AAA: Time to evaluate Medicare coverage

Medicare recipients are encouraged to review their plans with licensed Medicare advisors

By AAA of Western and Central New York

The Medicare annual enrollment period (AEP) begins Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7. During this time, Medicare recipients are encouraged to determine if their health care needs have changed and prepare for any changes to their current plan in the new year. AAA recommends sitting down with a licensed insurance adviser to evaluate whether your current Medicare plan will change and if another plan might better meet your needs and budget. The Medicare plan selected during AEP will take effect Jan. 1, 2027.

Current Medicare recipients should receive their plan’s annual notice of change (ANOC) by the first week of October. This notice will review changes to the benefits and costs of their current Medicare plan for 2027.

With more than 70 plans to choose from, entering the world of Medicare can lead to more questions than answers. Changes to Medicare plans can impact key aspects of healthcare, including choice of doctor, prescription drug coverage, and cost. Therefore, it is very important for recipients to review Medicare plan coverage options for 2027 to ensure that they are enrolled in a plan that best meets their health care needs. AAA’s licensed Medicare advisers can guide individuals to ensure they receive adequate coverage.

Medicare is the federal insurance program for people who are 65 or older or certain younger people with disabilities. AEP is the time of year when everyone who is Medicare-eligible can make changes to their plans.

AAA partners with many different insurance carriers to offer a wide range of options so that recipients can maximize what their plan offers. Unlike many providers, AAA doesn’t work for insurance carriers, so insurance agents can offer unbiased assistance to help recipients find a Medicare plan to meet their needs. Services are available to all Medicare-eligible individuals in the community, both AAA members and nonmembers alike.

The public can learn more by visiting www.AAA.com/Medicare to schedule an appointment online or by calling 877-477-7120.

AAA works with familiar carriers like Highmark, Excellus, Univera and Independent Health, offering more than 70 plans to tailor coverage to individual needs. Within the plans, Medicare has four main "Parts" that cover specific services. These are:

•Part A for hospital insurance. This is for inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care and some health care services.

•Part B for medical insurance. This covers certain doctor's services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventative services.

•Part C (Medicare Advantage) offers Medicare coverage through private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans include Part A and Part B coverage and often include additional benefits.

•Part D for prescription drug coverage. Part D adds prescription drug coverage to original Medicare and Medicare-related plans.

By calling, you agree that a AAA licensed insurance agent may contact you. AAA Insurance is provided through AAA Members Insurance Agency of Western & Central New York Inc., which offers products through AAA-affiliated companies and non-affiliated companies. Not affiliated with any government agency including Medicare. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 10-plus organizations which offer 70-plus products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

Visit AAA at www.AAA.com.