Claim your Medicare plan benefits in 2023!

We hope that your new year is off to a great start!  New Jersey Medicare Brokers is kicking off 2023 with a few reminders to make sure you are getting the most out of your Medicare coverage this year:

Get your vaccines! You may have heard that with the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act last year, Medicare beneficiaries will be able to get vaccines that previously had a high cost to them for no charge in 2023.   One key component of the Act is the zero cost-sharing for certain Medicare Part D adult vaccines, as recommended by the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP).  Most notably, this includes the shingles vaccine, which prior to 2023 was very costly for Medicare recipients. 

Vaccines covered by Medicare Part B, such as influenza, Pneumonia, Hepatitis B (must meet criteria for high/intermediate risk), COVID-19 will continue to have zero cost-sharing.  Check out this helpful resource from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regarding the differences between Medicare Part B (doctor administered) and Part D (pharmacy-administered) vaccines.

 

Start using your Over-the-Counter (OTC) Benefits! Many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans in New Jersey will include a quarterly OTC benefit for its members. The benefit can be used for approved OTC items such as vitamins, first aid supplies, pain relievers, and toothpaste at selected pharmacies and grocery store locations or by purchasing through your insurance carrier’s catalog.  Contact Member Services to inquire about your benefit, and request a copy of your catalog.  Remember, this benefit is “use it or lose it” and benefits do not usually roll over from one quarter to the next.

 

Contact us to learn more about your plan or to discuss a switch!  If you are unsure of the benefits available with your current plan, or you would like to make a switch to your plan, you may contact us at 1-800-797-0605 to discuss your options.  Thank you for trusting us with your health insurance needs.