Why Fall Is My Favorite Time to Reset, In Life and in Medicare

There is something about the end of summer and the beginning of fall that always makes me want to focus on a reset by slowing down, getting organized, and making sure I’m ready for what is coming next.

I love being outside, taking little trips, spending time with family, and enjoying East Tennessee when the weather starts to cool down. But fall also means something very different in my office, Medicare Annual Enrollment is right around the corner.

And just like we change out our closets, prepare our homes for cooler weather, or start planning for the holidays, this is a great time to give your Medicare coverage a little attention too.

Every year I hear people say:

“My plan worked fine last year, so I figured I didn’t need to look at it.”

But Medicare plans can change. Your prescriptions can change. Your doctors can change. Copays, benefits, pharmacies and networks can change too.

That doesn’t mean you automatically need a different plan.

It simply means it is worth taking a few minutes to make sure what you have still fits your life.

>>Related Reading: The Biggest Insurance Mistake: Failing to Review Your Coverage as Life Changes

My Fall Medicare Checklist

Before Annual Enrollment begins, I encourage my clients to:

• Make an updated list of their medications.
• Write down the doctors and specialists they want to keep.
• Think about any health changes they have had this year.
• Look through any Medicare plan notices that come in the mail.
• Write down questions instead of trying to remember them later.
• Schedule their Medicare review early.

And one more piece of advice:

Be careful with all those Medicare phone calls that start increasing this time of year.

You do not have to make a decision because someone calls you unexpectedly and tells you that you are “missing benefits.”

If something sounds too good to be true, call someone you know and trust and talk through it before making any decisions first.

A Little More About Me

One reason I enjoy this time of year so much is that I believe in enjoying life outside of work too.

Whether it is getting outdoors, finding a waterfall, taking a little road trip, spending time on the water, or simply enjoying the mountains around us, I think some of the best memories come from slowing down long enough to enjoy where we live.

And maybe that is another good reminder for Medicare.

Your insurance should help support your life, it shouldn’t become your life.

My job is to help make the complicated parts easier so you can spend more time doing the things you actually enjoy.

Tell Me Something About You

Now I want to hear from you.

What is your favorite thing about fall in East Tennessee?

Is it:

• The changing leaves?
• Football?
• Fall festivals?
• Camping?
• Scenic drives?
• The cooler weather?
• Getting ready for the holidays?

Send me your answer or mention it when you stop by the office. I may feature some of my clients’ favorite fall traditions in an upcoming blog.

And if Medicare is on your fall checklist too, you’re always welcome to reach out.

Already on Medicare? Schedule your annual review.

Turning 65 soon? Let’s make sure you know what needs to happen and when.

Confused by a Medicare letter? Bring it with you. We’ll help you understand what it means.

Sometimes a little preparation now can make the rest of the year much easier.