Regence’s Dara Smith visits with local Oregon podcast to discuss 2020 Medicare health plan options and benefits

By Regence
November 19, 2019
Dara Smith Insurance Talk podcast

Every year Oregonians can choose from a variety of Medicare coverage options to meet their personal health care needs and budgets. Eligible shoppers can enroll in a new plan during the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) annual election period (AEP), which runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7* for coverage starting Jan. 1, 2020.

Learning about the different plans and benefits can quickly become overwhelming. Some people work with an insurance agent to gather information about Medicare plans, and organizations like Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) can also offer resources and support. Dara Smith, who oversees Regence’s Medicare product and sales, recently shared her expertise on Insurance Talk, a podcast hosted by Bancorp Insurance in Deschutes County, Ore.

Smith cites three key questions people should ask when shopping for a Medicare plan:

  • Are my doctors and specialists in the health plan’s network?
  • How much can I afford to spend for the coverage I need?
  • Are the medications I use on the health plan’s covered drug list (formulary)?
Insurance Talk podcast

Click here to listen to the full podcast. To learn more about Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon’s Medicare Advantage coverage options in Oregon for 2020, including expanded availability in Deschutes County, go to regence.com/medicare.

*Those enrolled in Medicare can sign up or switch to a Medicare Advantage plan during Medicare’s annual election period (AEP) that runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 each year with a Jan. 1 coverage effective date.

Regence is an HMO/PPO/PDP plan with a Medicare contract.  Enrollment in Regence depends on contract renewal. Other providers are available in our network.

Regence complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.  ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística.  Llame al 1-800-541-8981 (TTY: 711). 注意:如果您使用繁體中文,您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-800-541-8981(TTY: 711).

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