Which statement about enrolling in a new plan is not guaranteed?

Which statement about enrolling in a new plan is not guaranteed?

• A. If the plan is network-based, ensure the providers they want to use are in the new plan's network
• B. If the plan has drug coverage, ensure medications are on the formulary, what tier they are in, and any utilization management limitations
• C. All features of the current plan will be available in the new plan
• D. The plan's costs will always be lower than the current plan

Answer: (D)

Not guaranteed that costs will be lower when you enroll in a new plan. Medicare plan costs depend on many moving parts—monthly premiums, deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and the specific drug coverage through the formulary. A new plan might have a lower premium but higher cost sharing for drugs or services, or it might drop benefits you rely on. Because plan designs vary from year to year, there’s no certainty that switching will reduce your overall costs. The other ideas reflect practical checks you should do when comparing plans. If the plan uses a network, you’ll want to confirm your preferred providers are in-network to avoid higher out-of-pocket costs. If it includes drug coverage, you’ll need to see which medications are on the formulary, what tier they’re in, and what utilization-management rules apply. And it’s not guaranteed that every feature of your current plan will be carried over in a new plan—the benefits can differ.

Not guaranteed that costs will be lower when you enroll in a new plan. Medicare plan costs depend on many moving parts—monthly premiums, deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and the specific drug coverage through the formulary. A new plan might have a lower premium but higher cost sharing for drugs or services, or it might drop benefits you rely on. Because plan designs vary from year to year, there’s no certainty that switching will reduce your overall costs.

The other ideas reflect practical checks you should do when comparing plans. If the plan uses a network, you’ll want to confirm your preferred providers are in-network to avoid higher out-of-pocket costs. If it includes drug coverage, you’ll need to see which medications are on the formulary, what tier they’re in, and what utilization-management rules apply. And it’s not guaranteed that every feature of your current plan will be carried over in a new plan—the benefits can differ.