Medicare open enrollment is underway, and New Hampshire seniors are encouraged to weigh the various plans.
Advisors said it is important to consider both health care and budget needs and to read the annual notice of change, which should have already arrived in the mail.
Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer and executive vice president of UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual, said it is important to make sure all providers and medications are still covered. “Don’t make this a last-minute decision,” Randall urged. “It’s way too much information and it’s an important decision to think about the health insurance coverage that you’re going to have for next year.”
Around 65,600 New Hampshire residents, or about 4.7 percent of the state, were uninsured in 2023. Granite Staters who identified as Hispanic or Latino of any race were also more likely to be uninsured compared to those identifying as white and non-Hispanic.
Randall emphasized it is important to know the differences between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, which may have additional benefits including dental, vision and hearing. She added counselors are available to help at Medicare.gov.
Changes this year include a new $2,000 out-of-pocket cap on prescription drugs, which takes effect Jan. 1. Seniors will also see greater access to mental health services and increased protections from prior authorization practices.
Randall encouraged people to take advantage of the various perks many plans offer, including wellness benefits. “You might find a health plan that will reward you for taking healthy actions like completing a health survey, exercising, avoiding smoking,” Randall outlined. “Many Medicare Advantage plans are going to cover a gym membership at no additional cost to you.”
Randall stressed the importance of understanding health insurance terms and take the time to comparison shop between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans to ensure they provide individual coverage needs. She noted it is also enrollment season for employer-sponsored health plans, as well as the federal insurance marketplace, which runs through Jan. 15 in most states.
Cover Photo: More than 20 standalone Part D prescription drug plans are available in all New Hampshire counties for the state’s more than 300,000 Medicare recipients (Adobe Stock)
Publisher’s Notes: UnitedHealthcare contributes to PNS funding for reporting on Health Issues.
Medicare open enrollment in NH runs through Dec. 7 was first published by Public News Service, and republished with permission.
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