Kiplinger

Medicare Open Enrollment: Shop for a Better Deal on Plans

If you've ever been to a restaurant with a long and bewildering menu, you know it can be tough to find appealing options that fit your budget. That's the challenge that seniors face this fall as they peruse Medicare coverage options that are more confusing than ever.

From October 15 through December 7, Medicare beneficiaries have an opportunity to change their health and prescription-drug plans for the coming year. And this year's open enrollment period comes with a lot of new wrinkles. Prescription-drug coverage is changing, for example, and people shopping for Medicare Advantage plans may see a proliferation of plans and some new benefits. More options "will make for more difficult and more confusing choices for the average beneficiary," says Ann Kayrish, senior program manager for Medicare at the National Council on Aging's Center for Benefits Access.

Even if you're

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