Maryland State Retiree? Here's What You Need to Know

5 Things to Do During Medicare Open Enrollment 

1. Review your plan notice. Be sure to read any notices from your Medicare plan about changes for next year, especially your "Annual Notice of Change" letter. Look at your plan's information to make sure your drugs are still covered and your doctors are still in network. 
   
   
2. Think about what matters most to you. Medicare health and drug plans change each year and so can your health needs. Do you need a new primary care doctor? Does your network include the specialist you want for an upcoming surgery? Is your new medication covered by your current plan? Does another plan offer the same value at a lower cost? Take stock of your health status and determine if you need to make a change. 
   
   
3. Find out if you qualify for help paying for your Medicare. Learn about programs in your state to help with the costs of Medicare premiums, your Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance) deductibles, coinsurance and copayments and Medicare prescription drug coverage costs. To do this, visit Medicare.gov or make an appointment with a local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselor.
   
   
4. Shop for plans that meet your needs and fit your budget. Starting in October, you can use Medicare’s plan finder tool at Medicare.gov/find-a-plan to see what other plans are offered in your area. A new plan may: cost less, cover your specific drugs, include providers you want, like your doctor or pharmacy. If you find that your current coverage still meets your needs, then you’re done. Remember, during Medicare Open Enrollment, you can decide to stay in Original Medicare or join a Medicare Advantage Plan. If you’re already in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can switch back to Original Medicare. 
   
   
5. Check your plan’s star rating before you enroll. The Medicare Plan Finder has been updated with the current Star Ratings for Medicare health and prescription drug plans. Plans are given an overall quality rating on a 1 to 5-star scale, with 1 star representing poor performance and 5 stars representing excellent performance. Use the Star Ratings to compare the quality of health and drug plans being offered.
    
   Help is available. The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free, unbiased support in all 23 counties and Baltimore City with in-person and telephone assistance. Volunteer opportunities are also available. For more information about SHIP, select a category below.