Medicare’s Open Enrollment period is here! Now’s the time to compare Medicare coverage options for 2020.

Think about what benefits matter to you and find a Medicare plan that fits. Why compare again for 2020? Plans change, and your health care needs or situation may have changed too. And you might even save money. You can visit Medicare.gov through Dec. 7 to compare plans and make any changes. If you decide to change plans, your new coverage will begin Jan. 1, 2020.

The Medical Center has a convenient Medicare Information page located under the Resources menu at the top of this screen. On that page you will find basic information about Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans (including drug plans) and Medigap Coverage, along with links to areas where you can learn more at the official Medicare.gov website. There is also a 3.5-minute video explaining the basics behind these offerings.

For more detailed information, check out the linked icons at the bottom of that page. There we have a link to “Medicare and You,” Medicare’s 120-page official guide and handbook for 2020. The link opens a .pdf version of the publication that you can download to view at your leisure. There’s also a link to the “Find a 2020 Medicare plan” tool which Medicare has revamped and simplified for 2020. Additionally, you’ll find links to Medicare’s Medigap policy finder, Medicare’s official “Getting started with Medicare” page, and an informative article about choosing supplemental insurance by Bob Carlson of Retirement Watch magazine.

Remember, if you’re new to Medicare or plan to make changes to your existing coverage for 2020, the deadline is Dec. 7, 2019.