Your Choices for Medicare Coverage

by Ryan Baker, MD, FAAFP

If you’re 65 or turning 65, you might be missing out on important health benefits, and now’s the perfect time to evaluate your healthcare needs with your primary-care provider. Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period, also referred to as the Annual Enrollment Period runs through December 7. This means you can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Health Plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C).

There are a lot of choices, and it can be confusing, but your primary-care provider knows your healthcare needs better than anyone and should be one of your first stops when it comes to discussing your healthcare needs. And one of your first questions should be whether or not your primary-care provider is included in your plan. Don’t assume that they are, and don’t wait until after you’ve enrolled to check this.

Medicare plans center on preventive services, which is what your relationship with your primary-care provider is all about. Talk with your doctor about your individual healthcare needs, and don’t base your Medicare decision solely on the monthly payment.

As your primary-care provider, we can let you know which plans we accept, let you know what options you should consider based on your health history, and can refer you to educational materials or enrollment forms that are conveniently located in our office common areas.

There’s a lot of information out there, and we care about the health of our patients and the community, so Millennium created our Medicare Connect program to connect you to the right Medicare resources and partners. For more information on Millennium Medicare Connect, visit YourMedicareConnect.com or contact our HealthShare360 Medicare Navigators at 844.878.5012. Remember, you do have a choice when it comes to Medicare coverage.

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Dr. Ryan Baker

2299 9th Ave. N., Suite 1A

St. Petersburg, FL 33713

727.655.9854