With the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period underway, Morgan Buchko, vice president of community partnerships for CCA Health Michigan, discussed the four key things to know in a Live in the D segment on Detroit’s Channel 4 News.
Buchko explained who is eligible for Medicare and the four different parts of the plan. She explained that part A is for inpatient hospital and skilled nursing facility coverage. Part B is for outpatient visits such as doctors and specialists. These two parts make up what is known as “original Medicare.” Part D is for prescription coverage.
Buchko noted, “Part C is a special kind of program called Medicare Advantage. Such plans combine Parts A and B coverage with the prescription coverage from Part D, plus some extra benefits.” She added that CCA Health Michigan offers two Medicare Advantage plan options: CCA Medicare Excel and CCA Medicare Maximum.
The enrollment period, when individuals can join Medicare or switch plans, runs from October 15 through December 7. Buchko explained, “It’s important to know that if you have a Medicare plan, your benefits change every year. So, you should take a look at how those changes are going to affect you for next year’s coverage. This is the time to shop around and find a new plan if you want to make that switch.”