SIMPLE TRUTHS: So many Medicare plan options…How do I choose? |

SIMPLE TRUTHS: So many Medicare plan options…How do I choose?

Posted on December 1, 2017

You’ve done your research. You’ve talked with your friends. But you still don’t know what Medicare plan to choose.

If you are having trouble making a decision, these five simple steps may help:

Step 1 – Look at your lifestyle and what type of coverage fits what you need.
Step 2 – Affordability: cost of plan, copayments, deductibles, coinsurance, other out-of-pocket costs, etc.
Step 3 – Decide which option fits your health care needs best:
- Medicare Part B Premium + Medicare Advantage
- Medicare Part B Premium + Medicare Supplement + Part D prescription plan
- Original Medicare with a stand-alone Part D prescription plan
Step 4 – Be sure your doctors are in the plan network and your prescriptions are covered.
Step 5 – Talk to a professional: a health plan representative, SHINE counselor, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (see chart of resources below).

Help is Available – Community Resources

Agency	Phone	Website	What they Can Help With
Medicare	(800) 633-4227 TTY (877) 486-2048	www.medicare.gov	General Medicare questions Detailed information about plans and policies in your area
Social Security Administration	(800) 772-1213	www.socialsecurity.gov	To sign up for Medicare Information about extra help paying for your Medicare prescription drug coverage
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)	(800) 243-4636	www.mass.gov/elders/healthcare/shine	Assistance with choosing a Medicare plan
State Prescription Advantage (SPAP)	(800) 243-4636 Option 2	www.prescriptionadvantagema.org	Assistance with prescription drug costs (copayments)