Medicare Review Checklist

Your healthcare needs, medications, doctors, and budget can change from year to year. That’s why it’s important to review your Medicare coverage annually to make sure your current plan still meets your needs.

Whether you have Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, or a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, taking time to review your coverage can help you better understand what you’re paying for and what your plan covers.

Use the checklist below as a starting point for your annual Medicare coverage review.

Medicare Coverage Review Checklist

COST

Start by looking at what your Medicare coverage is actually costing you—not just your monthly premium.

☐ My monthly plan premium, if applicable, fits my budget.

☐ I’m comfortable with my plan’s deductibles, copays, and coinsurance amounts.

☐ My overall out-of-pocket healthcare costs are in line with what I expected and what I’m comfortable paying.

☐ I understand whether my plan has a yearly limit on what I may have to pay out of pocket.

Tip: A plan with a lower monthly premium isn't necessarily the least expensive option overall. Consider the premium along with deductibles, copays, coinsurance, prescription costs, and other potential out-of-pocket expenses.

CONVENIENCE

Your Medicare coverage should also work for your everyday life.

☐ My doctor and pharmacy are convenient for me to access.

☐ It’s easy for me to order refills of my prescription medications.

☐ I’m able to receive prescription refills by mail if I want to.

☐ My plan provides online information and services that I can easily access, if I want to use them.

☐ I’m comfortable with the amount and type of paperwork I need to complete for medical bills and my insurance plan.

Tip: Convenience matters. A plan may look good on paper, but it's also important to consider whether your doctors, pharmacy, and prescription services work well with the plan.

COVERAGE

Review whether your current plan still provides the coverage you actually need.

☐ My plan covers the healthcare services I currently need and use.

☐ My doctors and other healthcare providers are in my plan's network or accept my plan's terms and coverage.

☐ The specialist care I need, if applicable, is accessible and covered by my plan.

☐ My prescription medications are included on my plan's formulary.

☐ My plan provides coverage that can accommodate my changing healthcare needs.

☐ My plan works well with other coverage I have through an employer or union, if applicable.

Tip: Your healthcare needs can change over time. A medication you take today, a new specialist, or a change in your preferred doctor could affect whether your current coverage continues to be a good fit.

SATISFACTION

Finally, think about your overall experience with your Medicare coverage.

☐ I’m happy with my Medicare plan overall.

☐ I understand how my plan works and what it covers.

☐ I feel comfortable with my plan's costs and benefits.

☐ I would recommend my plan to a friend.

If you checked several boxes with “no” or “I’m not sure,” it may be worth taking a closer look at your Medicare coverage.

When Should You Review Your Medicare Coverage?

You don't necessarily have to wait until you have a problem with your plan to review your options. An annual review can help you identify changes that may affect your coverage or costs.

Pay particular attention to changes involving:

• Your monthly premium

• Deductibles, copays, or coinsurance

• Prescription drug costs

• Your medications or prescriptions

• Your doctors and healthcare providers

• Provider networks

• Covered services and benefits

• Your healthcare needs

• Other insurance coverage you may have

For people enrolled in Medicare Advantage or Part D plans, reviewing the plan information provided for the upcoming year is especially important because plan costs, benefits, formularies, and provider networks can change.

Don't Know If Your Medicare Coverage Still Fits Your Needs?

You don't have to figure it all out on your own.

As an independent Health and Medicare Insurance Agent, I can help you review your available Medicare coverage options, including:

• Medicare Advantage Plans

• Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans

• Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)

I'll help you understand your options, compare available plans, and consider factors such as coverage, costs, prescription medications, and provider access.

Ready to Review Your Medicare Coverage?

A Medicare plan review can help you understand whether your current coverage still meets your needs.

Contact me today at (904) 910-6182 to schedule a consultation.

Your consultation is at no cost to you.