Do I need to act during Medicare’s open enrollment?

Dear Toni: I turn 65 on May 12, and I need your help. What should I do this Medicare season?

Insurance companies and agencies all claim their plan is the best.

My sister says if I do not enroll in Medicare at the right time, I will get a penalty that lasts the rest of my life.

How can you know what’s right for your situation? — Ronald, Lexington, Kentucky

Dear Ronald: To answer your first question: You don’t need to do anything in Medicare’s current open enrollment period because you are not 65 and have not yet enrolled in Medicare.

Next year’s Oct. 15-Dec. 7 open enrollment period is when you can make a change to your Part D drug plan and change or enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan (with or without a Part D plan).

A Medicare beneficiary MUST have already turned 65 or be under 65 and enrolled in Medicare to enroll in or change either a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan during Medicare’s OEP.

When you turn 65 in May, Ronald, you will be in your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period. (This is a seven-month period that includes the three months before your birthday, the month you turn 65 and the three months afterward.) That means this window will start in February for you, and that will be a good time to begin exploring Medicare options and start to enroll.

Talk with your medical providers to find out which type of Medicare plan is right for your health situation and the prescriptions you are taking.

Medicare is not a one-size-fits-all plan. Insurance companies market their specific policies and want you to believe they are perfect for you. But it is up to you and your medical provider to determine which plan works best.

Toni King is an author and columnist on Medicare and health insurance issues. If you have a Medicare question, email [email protected] or call 832-519-8664.