Bruce Ackermann (who works as a Personal Financial Assistant for Seniors) advises us to discover how we might save thousands of dollars during Medicare’s open enrollment period from now through December 7, 2016 by comparing what's available. Bruce writes:

Last year, Catherine’s doctor prescribed two new specialty drugs. The new drugs worked pretty well. They were more focused on Catherine’s symptoms and had fewer side effects. But her copays were hundreds of dollars every two months.

So Catherine, age 89, enlisted her daughter’s help to compare the benefits available to Catherine under the Medicare plans in her area. They logged on to Medicare’s free comparison webpage at:

https://www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan/questions/home.aspx

They entered the details of Catherine’s new prescriptions and discovered that Catherine could save over $5,000 per year by switching drug plans. They made the switch.

All Medicare Beneficiaries may change their Medicare plans during the current open enrollment period. Changes will be effective January 1, 2017. The best way to compare the costs and benefits of the various 2017 Medicare Plans is at:

https://www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan/questions/home.aspx

Open enrollment ends December 7, 2016.

For help, contact Bruce or call the free Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) at 650.627.9350 (San Mateo County) or 408.350.3200 option 2 (Santa Clara County).

Bruce A. Ackermann,
Personal Financial Assistant for Seniors
Email: Bruce@AckermannMoney.com
Phone: 650.465.4408

Thanks Bruce, that's valuable information.