As if this time of year wasn’t busy enough, October 15th through December 7th is also Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period. During this time, you can make changes to your current plan, add coverage, or enroll in other plans. Below, you will find some of the options you have available to you during this time period, as well as helpful links and what to do if the coverage you have this year will be adequate for the following year.
Medicare Open Enrollment
During open enrollment, you can change from a traditional Medicare plan (Types A and B) to a managed care plan (Medicare Advantage — Type C), or you can switch to a traditional plan from a Type C plan. You can also add or change a Medicare Part D plan, which covers prescription drugs.
Happy With Your Medicare Coverage?
If your current plan meets your needs, you’ll still need to look over the information that is provided in each plan’s “Change of Coverage” letter. This letter lays out exactly what is changing with your plan, which might mean that you end up with something that doesn’t cover everything you need. These changes can be especially difficult when it comes to which medications are covered, as well as the amount of your premiums and your deductibles. You will also need to pay close attention to any differences in the way that appeals and exceptions are handled.
Be Careful During This Time Of Year
Unfortunately, there are many people out there who try to take advantage of people during this hectic time. A few simple rules will keep your information safe from people who want to steal your identity or your money.
Never give out any personal information to anyone over the phone who calls you or shows up at your home with an unsolicited offer to help with your Medicare coverage. Trust only official email or letter communications that come from recognized sources.
If you have questions, use the following trusted resources:
https://www.medicare.gov/medicare-and-you/medicare-and-you.html or https://www.medicare.gov/pubs/pdf/10050-Medicare-and-You.pdf
The Medicare Rights Center: www.medicareinteractive.org
Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program, which offers independent counseling: https://www.shiptacenter.org
Kiplinger’s “How to Compare Medicare Advantage Plans”
Medicare Plan Finder: www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan
Contact us at Safe Harbor Wills & Trusts today if you feel like you need help filing an appeal or dealing with a problem that has stemmed from your Medicare coverage. We do everything we can to make things easier for you.