Here’s how to get a free, objective consultation about enrolling in Medicare.

Open enrollment season is upon us, and families are working to select the health plans that best suit their needs.

As we age, these needs and choices change.

Big changes are coming to healthcare. Here’s how seniors can prepare for them

CONNECTED: Big changes are coming to healthcare. Here’s how seniors can prepare for them

“Medicare recipients are people 65 years of age or older, any age as long as they are disabled, usually for two years, or people with end-stage renal disease or Lou Gehrig’s disease,” he said. Ohio Seniors Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP)Directed by Christina Ryg.

“Everyone who is eligible for Medicare has two main options: Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, so this is the time of year when we really help all of these people navigate their choices.”

Reeg said open enrollment is their busiest time. When it comes to choosing a plan, she recommends not doing it based on advertising. “Because they usually advertise additional benefits, enticements to join these plans, such as gym memberships and debit cards.”

When choosing a plan, it is best to focus on the health and medical benefits of the insurance.

“Original Medicare consists of Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) and Medicare Part B (health insurance),” she said. “There is no network of doctors and hospitals; You are seeing any doctor or health care provider in the United States who participates in the Medicare program and is covered by insurance.

But Reeg said the original Medicare program requires large out-of-pocket costs.

“Most people who choose this option have secondary insurance … and then choose a separate prescription drug plan.”

She said the downside is that you may pay a little more each month for Medicare, co-benefits and drug coverage.

An alternative is Medicare Advantage, or Part C.

“Medicare Advantage are private plans that have a one-year contract with Medicare and provide benefits that are at least as good as original Medicare, so the benefit is that you have one card, you use one service, it usually has lower monthly fees. – said Rig. “Some plans have no additional monthly premiums, but most are managed care, where they work with a network of doctors, hospitals and providers.”

Reeg said if you enroll in Medicare Advantage, you should know which providers are in the network.

“If you have a doctor or specialist and you’re not ready to give up, make sure they are currently in that network because those networks may change mid-year,” she said. “We have 2.5 million Medicare beneficiaries, and we saw that just last year, so we now have more Medicare beneficiaries on Medicare Advantage plans.”

OSHIIP offers free, unbiased information about health insurance. You can call 800.686.1578 Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 5 p.m. or email [email protected].