As 2020 begins and a new year is upon us, we want to take some time to bring a few things to your attention that may be of help to all of our clients as well as anyone receiving or seeking Medicare insurance. hints

• Starting January 1, 2020, you must be using your new Medicare card. This card replaces your old Medicare card, which used your Social Security number. The new Medicare number, also referred to as MBI (Medicare Beneficiary Identifier), is 11 characters in length and was randomly generated. Once you are certain you have your new card, you may shred your old Medicare card so there is no confusion.

• If during this past AEP (Annual Enrollment Period) you signed up with a new carrier, you should have received your new policy ID card by the end of 2019. If you have remained with the same carrier, you may also receive a new card in the mail if some of the information on your card needed updating. For example, if the copay for your PCP (Primary Care Physician) changed from your 2019 plan.

• If you have a WellCare Prescription Drug Plan and have received a payment coupon booklet in the mail and do not know why; don't fret. WellCare sends this booklet to a large mailing list regardless of how you signed up to pay your monthly premiums. We would recommend waiting until January 20th to see if the requested deductions occurred before you pay with the coupon book. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to call us.

• We advise you to look into the GoodRx app. We have found that GoodRx may save you money on certain brand name prescriptions at your pharmacy. Find more details at www.goodrx.com.

• Although the annual enrollment period has ended, anyone turning 65 can enroll in Medicare within a few months of their birthday. As most of our clients know, our growth has been through satisfied customers. If you or someone you know is turning 65, we would love to answer any questions or have a free no-obligation consultation to help navigate through the many options. Call us for details or you can find more information at www.medicare.gov

We hope this helps answer some questions as well as make things a little easier as you start the New Year. As always, feel free to reach out to John at 260-341-0419 or Tony at 260-750-2209. One of our licensed agents would love to assist you. Have a blessed New Year.