Life After 50 Expo-Gulf Breeze
Join us Friday at the Gulf Breeze Community Center from 9 am- 2 pm. for our Life After 50 Expo. Lots of information and entertainment. We will have a drawing for a 50 inch TV!
Dear Marci,
Dear Marci,
I’m going in for my first routine colonoscopy and want to know if I’ll have a copay at the doctor’s office. I was told colon cancer screenings were free through Medicare. Do you know if that’s right?
-Mateo (Santa Fe, NM)
Dear Mateo,
Medicare covers preventive screenings, including colonoscopies, in full. This means that you will have no cost-sharing as long as:
The service is preventative, meaning you haven’t had any related symptoms that triggered the testing
You see a participating provider for your colonoscopy if you have Original Medicare, or
You see an in-network provider if you have a Medicare Advantage plan
If you meet the above requirements, you won’t have a copay for your colonoscopy. You should be aware, though, that if during your exam, the doctor determines that they need to perform more testing due to any findings or that they need to treat any findings, these additional services would be diagnostic and normal cost- sharing rules would apply. If the doctor removes any tissue or polyps during the screening colonoscopy, you will have a copay for that portion of the service, but the Part B deductible will not apply.
If you are at high risk for colorectal cancer, you will be eligible for another screening colonoscopy 24 months (2 years) after your first. If you are not at high risk, your next fully covered screening colonoscopy will be after 120 months (10 years).
To learn more about colon cancer screenings visit, Medicare Interactive.
-Marci
I’m going in for my first routine colonoscopy and want to know if I’ll have a copay at the doctor’s office. I was told colon cancer screenings were free through Medicare. Do you know if that’s right?
-Mateo (Santa Fe, NM)
Dear Mateo,
Medicare covers preventive screenings, including colonoscopies, in full. This means that you will have no cost-sharing as long as:
The service is preventative, meaning you haven’t had any related symptoms that triggered the testing
You see a participating provider for your colonoscopy if you have Original Medicare, or
You see an in-network provider if you have a Medicare Advantage plan
If you meet the above requirements, you won’t have a copay for your colonoscopy. You should be aware, though, that if during your exam, the doctor determines that they need to perform more testing due to any findings or that they need to treat any findings, these additional services would be diagnostic and normal cost- sharing rules would apply. If the doctor removes any tissue or polyps during the screening colonoscopy, you will have a copay for that portion of the service, but the Part B deductible will not apply.
If you are at high risk for colorectal cancer, you will be eligible for another screening colonoscopy 24 months (2 years) after your first. If you are not at high risk, your next fully covered screening colonoscopy will be after 120 months (10 years).
To learn more about colon cancer screenings visit, Medicare Interactive.
-Marci
Dear Marci,
Dear Marci,
My doctor mentioned that she might want me to try a new medication next year, but I don’t think my current Part D plan will cover it. How do I switch to a plan that will cover this medication?
-Liam (Pheonix, AZ)
Dear Liam,
You’re right on time to compare drug plans and enroll in a new one for next year. October 15 to December 7 is the Open Enrollment Period during which you can compare your current plan to others available in your area and sign up for the one that best meets your needs in the new year.
First, you’ll want to find out how your current plan will be changing in the next year. Keep an eye out for a letter from your plan that will explain how the plan’s drug coverage and costs will change next year. You should think about whether your current plan will continue to meet your needs.
To compare your current plan to others in your area, you can use Medicare’s online Plan Finder. Plan Finder lets you compare the stand-alone Part D plans and Medicare Advantage Plans available to you. It provides information about which drugs are covered on the plan’s formulary, costs (including monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs), and star ratings (which provide information about plan quality and operations). This information can help you decide if there’s a plan available in your area that better meets your needs.
To use Plan Finder:
Go to www.medicare.gov, scroll down, and click on the green button that says, “Find Plans Now.”
You can perform a general search on the right side of the page by entering your zip code. If you’d like to save your drugs and pharmacy information, you can log i
View in browser | Forward | Subscribe
October 7, 2024
How do I choose a Part D plan?
Dear Marci,
My doctor mentioned that she might want me to try a new medication next year, but I don’t think my current Part D plan will cover it. How do I switch to a plan that will cover this medication?
-Liam (Pheonix, AZ)
Dear Liam,
You’re right on time to compare drug plans and enroll in a new one for next year. October 15 to December 7 is the Open Enrollment Period during which you can compare your current plan to others available in your area and sign up for the one that best meets your needs in the new year.
First, you’ll want to find out how your current plan will be changing in the next year. Keep an eye out for a letter from your plan that will explain how the plan’s drug coverage and costs will change next year. You should think about whether your current plan will continue to meet your needs.
To compare your current plan to others in your area, you can use Medicare’s online Plan Finder. Plan Finder lets you compare the stand-alone Part D plans and Medicare Advantage Plans available to you. It provides information about which drugs are covered on the plan’s formulary, costs (including monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs), and star ratings (which provide information about plan quality and operations). This information can help you decide if there’s a plan available in your area that better meets your needs.
To use Plan Finder: go to or create a Medicare account on the left side of the page.
After entering your zip code, choose the type of plan you are looking to compare: a Medicare Advantage Plan, a Medicare drug plan, or a Medigap policy.
Next, enter the drugs you take (or expect to take next year) and choose your pharmacies, including whether you are interested in getting your prescriptions by mail.
Plan Finder will show you a list of plans in your area with information about what you will pay based on the information you entered. Initially, the results will be sorted to show you the plan with the lowest combined premium and out-of-pocket drug costs at the top of the page.
Combining the premium payment with the expected monthly out-of-pocket drug costs estimates what you can expect to pay for Part D coverage and to get the drugs you entered for the year. If any of your drugs are not covered by a plan, that will be reflected on the results page. You can select “Plan Details” to find out more specifics about coverage, including any coverage restrictions that might apply to your drugs. You can also use the Plan Finder tool to predict your monthly costs in the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, an optional program that allows you to spread your out-of-pocket costs across the year.
Once you’re ready to enroll, it’s a good idea to call the plan directly to confirm any information you read on Plan Finder, as errors are always possible. Here is a list of questions you can ask when calling a company about their prescription drug coverage. You can enroll in a plan online, by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227), or by calling the plan directly. Coverage begins January 1.
-Marci
My doctor mentioned that she might want me to try a new medication next year, but I don’t think my current Part D plan will cover it. How do I switch to a plan that will cover this medication?
-Liam (Pheonix, AZ)
Dear Liam,
You’re right on time to compare drug plans and enroll in a new one for next year. October 15 to December 7 is the Open Enrollment Period during which you can compare your current plan to others available in your area and sign up for the one that best meets your needs in the new year.
First, you’ll want to find out how your current plan will be changing in the next year. Keep an eye out for a letter from your plan that will explain how the plan’s drug coverage and costs will change next year. You should think about whether your current plan will continue to meet your needs.
To compare your current plan to others in your area, you can use Medicare’s online Plan Finder. Plan Finder lets you compare the stand-alone Part D plans and Medicare Advantage Plans available to you. It provides information about which drugs are covered on the plan’s formulary, costs (including monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs), and star ratings (which provide information about plan quality and operations). This information can help you decide if there’s a plan available in your area that better meets your needs.
To use Plan Finder:
Go to www.medicare.gov, scroll down, and click on the green button that says, “Find Plans Now.”
You can perform a general search on the right side of the page by entering your zip code. If you’d like to save your drugs and pharmacy information, you can log i
View in browser | Forward | Subscribe
October 7, 2024
How do I choose a Part D plan?
Dear Marci,
My doctor mentioned that she might want me to try a new medication next year, but I don’t think my current Part D plan will cover it. How do I switch to a plan that will cover this medication?
-Liam (Pheonix, AZ)
Dear Liam,
You’re right on time to compare drug plans and enroll in a new one for next year. October 15 to December 7 is the Open Enrollment Period during which you can compare your current plan to others available in your area and sign up for the one that best meets your needs in the new year.
First, you’ll want to find out how your current plan will be changing in the next year. Keep an eye out for a letter from your plan that will explain how the plan’s drug coverage and costs will change next year. You should think about whether your current plan will continue to meet your needs.
To compare your current plan to others in your area, you can use Medicare’s online Plan Finder. Plan Finder lets you compare the stand-alone Part D plans and Medicare Advantage Plans available to you. It provides information about which drugs are covered on the plan’s formulary, costs (including monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs), and star ratings (which provide information about plan quality and operations). This information can help you decide if there’s a plan available in your area that better meets your needs.
To use Plan Finder: go to or create a Medicare account on the left side of the page.
After entering your zip code, choose the type of plan you are looking to compare: a Medicare Advantage Plan, a Medicare drug plan, or a Medigap policy.
Next, enter the drugs you take (or expect to take next year) and choose your pharmacies, including whether you are interested in getting your prescriptions by mail.
Plan Finder will show you a list of plans in your area with information about what you will pay based on the information you entered. Initially, the results will be sorted to show you the plan with the lowest combined premium and out-of-pocket drug costs at the top of the page.
Combining the premium payment with the expected monthly out-of-pocket drug costs estimates what you can expect to pay for Part D coverage and to get the drugs you entered for the year. If any of your drugs are not covered by a plan, that will be reflected on the results page. You can select “Plan Details” to find out more specifics about coverage, including any coverage restrictions that might apply to your drugs. You can also use the Plan Finder tool to predict your monthly costs in the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, an optional program that allows you to spread your out-of-pocket costs across the year.
Once you’re ready to enroll, it’s a good idea to call the plan directly to confirm any information you read on Plan Finder, as errors are always possible. Here is a list of questions you can ask when calling a company about their prescription drug coverage. You can enroll in a plan online, by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227), or by calling the plan directly. Coverage begins January 1.
-Marci
Dear Marci
Dear Marci,
I want to get the updated COVID vaccine this fall. Will Medicare cover that?
-Lucia (Miami, FL)
Dear Lucia,
Yes! Medicare does cover COVID vaccines, including the updated vaccine. If you have Original Medicare, you will owe no cost-sharing (deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance) if you see a provider who accepts Medicare. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you should also not owe any cost-sharing if you see an in-network provider.
Learn more about staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and speak with your doctor if you have any questions.
Be aware of fraud schemes related to the vaccine. Do not share your Medicare number with anyone except for trusted health care providers. Be wary of people who ask for your financial information. You cannot pay to get earlier access to the vaccine, and the vaccine should not cost you anything. Contact your Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) if you suspect you have experienced Medicare fraud.
-Marci
I want to get the updated COVID vaccine this fall. Will Medicare cover that?
-Lucia (Miami, FL)
Dear Lucia,
Yes! Medicare does cover COVID vaccines, including the updated vaccine. If you have Original Medicare, you will owe no cost-sharing (deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance) if you see a provider who accepts Medicare. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you should also not owe any cost-sharing if you see an in-network provider.
Learn more about staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and speak with your doctor if you have any questions.
Be aware of fraud schemes related to the vaccine. Do not share your Medicare number with anyone except for trusted health care providers. Be wary of people who ask for your financial information. You cannot pay to get earlier access to the vaccine, and the vaccine should not cost you anything. Contact your Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) if you suspect you have experienced Medicare fraud.
-Marci
Dear Marci,
Dear Marci,
I just enrolled in Medicare a few months ago, and now I am hearing about Fall Open Enrollment coming up. What is Fall Open Enrollment, and what should I do during this time?
-Doreen (Austin, TX)
Dear Doreen,
What an important question! Fall Open Enrollment begins October 15 and ends December 7 each year. (You also might hear it called Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period or Annual Election Period.) During this time, you can make changes to your health insurance coverage, including adding, dropping, or changing your Medicare Advantage and Part D coverage for next year. Even if you’re happy with your current health and drug coverage, Fall Open Enrollment is the time to review what you have, compare it with other options, and make sure that your current coverage will meet your needs for the coming year.
If you have Original Medicare, visit www.medicare.gov or read the 2025 Medicare & You handbook to learn about Medicare’s benefits for the upcoming year. You should review any increases to Original Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance charges.
If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or a stand-alone Part D plan, read your plan’s Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and/or Evidence of Coverage (EOC). If you don’t receive these notices by the end of September, contact your plan to request them. Review these notices for any changes in:
The plan’s costs
The plan’s benefits and coverage rules
The plan’s formulary (list of drugs your plan covers)
Additionally, make sure that your drugs will still be covered next year and that your providers and pharmacies are still in the plan’s network. If you’re unhappy with any of your plan’s changes, you can enroll in a new plan. If you want assistance reviewing your options, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for unbiased counseling.
Even if you are happy with your current Medicare coverage, it’s still a good idea to see if there’s another plan in your area that will offer you better health and/or drug coverage at a more affordable price. Research shows that people with Medicare prescription drug coverage could lower their costs by shopping among plans each year; there could be another Part D plan in your area that covers the drugs you take with fewer restrictions or lower prices. You can use Medicare’s Plan Finder tool to compare your options and call your SHIP for assistance.
Best of luck to you this Fall Open Enrollment Period! Following the advice above, you can make sure your health coverage will meet your needs in 2025.
-Marci
I just enrolled in Medicare a few months ago, and now I am hearing about Fall Open Enrollment coming up. What is Fall Open Enrollment, and what should I do during this time?
-Doreen (Austin, TX)
Dear Doreen,
What an important question! Fall Open Enrollment begins October 15 and ends December 7 each year. (You also might hear it called Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period or Annual Election Period.) During this time, you can make changes to your health insurance coverage, including adding, dropping, or changing your Medicare Advantage and Part D coverage for next year. Even if you’re happy with your current health and drug coverage, Fall Open Enrollment is the time to review what you have, compare it with other options, and make sure that your current coverage will meet your needs for the coming year.
If you have Original Medicare, visit www.medicare.gov or read the 2025 Medicare & You handbook to learn about Medicare’s benefits for the upcoming year. You should review any increases to Original Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance charges.
If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or a stand-alone Part D plan, read your plan’s Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and/or Evidence of Coverage (EOC). If you don’t receive these notices by the end of September, contact your plan to request them. Review these notices for any changes in:
The plan’s costs
The plan’s benefits and coverage rules
The plan’s formulary (list of drugs your plan covers)
Additionally, make sure that your drugs will still be covered next year and that your providers and pharmacies are still in the plan’s network. If you’re unhappy with any of your plan’s changes, you can enroll in a new plan. If you want assistance reviewing your options, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for unbiased counseling.
Even if you are happy with your current Medicare coverage, it’s still a good idea to see if there’s another plan in your area that will offer you better health and/or drug coverage at a more affordable price. Research shows that people with Medicare prescription drug coverage could lower their costs by shopping among plans each year; there could be another Part D plan in your area that covers the drugs you take with fewer restrictions or lower prices. You can use Medicare’s Plan Finder tool to compare your options and call your SHIP for assistance.
Best of luck to you this Fall Open Enrollment Period! Following the advice above, you can make sure your health coverage will meet your needs in 2025.
-Marci
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