Time is running out for coverage

By Rick Beavin

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As 2023 quickly approaches, many may start to consider their New Year’s resolutions. If exercising more, eating healthier, losing weight, and living  more economically are on your  list, you’re not alone. In fact, a survey found those were among  the top five resolutions for 2022.  For those 65 or older or individuals eligible for Medicare due to disability, it may be easier  than you think to choose a  healthcare plan that aligns with  these goals, as many Medicare  Advantage plans provide coverage  and benefits to help you live  a healthy, active life.

While selecting a Medicare plan that suits your individual  needs can feel overwhelming,  it’s an important task since the  plan you select by the Dec. 7  Medicare Advantage and Prescription  Drug Plan deadline is  the plan you’ll likely have for  all of the coming year. Whether you are new to Medicare or reevaluating your plan options, I urge anyone who is eligible to  enroll to conduct a personal assessment  to identify the type of  plan that’s best suited for your  unique health needs.

This can include checking to see if your doctors and hospitals are in network, as well  as whether dental, vision and  hearing coverage is included.  It’s also important to make a list of your current medications so you can compare estimated prescription costs as you evaluate plan options. Some plans even offer $0 copays for certain  prescriptions, which can result  in a significant savings if you  take several medications.  When you compare Medicare plan options, also consider the innovative benefits you’d use. For example, if losing weight  and increasing activity are part  of your New Year’s goals, look  for coverage that includes free  exercise programs such as SilverSneakers  ®, a health and fitness  program that is included  at no additional cost for most  Humana Medicare Advantage  members. You may also look for  a plan that includes allowances  for eligible members that can go  toward groceries and over-the counter  products.

Understanding which plans  offer these benefits and whether  you qualify can be complicated,  so be sure to use free, credible  resources to help answer your  questions.

Medicare-eligible individuals  can turn to trusted resources,  such as The Medicare Plan  Finder on Medicare.gov to help  compare plans, benefits and  get an estimated cost for each  plan. For more information, visit www.Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY: 1-877- 486-2048) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Additionally, you can learn about Humana Medicare  Advantage plans, which  are recommended by USAA,  by going to www.Humana.com/  Medicare or calling 1-888-372-  2614 (TTY: 711) from 8 a.m. to  8 p.m. local time, seven days a  week, to speak with a licensed  sales agent.

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal.

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