CMS announces initiative to improve Medicare customer experience

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services today announced updated tools to help Medicare beneficiaries compare coverage options and estimate costs during open enrollment, part of a multi-year initiative to modernize how beneficiaries get Medicare information. The improvements include a simplified log-in process for the Medicare Plan Finder, a web chat option for some beneficiaries, new tools to compare original Medicare or Medicare Advantage, and a mobile out-of-pocket cost calculator for both overall costs and prescription drug costs. The Medicare open enrollment period begins Oct. 15.