Also understand if the plan requires referrals for specialized care. Other Benefits: Consider additional benefits that can positively impact your health and well-being. Medicare Advantage plans may include dental, vision and hearing coverage; fitness programs; and even transportation to doctor visits. Costs: Different plans have different costs, so understand the full picture when comparing plans in your area. Look at monthly premiums, deductibles and co-pays for hospital stays and doctor visits. Also, pay attention to annual maximum out-of-pocket costs – if you reach the limit, you will pay nothing for covered services the rest of the year. Quality: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reviews and rates all Medicare Advantage plans before the enrollment period each year to help consumers make informed decisions. Plans are rated on a scale of one to five, with one indicating poor performance and five indicating excellence. Your health insurance carrier is a partner that helps you get the care you need. If you are eligible for Medicare, take time to research your options and ensure you select the right Medicare plan that best meets your personal health and financial needs. The Medicare Plan Finder on Medicare.gov can help compare plans and benefits and get an estimated cost for each plan. For more information, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) 24 hours a day, seven days a week (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048). You can learn about Humana’s plans at Humana.com/Medicare or by calling 1-800-706-1368 (TTY: 711) 8.am-8 p.m., seven days a week to speak with a licensed sales agent. Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP AND PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. Read More Dr. Lily Pham Dr Lily Pham joined Humana in April 2016 as a Medicare Market Reviewing Medical Director and in 2018 was promoted to Regional Vice President Health Services Organization for the Southeast Market. Dr Pham is a graduate of Furman University and received her medical degree from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. She completed her residency at the University of Alabama and is board certified in Internal Medicine. Prior to joining Humana, Dr. Pham specialized in hospital medicine where she developed a keen interest in utilization management and healthcare delivery. She currently resides in Decatur, Georgia with her husband and two children.