Medicare’s annual enrollment period is underway, and seniors should dig into the details before choosing coverage, Mike Gatteri of HealthMarkets Insurance said during an appearance on “Live in the D.”
“The first thing we always recommend to a customer is look up your doctors,” Gatteri said, urging people to think beyond their current providers. “Who are the doctors that you might want to see? Should you get a condition, should your health decline… do you want access to U of M? Do you want access to Cleveland Clinic?”
He also advised consumers to review their prescriptions closely. “There are a lot of changes from plans in regards to the formulary,” he said. “So, you definitely want to make sure that you check your drugs.” And don’t overlook the bottom line: “Check your max out of pocket,” he added. “That’s when you finally have 100% coverage.”
On pitfalls, Gatteri didn’t mince words. “Be leery of the ads,” he said, noting many pitches target a “very, very small segment of the population.” Telemarketing is another red flag: “They will say and do anything to get you to enroll in a plan,” he said, and many callers “only work with one company or one plan.”
He cautioned against copying a neighbor’s choice or assuming last year’s plan will still fit. “Their plan is best for them,” he said. “Just don’t assume that your plan will work again into next year… do your due diligence.”
After 24 years in the industry, Gatteri’s top insider tip is to get help. “Find someone you trust to help you with this,” he said. “Whether it’s a licensed agent - you don’t pay us a penny, there’s no fee for our services - or your local county office… find someone who truly has your best interest in mind.”
Medicare’s annual enrollment period runs through Dec. 7.
To watch the segment click on the video above.
For more information about HealthMarkets Insurance, visit them at healthmarketsmichigan.com or call 734-252-0064