Ellen PhillipsAs bad as I hate to break the news, insurance premiums will rise severely in 2017 so check your health insurance coverage now. Your favorite doctor may no longer be available. To add insult to injury, drug insurance plans' monthly premiums are expected to increase and/or cut some of their covered drugs, and (gasp! to my age group and above) many Medicare Advantage plans intend to shut down.
To avoid unpleasant surprises at the beginning of 2017, take advantage of this year's "open enrollment" now. Medicare, insurance under the Affordable Care Act (otherwise known as Obamacare), and many private employee insurance plans allow subscribers to switch policies or even insurance companies during this season. Medicare users can make changes such as buying a different supplemental policy or changing our Medicare D drug plan; however, the changes must be made between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7. Obamacare subscribers must change from Nov. 1 through Jan. 31, 2017. To ensure no mistakes, follow Bottom Line's advice.
- Don't assume your current coverage will remain the same for 2017. Just like Medicare, many plans will require generic drugs, unless there is a strong case and a strong prescriber fight for the brand medication. Worse, expensive new drugs that treat critical diseases, like MS or certain cancers, might not be covered period. And, as some of us have seen locally, providers are dropping out of some plans because they feel they're not being paid enough. Perhaps the greatest upset of all, insurance companies are dropping entire plans, leaving subscribers at the mercy of The List, a group of insurers we search to, hopefully, find one that has at least a minimum of benefits to fit our needs and pocketbook.
- Take that wallet list of meds I've always urged readers to carry, the services you need on the plan (dental, vision, mental health and the like), along with all your providers, and compare this record to the one your insurer sends out next month for 2017. Obviously, policyholders want as many of their current needs covered as possible. If in doubt, call the insurer, particularly with regard to medications and especially if you take more than a couple. Contact your current providers to ask if they will continue to participate. Do not rely on the insurance company's provider list, as they are infamously obsolete.
- It's imperative to shop around for the benefits you need but also for what you can afford. I was horrified to learn that many Medicare Advantage plans are expected to rise 4 to 26 percent next year (as are ACA plans)! Even if some of us luck out, we can assume a big premium hike in Medicare supplemental policies and Part D drug plans. (And those ignoramuses who still believe that earned Social Security benefits pay big to compensate may be interested to know that the 2017 cost-of-living raise should be a whopping $10 a month.)
- Check your state insurance commission's website for specific available plans and to find contact information for approved health insurance plans, including Medicare Advantage, Medicare supplements, private insurance plans, and Health Exchange (ACA/Obamacare) plans. Sites and phone numbers for our tri-state area: Tennessee (Tn.gov or 800-342-4029); Georgia (Oci.ga.gov or 800-656-2298); and Alabama (Aldoi.gov or 334-241-4141). Medicare subscribers can call 800-633-4227 to find help or answers to your questions. If employed, review all options available through your employer to choose the best for you and your family.
Today marks the 15th anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attacks. Let's give thanks for all the heroes who have given so much to protect our country. God bless America!
Contact Ellen Phillips at consumerwatch@timesfreepress.com