Five Tips for Self-Care during Medicare Enrollment Season

Enrolling in Medicare signifies a pivotal moment as you or someone you love approaches 65 or meets specific qualifying criteria. It can be stressful for seniors who are newly navigating this process. Let's delve into what you can anticipate during this process and five tips to minimize stress.

Medicare consists of different parts, each serving distinct purposes. Part A encompasses hospital insurance, covering inpatient stays, skilled nursing facilities, hospice care, and some home health services. Part B, on the other hand, encompasses medical insurance, encompassing outpatient care, doctor's visits, preventive services, and durable medical equipment.

While Parts A and B provide fundamental coverage, it's essential to understand potential out-of-pocket expenses such as deductibles and coinsurance. To address these gaps, many enrollees opt for a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan. Medigap policies, offered by private insurers, help cover costs like copayments, coinsurance, and even medical care when traveling abroad.

Alternatively, you might explore Medicare Advantage (Part C), an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A and B). These plans, offered by private companies, bundle hospital and medical coverage while often incorporating prescription drug coverage (Part D) and additional benefits like dental and vision care.

Speaking of prescription drugs, Part D focuses exclusively on medication coverage. It's a wise choice if you're currently taking medications or anticipate doing so in the future. Different plans cover different drugs, so careful consideration is vital to ensure your prescriptions are included.

We know enrolling for Medicare can be a challenging process. Your trusted health insurance provider will walk you through each of these plans to assist you with choosing what works best for your situation. While knowledge can help in making your decisions, it’s also important to take care of yourself and your health during your research and planning for enrollment. Here are five tips to help.

1. Get organized - Getting organized may help you feel more in control, plus allow for easy retrieval and access to all the information you are receiving. Splurge on a special organizer with folders and places to take notes.
2. Inhale calm, exhale worry - Yes, it sounds simple but taking a few deep breaths can help reduce stress and bring a feeling of peace when you are feeling overwhelmed. Inhale for a count of 4 and sigh out with your exhale for a count of 6. Repeat several times as needed until you feel centered again.
3. Take a walk - There may be times you find yourself immersed in piles of information for Medicare- reading and re-reading guides and websites until you feel like you are going in circles through the alphabet of plans available. Take a break and take a walk- a walk can help clear your mind and recharge your spirit. You could even take a walk or go on a bike ride with your grandchildren.
4. Find some fun - Balance out the stress with some fun! Whether it’s indulging in your favorite hobby or visiting a friend or family member- dedicate some time for activities or breaks that make you smile and laugh.
5. Be kind to yourself - Trying to navigate all of these options, can leave you feeling many emotions. Remember- if you feel that way, you are not alone. Negative self-talk can creep in on all of us during challenging times. Don’t forget to be kind to yourself- you can do this!

Always remember, this process is a journey and there may be some ups and some downs. If you would like to learn more about other resources available to help you along the way there is always information available at Medicare.gov.