It’s almost time to choose your Medicare plan. Help is available, Kansas City | Opinion

As a native of Kansas City and someone who has worked in the health care field for several decades, I know that decisions about which Medicare plan to choose are not always easy. On a personal note, I’ve seen the difference the right choice has made for my parents who found that switching to a Medicare Advantage plan — after initially being enrolled in Original Medicare — saved them money and provided the health coverage they needed.

During the Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan annual enrollment period, which is open until Dec. 7, I encourage everyone to review and consider their options carefully for the coming year. It’s important to assess your current health needs and those that could develop in the months ahead to make sure the plan you choose for yourself or a loved one will provide the necessary coverage.

Similar to Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans cover medical expenses and doctor visits, but they may also offer additional benefits such as prescription drug coverage and routine dental, vision or hearing coverage. I know that for my mother, who suffers from an eye condition, having a plan with a vision benefit was a major factor in her choosing a Medicare Advantage plan.

As you weigh your options to find the plan that suits your unique health needs, here are some considerations to keep in mind.

• Out-of-pocket costs: With Medicare Advantage, your covered medical costs, including doctor visits and necessary emergency care, will never go above a maximum out-of-pocket amount, which you know beforehand. That out-of-pocket limit can be especially helpful for Kansas City-area Medicare beneficiaries with chronic conditions requiring ongoing medical and prescription drug care for whom costs can quickly add up.
• A strong provider network: Check to see if your preferred doctors are part of the plan’s network and understand the in-network and out-of-network costs to ensure the plan fits your budget and lifestyle. With Medicare Advantage plans, the network rules vary depending on the type of plan. Some have limited networks and require referrals to see a specialist, while others allow you to see out-of-network providers with no referrals for specialists.
• Changes in 2025: Plans change each year, and so might your health care needs. If you’re currently enrolled in a plan, review the details to see if there are any differences in offerings and how they may affect you. A change that is good news for those with a prescription drug plan is that maximum out-of-pocket costs will be reduced, particularly benefiting those dependent on costly medications.

You have until Dec. 7 to choose a Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan for 2025. Take the time to assess your options and choose the right plan for you or a loved one. To learn more about the different types of Medicare, eligibility, costs, coverage and more, visit Humana.com/MedicareFAQ or reach out to a licensed sales agent.