Consumer Reports Offers Free Guide to Medicare Changes, New Benefits

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For people who have Medicare, there are important changes, including new benefits, to consider since the Affordable Care Act was signed into law last year.

Consumer Reports now has a free guide to explain the changes to Medicare. Free copies of “Medicare: 6 Things You Need to Know Now” are available for a limited time by calling toll-free 1-855-CR-GUIDE or visiting ConsumerReportsHealth.org.

crmedicare6The 15-page guide provides easy-to-understand information about changes in Medicare:

If you have Medicare and struggle with the cost of prescription drugs, the guide explains the sizable drug discounts now available when you reach the gap in Medicare drug plans known as the “doughnut hole.”

For those who have skipped preventive-care visits to the doctor because they could not afford them, the guide describes the free and low-cost coverage options for certain preventive services, such as annual wellness visits, mammograms and prostate cancer screenings, and flu shots.

The guide explains the changes in Medicare Advantage plans, such as new limits on your annual out-of-pocket costs.

If you have relatively high income, the guide takes you through important changes in what you pay.

Beginning this year, the open enrollment period for changing Medicare plans is starting and ending earlier, and the guide helps you check the new dates and understand your options.

If you are about to turn 65, you can find out what you need to know before signing up for Medicare.

The back of the guide offers an in-depth resource section with contact information for key agencies that can answer your specific questions about Medicare, including toll-free numbers for help in every state.

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