Medicare Open Enrollment Begins for Three-Million Texans

by John Michaelson/TNS

AUSTIN, Texas – It’s a critically important time for more than three-million people across the Lone Star State, as the annual open enrollment for Medicare started on Wednesday, October 15, 2014.

This is the one time of year beneficiaries can make changes to their Medicare health and prescription plans. Trey Berndt, associate state director for advocacy with AARP Texas, says there are plenty of options, so people should take the time to find the right fit, considering cost, coverage, convenience and customer service.

“It’s important to understand what’s the best deal for you,” says Berndt. “For example, if you pick a Medicare Advantage plan, you want to make sure your physician that you see and the providers you want to see, specialists, are in that Medicare Advantage program.”

Another important note when exploring options, explains Berndt, is for prescription drug coverage under Medicare Part D, if a person doesn’t enroll when first eligible, they may end up paying more in later years.

“A lot of Medicare beneficiaries say, ‘I just take aspirin,’ or, ‘I only have one prescription medication.’ We think it’s important to think about, ‘am I sure that’s all I’m going to be taking next week or next month?,'” says Berndt. “Generally as we age, it’s a good idea to have a prescription drug plan in place, even if you don’t take a lot of prescription medication today.”

Berndt says those with questions or who want to change their plans can contact Medicare directly. They can also contact a local Area Agency on Aging, where there are Medicare benefits counselors who can help navigate the process at no cost. The open enrollment window runs through Dec. 7.