AI and Medicare: 3 steps to use technology to navigate the Annual Enrollment Period
More Americans than ever are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to compare everything from books to banks to health benefits. That includes Medicare plans, especially during the fall’s Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 through Dec. 7).
In fact, new eHealth research shows that 62% of Medicare beneficiaries who intend to review their plans for 2027 anticipate using AI tools to help them compare options. While AI can play a valuable role in the comparison-shopping process, it is important that Medicare beneficiaries understand the technology’s limitations — and the necessary steps to overcome them.
With a record number of Medicare beneficiaries now making health plan decisions for next year, here are three steps to use AI effectively to compare plans and make a more informed decision based on individual needs and budgets.
Step 1: Use AI to understand Medicare plan options and key insurance terms. Medicare is notoriously complex, with 71% of beneficiaries saying that shopping for a plan is confusing. AI can help simplify Medicare, in part by clarifying basic differences between Original Medicare, Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans. It can also clarify key Medicare concepts in every-day language, including terms such as premium, deductible, copay, coinsurance, and drug formularies. Given how confusing these terms and concepts are for most Americans, AI can help Medicare beneficiaries become more knowledgeable when it comes to understanding how health insurance works.
Step 2: Use AI for initial plan research and to create an enrollment checklist. AI can also help with initial Medicare plan research, including generating an enrollment checklist and a list of questions to ask yourself as you begin reviewing plans. AI excels at helping you think through the pros and cons of different Medicare plan options, enabling you to contemplate the potential implications of different coverage decisions. With AI aiding in initial research and helping you to think through various plan options, it will be easier to understand and compare the Medicare options available in your area.
Step 3: Avoid using AI to make final decisions and don’t share personal information. Most AI chatbots don’t have access to the latest Medicare plan information, which often changes each year and can vary depending on where you live. As a result, AI may not always provide the most up-to-date answers or reflect current plans, healthcare provider networks, or prescription drug formularies. It’s also wise to use caution when sharing personal or health information online, so avoid giving consumer AI tools sensitive information such as your Medicare identification number, Social Security number, or medical records. Before choosing a plan, confirm plan costs, healthcare provider networks, prescription drug coverage, and eligibility through a trusted government site, a counselor with a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) or a licensed insurance agent.
While AI is a powerful resource, it is important to always double-check the information and guidance it provides. With AI becoming a bigger part of healthcare, it’s important for Medicare beneficiaries and their family members to use these resources responsibly, while verifying important coverage decisions before enrolling.
Whitney Stidom is vice president of consumer enablement at eHealth, an online health insurance marketplace that helps consumers navigate their health benefit decisions.