It’s a book few healthcare analysts see unless they are Medicare eligible. Each year, generally in late September or early October, Medicare publishes “Medicare & You” a handbook to help beneficiaries navigate their Medicare coverage.
Given the complexities, it’s a surprisingly well done publication with generally easy to understand, clear explanations. When the material becomes too involved, Medicare often includes pointers to where more information can be found.
The first part of the book is 120-pages of explanations of various Medicare programs and policies. It outlines, for example, the differences between Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D coverages. It details the difference between “original” Medicare and the Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans.
The second part of the book is state-specific with a table detailing the Medicare Advantage and other plans available in the state. For Ohio, this list runs for some 30 pages. The data is comprehensive and somewhat overwhelming. The biggest challenge is it’s sorted by insurer, but not every insurer sells in every county. This is where either an online tool or a local agent becomes critical. A user cannot easily tell whether a particular insurance product is available to them.
The basic guidebook (without state specific information) is free and can be downloaded here: https://www.medicare.gov/medicare-and-you