SPONSORED CONTENT -- (StatePoint) The pandemic has made it clearer than ever -- maintaining good health is critical, and it all starts with having a health plan that works for you every day, and especially in times of greater need.

If you qualify for Medicare, the Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP), which runs from October 15 through December 7, is an opportunity to ensure you have needed coverage.

“Now is the time to understand and evaluate your benefits and anticipate the care you may need in 2022,” says Gary Culp, chief growth officer for Medicare at Cigna.

If you’re signing up for Medicare Advantage for the first time or making changes, you can do so during AEP. In both cases, the new benefits will kick in on January 1, 2022. However, if you like your current plan and want to stick with it, you can do so.

To evaluate your current plan, Culp recommends writing down what you like about it, including which aspects are essential to you. Based on your needs, review other plans to see how they stack up.

The process of choosing a health plan can be overwhelming. However, you can eliminate some of the confusion by seeking advice from your doctor or family and friends. By attending in-person or virtual seminars or calling independent health plan agents, you can have your questions addressed by experts. You can also visit your state health insurance assistance program for additional information.

In the meantime, keep these tips in mind as you review plans:

• Estimate total costs: Make sure you know the current premium or monthly cost of your plan. Second, check your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). This is a letter mailed in late September that details changes to out-of-pocket costs, including co-pays and deductibles on doctor and hospital visits and prescription drugs. Finally, check to see the costs associated with visiting a specialist.

• Ensure providers are in-network: One common reason to change your coverage is if your favorite doctors are no longer in-network. Confirm that your current providers and any specialists you expect to visit in 2022 are still in your plan and that any new doctors you’ll be visiting accept new patients. If not, you might have to change plans or switch doctors to avoid paying more out of pocket.

• Review your prescriptions: Review the drug pricing tiers to determine whether your prescription plan will cover your current medications and the costs. Keep in mind, some drug plans require prior authorization for certain brand-name drugs.

• Consider extras: Take a close look at extra benefits, such as dental, vision, health care-related transportation and virtual care visits, that go beyond what’s provided by original Medicare and may be built into a private insurer’s Medicare Advantage plan. Some plans may even include additional health and wellness benefits that help you stay healthier, like fitness programs.

• Be aware of travel restrictions: If you plan to travel or have another home out of state, consider plans with that in mind.

Get savvy by visiting Medicare’s Plan Finder at Medicare.gov or Medicare plan websites such as www.cigna.com/medicare and use the above tips to assist you in reviewing your options.

“Making sure your health plan meets your needs is up to you. After finding the right plan, be sure to take advantage of your benefits for a healthy, happy 2022,” says Culp.

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About Cigna

Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) is a global health service company dedicated to improving the health, well-being and peace of mind of those we serve. Cigna delivers choice, predictability, affordability and access to quality care through integrated capabilities and connected, personalized solutions that advance whole person health. All products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Evernorth companies or their affiliates, and Express Scripts companies or their affiliates. Such products and services include an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, vision, supplemental benefits, and other related products.

Cigna maintains sales capability in over 30 countries and jurisdictions, and has over 190 million customer relationships throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna®, including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com.

All Cigna products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation. The Cigna name, logos, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. [All pictures are for illustrative purposes only.] © 2021 Cigna

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