Tips for shopping for Medicare Advantage plans

The season to shop for Medicare coverage is about to begin. With it comes the annual onslaught of TV commercials and options to consider.

People eligible for the federal government’s Medicare program will have from October 15 to December 7 to sign up for Medicare Advantage 2025 plans, which are private versions of the program. They can also add a prescription drug plan to traditional Medicare coverage.

Many people in Medicare Advantage plans will likely have to find new coverage as major insurers cut costs and withdraw from markets. Industry experts are also predicting some price increases for Medicare prescription drug plans.

Buyers often have dozens of options during this sign-up period. Here are some things to consider.

Don’t put off shopping for Medicare coverage

Start thinking about next year’s coverage before the annual enrollment window begins. Insurers will usually preview their offers or inform customers of any major changes. This makes anything that arrives in the mail from your insurer important to read.

Insurance agents say many people wait until after Thanksgiving to decide on coverage plans for the new year. It could be a mistake this year: the holiday falls on November 28, leaving just over a week to decide before the entry window closes.

Look beyond premium

Many Medicare Advantage plans advertise a $0 premium. It may sound attractive, but price is just one variable to consider.

Shoppers should look into whether their doctors are in the plan’s coverage network and how prescriptions would be covered. They should also know the maximum plan amount that they would have to pay if a serious health problem occurs.

The plans offer many additional benefits, including help paying for groceries or utility bills. Don’t let them distract you from understanding basic coverage, said Danielle Roberts, co-founder of Boomer Benefits Insurance Agency in Fort Worth, Texas.

“Remember we buy health insurance for the big stuff, not the trinkets,” she said.

How to get help shopping for plans

The federal government operates a plan search tool that allows people to compare options. The state health insurance assistance program may be another resource. Insurance brokers or agents also guide customers through searches.

Sometimes a plan’s coverage doesn’t work as expected. If that happens, there’s another sign-up window in the first three months of each year where some buyers can make a switch.

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The Associated Press Department of Health and Science receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Educational and Science Media Group. AP is solely responsible for all content.