Each year, during the AEP from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, patients have the opportunity to review, upgrade or switch their health insurance plans to ensure their coverage meets their evolving healthcare needs. Missing this opportunity could lock you into a plan that doesn't support your medical needs and health goals—a costly mistake.
Village Medical encourages every eligible patient to actively participate in this annual process, recognizing that having the right health insurance coverage is essential for maintaining health and mitigating financial burden. Patients who are approaching 65 or 65-plus should talk with an independent insurance broker about their options - and family members can encourage their loved ones who are 65-plus to talk about AEP.
Understanding and assessing coverage needs
The first step in a successful AEP review is an assessment of your health, and this is best accomplished in an annual wellness visit with your primary care doctor.
“Secondly, patients need to understand their health plan’s coverage,” said Dr. James Geracci, Chief Medical Officer for Village Medical in Houston. “Health plans change yearly, so staying updated on these changes and other options is important to ensure you have the right coverage.”
Health plans often modify their coverage, including premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket costs and covered services (including medication and preventive screening coverage). By not engaging in the AEP process, you risk coverage gaps.
Key considerations when assessing your plan:
- Current health status: What medical conditions do you have, what are your health goals, and what services do you need?
- Plan changes: How have your plan’s benefits and costs changed since last year?
- Prescription drug coverage: Are your current medications fully covered, and is the coverage sufficient for your needs?
- Out-of-pocket costs: How do total costs compare across available plans, including additional services like transportation, gym memberships or wellness programs?
- Provider networks: Are your preferred doctors, specialists and hospitals included in the plan’s network?
- Special needs plans: If you have chronic conditions, are there chronic special needs plans that better meet your healthcare needs?
- Flexibility and additional benefits: Does the plan offer extra benefits that support your overall health and quality of life?
A partner through the AEP process
Navigating Medicare plan options can be daunting, but Village Medical provides resources to help patients understand the process.
How Village Medical supports patients during AEP:
- Connecting with experts: Village Medical providers and clinical teams remind patients to connect with an independent insurance agent. Patients can also call the Patient Experience Center to connect with health insurance agents*.
- Informational events: Meet members of Village Medical’s Care team and local independent insurance agents. You can participate in community health fairs, expos and nearby restaurants with Medicare Education, DocTalks and more!
- Online resources: Frequently asked questions and helpful resources and community event listings are posted on the VIllage Medical website.
Act before the deadline
“Having the right health insurance coverage is a critical enabler to maintain your health and achieve your goals while helping to mitigate the financial burden of doing so,” Dr. James Geracci said. “It allows our providers and clinical teams at Village Medical to better support the medical needs of our patients and improve their health outcomes.”
Take advantage of Village Medical's resources today! If you work with an independent licensed insurance agent, contact them directly—they may be hosting an event near you. Connect with an agent and schedule your annual wellness visit to ensure you have the coverage you need for the year ahead. To learn more about the AEP, click here.
The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
