SEATTLE — Enrolling in Medicare can be confusing, especially if you're not sure exactly what type of coverage you need. There are so many plans out there, a helping hand is definitely in order.
Darlynn Carlson, a Medicare Sales Executive at Premera Blue Cross, joins us at New Day Northwest to demystify the enrollment process, talk through tips, give us some resources, and to introduce Premera's Medicare Advantage plan. She is joined by twin brothers Jack and Barry McPherson, who recently underwent the health insurance enrollment process with very different outcomes.
Deciding when it is time to enroll in Medicare: Enrollment processes can be different for different people. Questions to consider are:
- Do I have coverage through my employer or a union?
- Do I have coverage through or need coverage for a spouse?
- When am I planning to retire?
After deciding the right time to enroll, you can start considering the different types of Medicare plans available. Start out by considering:
- What drugs do you take?
- Do you like and want to stay with your current doctors?
- What level of dental coverage do you want?
- Are extra benefits, like fitness, something you want included in your Medicare coverage?
Premera Blue Cross is currently in their Medicare Advantage annual enrollment period. You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan Oct 15 through Dec 7. Medicare Advantage plans cover all the hospital and medical benefits you get through Original Medicare. These plans will also sometimes include extra benefits like gym memberships, dental, vision and hearing coverage.
Where to go if you need help choosing a plan with Premera Blue Cross:
To find out more online visit www.premera.com/ma Phone support: 888-868-7767 (TTY/TDD: 711), 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Monday – Friday (7 days a week, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Oct 1 – Mar 31)
This segment is sponsored by Premera Blue Cross. Watch New Day Northwest 11:00 weekdays on KING-TV Ch.5 or streaming live on KING5.com. Connect with New Day via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
