If you're eligible for Medicare and you haven't selected your 2012 Medicare plan, you should know that the deadline is quickly approaching. The annual election period for choosing a 2012 Medicare Advantage plan ends on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011. It's an earlier deadline than in the past and it's right around the corner. So, it's really important to research your options now so you can make sure you find the plan that best suits your healthcare needs and budget.First, review your records to see how much you spent this year on healthcare. Next, look at the costs, benefits and network of doctors and hospitals associated with each plan.And, take advantage of the resources available to you.Humana offers valuable information for Medicare beneficiaries through our website: Humana-Medicare.com. Another good resource is the government's Medicare website: medicare.gov The best way to find the plan that's right for you and for your healthcare budget is to carefully compare plans and evaluate the many options you have. Those options include Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Supplement plans.Original Medicare provides very basic coverage for medical expenses, but doesn't cover costs like deductibles and coinsurance or prescription drug coverage. If you'd like additional coverage for medical care and prescription drugs, you have two choices:The first is Medicare Advantage plans - Many people choose Medicare Advantage plans because these plans add value through extra benefits and services and are often combined with prescription drug coverage. The second choice is Medicare Supplement plans - Medicare Supplement plans are designed to pay some of the costs that Medicare does not cover - for instance, deductibles and coinsurance. While these plans don't include prescription drug coverage, you can purchase a separate Medicare prescription drug plan. The Medicare Advantage program offers many benefits not included in Original Medicare, including:•$0 or affordable plan premiums
•Lower copays and lower or no deductibles
•Prescription drug coverage often built in
•Extra benefits on some plans include dental, vision, a nurse advice line and health and wellness programs, such as a gym membership at no additional cost.During the annual election period that runs until Dec. 7, you can switch to a Medicare Advantage plan for 2012.For example, people who currently participate in Original Medicare coverage, as well as a prescription drug plan, may decide to switch to a Medicare Advantage plan that offers built-in drug coverage. Choosing a 2012 Medicare Advantage plan boils down to two things: You must sign up for your plan by Dec. 7. And choose carefully -- find a company you can trust and rely on.The best advice is to look at health plan companies that have been in the community a long time, that have established a relationship with local doctor and hospitals, and that have earned a respected business reputation.At Humana, we're proud to have been serving the Tampa Bay area for nearly 25 years, and to have grown to become Florida's largest Medicare Advantage provider. And please be smart. Don't give your personal or financial information to any uninvited home visitors or unknown solicitors callers selling Medicare-related products. The best way to find out more about Humana's Medicare Advantage plans offered in Tampa Bay is by calling us at 1-800-258-4931. We can arrange for one of our representatives to meet with you. You can also find out more by visiting Humana-Medicare.com.And, please remember to select your 2012 plan by Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011.You can meet with Humana representatives first hand to find out more about Medicare 2012 at the Senior Friendly Extravaganza on Thursday, Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Largo Cultural Center. It's a free event.A Health plan with a Medicare contract. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. If you are a member of a qualified State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program, please contact the Program to verify that the mail order pharmacy will coordinate with that Program. The benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, but not a comprehensive description of available benefits. For more information contact the plan. A sales person will be present with information and applications. For accommodations of persons with special needs at sales meetings, call 1-800-258-4931 TTY 711. Some enrollment exceptions may apply. />
