Understanding the changes to Medicare Advantage plans

Medicare open enrollment starts next week. In September, letters went out to recipients explaining that there would be changes. Some plans are being dropped completely. This has caused a great deal of confusion and concern. We address the changes and answer your questions.
Our guests:
Andy Napierala, vice president of Medicare and individual market sales for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
Renee Pettenski, manager of the Health Insurance Information Counseling Assistance Program at Lifespan

0:00 Introduction
2:05 Lifespan’s counseling and support
4:09 National trends in Medicare Advantage
5:32 Rising costs and wage index impact
7:04 Comparing plans and key deadlines
10:05 Managing care, costs, and member concerns
12:45 What Medicare Advantage covers
14:18 Drug costs and formulary updates
15:49 How the wage index affects providers
19:13 Coverage disputes and system complexity
24:33 Excellus support and accessibility
28:25 Plan availability and benefit questions
32:15 Fewer plan options and regional gaps
41:00 Navigating plans with expert help
45:39 Dual coverage and disability changes
49:59 Understanding your options moving forward

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