Protecting Medicare as Open Enrollment Begins

There are two approaches to meet the health care needs of Americans. The first way is a command economy approach, such as the Medicare for All effort, which uses mandates to force patients, providers, and insurers to take action – demonstrated under Obamacare to worsen access and drive up costs. The second way is to use the marketplace to drive down costs and improve consumer access like we used in constructing Medicare Part D to improve prescription access for seniors. An important part of this process is Medicare Open Enrollment, which runs from October 15 through December 7.

The most important feature driving cost savings in Part D is the annual requirement for insurers to rebid plans, negotiate prices, and demonstrate to Medicare beneficiaries the value their plans offer. Because of this requirement, every year seniors have an opportunity to choose the Medicare Part D plan that best meets their needs at the best price.

By visiting Medicare.gov, you can view your current enrollment, sort through your options, and select a plan which best suits you. If you would rather speak to an expert directly, you can call1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). In addition, the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) provides free, accurate, and objective information on your plan of choice. You can reach Nebraska SHIIP at 1-800-234-7119 or https://www.doi.nebraska.gov/shiip.

Medicare Open Enrollment, which gives seniors the opportunity to make changes to their Medicare Advantage or Part D plans, may have extra importance this year. We know that seniors are at a higher risk for contracting COVID-19 and experiencing severe symptoms than the rest of the population. The pandemic has demonstrated the necessity of a strong Medicare program and the need for options for our seniors as they plan for their health care.

Seniors rely on Medicare, and it is our job in Congress to see to it that Medicare is working correctly. Efforts like Medicare for All would change Medicare as we know it and ruin its very purpose. Through my position on the Ways and Means Committee, I remain committed to improving Medicare, not obliterating its foundation and mission of helping seniors.

Along with protecting Medicare in Congress, my staff and I are always here to help navigate Medicare and the open enrollment period. If you would like assistance, please do not hesitate to call my Grand Island office, or visit my website at AdrianSmith.house.gov. Be sure to check your Medicare plan options