COUNCIL ON AGING - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA can be very difficult and time-consuming to compare all of the plans that are available to you. Many people try to do their homework, get frustrated, and then "give up and guess." Choosing a Medicare plan is too important to leave to guesswork. Take the time to review your health insurance needs before your first-and every subsequent-enrollment period. You don't have to do this on your own. You can get help from a trusted source that can help you think through your options and compare plans. If you're unsure about your choices, start by contacting a Council on Aging - Southern California HICAP counselor at 800-434-0222 to discuss your options or schedule an appointment to meet with a counselor at your local senior center. Mistake 4: Not applying for extra financial help. Struggling with healthcare costs? Millions of older adults are eligible for billions of dollars in programs that can help them pay for their prescriptions and health insurance premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. If your income in retirement is modest, you should find out if you qualify for assistance. A Council on Aging - Southern California HICAP counselor can offer a free online BenefitsCheckUp® to see if you're eligible and to help you apply for "Extra Help" or Medicare Savings Programs. You can contact a local HICAP counselor at 800-432-0222. Mistake 5: Not re-evaluating your coverage every year. Unfortunately, choosing health insurance is no longer a one-time decision for most Medicare beneficiaries. Insurance companies can make changes to policies every year. Just because your doctor and medications are covered this year doesn't automatically mean they will be covered in the coming year. Research studies show that the average consumer could save $300 or more annually if they review their Part D coverage. For additional information regarding Medicare and your coverage options contact the Council on Aging - Southern California HICAP at 1-800-434-0222 or visit us online at www.coasc.org. HICAP is part of the national network of State Health Insurance and Assistance Programs and funded in part by the California Department of Aging. HICAP is the most dependable source of unbiased, accurate and up-to-date Medicare information. Excerpted from the National Council on Aging, www.ncoa.org INSURANCE Council On Aging-Southern California | 714-479-0107 | www.coasc.org Answers Guide 2017 101http://www.coasc.org http://www.ncoa.org http://www.personalmedicareadvisor.com http://www.coasc.org