Medicare beneficiaries across the Catskills and Northeast Pennsylvania have just weeks to review their health coverage and make changes for next year. With some insurance plans changing benefits, raising costs or discontinuing coverage, New York senior advocates are urging older adults not to automatically renew their plans — and to make sure their doctors, medications and hospitals will still be covered.

Maria Alvarez, executive director of the New York StateWide Senior Action Council, said beneficiaries should review their coverage even if they are satisfied with their current plan. Some insurers are changing benefits, costs and coverage, while others are discontinuing certain products.

Alvarez urged seniors to read notices from their insurance companies, particularly annual notices of change, which outline adjustments to coverage for the coming year.

“Even if you’re happy with what you have this year, it’s a good idea to verify that that is going to be the same coverage that you will be receiving from that plan for the next year,” Alvarez said.

During open enrollment, beneficiaries can switch between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change Medicare Advantage plans or review their prescription drug coverage.

Alvarez said people should confirm that their doctors, hospitals, prescription medications and pharmacies will remain covered. They should also compare changes in premiums, copayments and deductibles.

Beneficiaries can contact their insurance companies directly, use Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE for plan comparisons. The StateWide Senior Action Council and local offices for the aging also offer free, unbiased counseling.

Alvarez cautioned that insurance brokers may present only plans for which they receive commissions, making independent counseling particularly valuable.

She also warned seniors about unsolicited calls from people claiming to represent Medicare. Medicare, Social Security and the IRS do not make unsolicited calls requesting personal information, she said.

Beneficiaries should never provide their Medicare numbers or bank information before agreeing to enroll in a plan. They should also be wary of high-pressure sales tactics or claims that Medicare endorses a particular insurance company.

“Medicare does not endorse any one plan over another,” Alvarez said.

Seniors can reach the New York State Senior Medicare Patrol at 800-333-4374 or visit nysenior.org for assistance.