Frequently Asked Questions

Each year, Medicare plans can make changes to their coverage, benefits, and costs. Every fall, all people with Medicare should review their current health and prescription drug coverage. Below are three basic steps to help you prepare for Medicare:

Step One
Take the time to gather all of the information you’ll need to make a decision about your health and prescription drug coverage.

• A list of medications you take.
• A list of the providers you want to use, like your doctor or pharmacy.
• Any notice from your plan (called the Annual Notice of Change), Social Security, or Medicare about changes to your costs and coverage for next year
• Information about other plans in your area for next year
• Contact your JC Lewis agent with questions or for advice or help.

Step Two
Visit www.medicare.gov on the web to compare all of your options and to search for plans in your area. As you review and compare plans, think about whether you are satisfied with the 3 C’s - Cost, Coverage, and Customer Service.

• Cost: will your premium and other costs change next year? Are there plans that will cost you less?
• Coverage: are your providers, like your doctor, hospital, or pharmacy part of your plan for next year? Will the prescription drugs you take be covered by your plan?
• Customer Service: are you satisfied with the service and quality you get from your plan, such as your Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan?

Final Step
Decide which plan is right for you for next year. If you want to switch plans, call JC Lewis Insurance so we can assist you. Medicare can also help you enroll - online, in person, at an event in your community, or on the telephone.

If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for "extra help" (the low-income subsidy) to pay your prescription drug costs. Call Social Security at (800)772-1213. Ask for form SSA-1020 to find out if you qualify for extra help paying you’re prescription drug costs. TTY users should call (800)325-0778.

If so, below are listed some important things to keep in mind for next year.

• All people with Medicare, even people who get "extra help", should review and compare plans each year in the fall.
• Check your mail for letters from Medicare, Social Security, and your plan for any changes to your extra help or your plan.
• If you receive a letter from Medicare that you no longer automatically qualify for extra help, you should reapply