Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/432137
16 LIVE IT UP! FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 SANTA CRUZ SENTINEL If you are transitioning to a new physician there are a few things that you can do to get the most out of your first visit: 1) Call your previous physician to transfer your medical records before your appointment with your new physician. The medical records will include information about your preventive care screenings, allergies and vaccination history. 2) Be prepared to discuss your family health history. It may change what screening tests are recommended for you. 3) If you take medications, vitamins or supplements, be sure to bring a list to share with your new doctor. 4) Communication between physicians is an important part of your health care. Help your doctor help you by sharing information about any specialists that you see, particularly if you have any chronic health issues like diabetes. 5) Check out your new health plan's web site. 6) Find out how you use your health plan's mail order pharmacy. 7) Ask your new physician to send new prescriptions for your routine medications to the mail order pharmacy. 8) Ask your new physician what you should do if you need medical care when the office is closed. Even if you aren't changing health plans or physicians you may want to think about how you can maximize your coverage before the calendar year ends. Most health plans have an annual coverage period so if you're due for your physical or a preventive care screening such as a mammogram or colonoscopy, consider scheduling it before the end of your coverage year. Medicare can seem confusing, but it's simple if you remember your A, B, C and Ds. Part A is original Medicare and covers a portion of hospital expenses. Part B is also part of original Medicare and covers a portion of medical costs outside of a hospital setting. These two parts make up the red white and blue paper Medicare card. Part C is called an Advantage Plan and often includes a prescription drug plan. This part also covers a portion of health care and medication costs. Part C works differently than original Medicare and you should ask your doctor or agent about this option. Part D plans are for prescription medications and cover a portion of drug costs. Medicare Supplementplans are an alternative to Part C and should always include a Part D plan. Medicare Supplements plans, when coupled with Part A and B, pay up to 100% of the balance remaining after Medicare pays their portion, based on the plan that one chooses. Medicare Supplement plans cover any doctor and any hospital in the country that accepts Medicare and are an alternative to Part C. One should always include a Part D plan in addition to a supplement. The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for Medicare runs from October 15 – December 7 and is the time of year when one can enroll or disenroll in an Advantage Plan (Part C) or change or add a Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) to better suit their needs. New plans come out each year and existing plans change. The agent's role is important and his or her job is to help you determine what plans are available and which options are best to meet your needs and budget. Make the Most of Your Health Care Coverage The A, B, C, and Ds of Medicare and the Annual Enrollment Period