By Tina Thompson, Eventide Campus Office Manager
Medicare open enrollment – also known as Medicare’s annual election period – runs from October 15th through December 7th each year. During this open enrollment period those with Medicare and Medicare Advantage can make changes to their Medicare health plans or their prescription drug coverage for the following year to better meet their needs. All changes made during the open enrollment period will be effective January 1st.
There are some special circumstances in which Medicare recipients can change coverage at anytime, for example, if you enter or live in a nursing facility. However, for most people, the Open Enrollment Period is the only time that changes can be made.
During the Medicare open enrollment period, you can:
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan.
- Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare (plus a Medicare Part D plan, and possibly a Medigap plan).
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
- Switch from one Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to another.
- Enroll in a Medicare Part D plan if you did not enroll when you were first eligible for Medicare. (If you haven’t maintained other creditable coverage, a late-enrollment penalty may apply.)
How do people know if they need to make changes?
Medicare health and drug plans can make changes to their coverage each year. They can make changes to cost, coverage, and the providers or pharmacies that are in network with their plan. People enrolled in a Medicare health or prescription drug plan should always review the materials their plans send, such as the Evidence of Coverage (EOC) and Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). If your plans are changing, review carefully to make sure it will still meet your needs next year.
If you are satisfied that your current plan will meet your needs for next year and it is still being offered, they do not need to do anything.
You can find Medicare plan information or compare plans or request assistance by contacting the local SHIIP (Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program) Counselor at 712.265.2509, by contacting Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE or online at Medicare.gov.
REF: CMS.gov
If you have questions, consider attending the upcoming education: The Coverage Cocktail – Mixing the Right Insurance for Aging Well. This program is scheduled for Thursday, November 6th at 5:00pm and is located at Gracewell Nursing Facility. Give us a call at (712) 263-3114 for questions or to register. Registration is appreciated but not required. See flyer here.
