Medicare’s open enrollment runs through Dec. 7, and
some of your patients might be evaluating their plan options.
Some might be shopping for a different Medicare Advantage
plan or enrolling in Medicare Advantage rather than traditional Medicare. Do they
know what plans you take?
Your patients most likely don’t want to lose you as their
doctor, so make sure they know the plans in which you participate. For example,
post a list on your website, and keep copies to use as a handout if patients
ask.
Then, starting Jan. 1, have your staff ask all your Medicare
enrollees if they have new health insurance coverage. Also, some Medicare patients
may have switched drug plans, which could affect quantity limits or other
aspects of their current prescriptions.
It is a good idea to ask all patients about possible
changes to their insurance coverage starting in the new year — not just plan
provider but also deductible, copays, and the like.
You can find more information and resources to help you
and your patients manage Medicare on the Texas Medical Association’s website.
Last Updated On
November 28, 2018
Originally Published On
November 28, 2018