Chances are if you currently receive Medicare or are close to starting it, you know that “open enrollment” began a few days ago, and that it’s time to think about whether you’re happy with your current Medicare plan or want to think about changes. So it’s time to review your existing coverage, compare available options and consider changes, especially if your health or life circumstances have changed. Start by taking a look at the Home Page of Medicare.gov.

Need help with the analysis? For a comprehensive overview, take a look at this Center for Medicare Advocacy summary or this basic strategy from Daily Caring about how to consider your coverage and where to turn for help. And it’s likely that many of you may be paying closer attention to Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage Plans this year, given concerns about prescription drug coverage and interest in the newly expanded options available under Medicare Advantage Programs for 2019. For some good essential questions to ask when considering Advantage programs, take a look at the advice from The Medicare Rights Center here. As we know from Kaiser Health News, Medicare Advantage programs have really taken off and become a popular option for both insurers and consumers. But these plans clearly have their risks and problems. So before you leap, make sure to read.

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