Prepare for Medicare Changes in 2023 

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs between October 15 and December 7, every year. The Sourcewise Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) offers services by appointment over the phone and by video conference. Face-to-face appointments are now available at select community centers and libraries.

Each year, drug and managed health plans may change premiums, benefits, and out-of-pocket costs (like deductibles and copayments/coinsurance) for the upcoming 2023 year as described in your September “Annual Notice of Change”. The AEP allows existing Medicare recipients to look at their previous Medicare selections and adapt as needed:

• Change, enroll in, or drop a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (PDP).
• Enroll in or change a Medicare Advantage (MA) Part C HMO or PPO plan for its extra benefits and managed network.
• Leave the managed Medicare system of MA Part C and instead use Original Medicare, a PDP, and Medigap for greater physician, provider, or facility flexibility.

HICAP Counselors can help you review changes, identify options, and help arrange your Medicare to meet your needs for 2023. HICAP will host AEP presentations called, “Medicare’s 2022 Annual Enrollment Period and Updates for 2023” via Zoom and at various community organizations throughout the county to keep you informed about the latest plan options and changes.

To prepare for an appointment, create a Medicare.gov account, especially if you take several medications. You can then view your Medicare history, including a list of recently filled prescriptions. HICAP Counselors can more quickly help you find the lowest-cost drug plan on the Medicare.gov Plan Finder.

Save money on Medicare Part D drug costs through the Low-Income Subsidy program (also called “Extra Help”). To qualify for partial Extra Help income must be less than $2,061 per month for singles and$2,289 per month for couples. Or apply for Medi-Cal which includes Extra Help for Medicare recipients, and it has similar income limits.

Sourcewise HICAP counseling is free, unbiased, and available to Medicare-eligible Santa Clara County residents. To attend the “Medicare’s 2022 Annual Enrollment Period and Updates for 2023” presentations, visit the Sourcewise website at mysourcewise/calendar.com. To schedule a one-on-one counseling session with a HICAP counselor,  visit our Medicare Counseling Appointments webpage or speak with a Community Resource Specialist at (408) 350-3200, option 1  for more information.