Got a new Health Insurance Plan this year?

Here are five steps that can help smooth your transition to a new plan.

Every year, many Americans like you take the opportunity during Medicare’s Open Enrollment period to change insurance plans. Regardless of whether you are changing a Medicare Supplement, an Advantage Plan or a Part D Prescription Drug Plan, there are a few things you can do now to avoid problems now that your new insurance has gone into effect in 2016.  

1.  If you are going from a Medicare Supplement to a Medicare Advantage Plan, make sure you have cancelled your supplement coverage. Your Supplement is not automatically cancelled when you switch to an Advantage Plan. Although some companies will cancel and make changes over the phone, others require a written request so give your Supplement Plan insurer a call and ask what they require.

2. Cancel your automatic withdrawals for the old plan. I recommend you cancel your withdrawal with the insurance company and then follow up with a call to your financial institution to make sure the automatic withdrawal is cancelled.

 3. Tell your doctor that you have different insurance. If your doctor unknowingly files for reimbursement with the wrong insurance company, it will cause confusion and delays in payment. Let your doctors know about your new plan the first time you see them in the New Year.

4. Check your Prescription Drug coverage to find out what pharmacies are the preferred pharmacies of your new plan. If it’s a different pharmacy than the one you’ve been using, arrange to transfer your prescriptions now so they have your information on hand. You should also present your new insurance cards to your pharmacy before you need your next prescription. Don’t wait until you need a refill or have an emergency before you make this change.

5. Determine whether your new plan has different requirements for prescriptions. Some plans may require a pre-authorization before your prescription will be filled. Take steps ahead of time to let your physician know what’s required by your new plan.

For your other questions on Life, Health, Dental, Vision, Annuities or Medicare Advantage Plans, please contact me at 440-255-5700 or email me. I look forward to serving you.