Why Medicare Open Enrollment Is So Important

Open enrollment for Medicare is an
important time for people age 65 and older. Seniors can enroll or make changes
to their health insurance policies through Medicare in the period – October 15
to December 7. As a Medicare subscriber, you must take some time to review your
current policy, look for new options/plans, and determine if you will need
higher or lower coverage levels in the future. This will help you know if
changing plans can turn out to be beneficial or not.
Changes you can make during open enrollment;
- Changes to Part D – prescription drug
coverage
- Changes to Part C – Medigap and
supplemental plans
- During this time, one can also enroll in a
new supplemental plan
Upon the end of the enrollment period, you
would not be able to make any changes to your insurance policy. If you do not
take appropriate action during this time, you may end up with inadequate
coverage or bare penalties.
The following are the main reasons why
seniors should not miss the Medicare open enrollment period.
- The main reason why you should use this
period wisely is to ensure you are not stuck with a Medicare plan that is not
enough as per your requirements. In case you miss open enrollment, you won't
get another opportunity to make changes to your insurance plan for an entire
year.
- It is vital to review your current coverage
before you plan on making any changes to your policy because the current policy
might be enough for the running year, but the changes Medicare would make can
affect your coverage, and you might need an additional supplemental plan.
Medicare Advantage plans will be changing for the coming year; thus, enrollees
must be aware of those changes, typically before the enrollment period ends.
- Medicare Advantage plans will expand their
coverage in the coming years. These plans will also cover some non-medical
expenses, and new plans may be offered. Besides, some plans will also cover the
cost of diet, safety equipment, and transportation to doctor’s appointments.
However, these changes will not be implemented by all Medicare Advantage plan
providers.
- Medicare Advantage subscribers should check
if these changes affect their current plan. You might get more benefits by
changing to a different, new Medicare Advantage plan or provider during the
enrollment period. You should also contact your provider in order to find if
these changes will affect your policy or not. Apart from that, insurance
companies will also notify subscribers about any changes made; thus, pay close
attention to all the information you get from your provider.
- In case you realize a need for more
comprehensive coverage or want to reduce medical costs that are a burden on
your pocket, or looking for more benefits than your plan providers, a Medicare
Advantage plan is right for you. It would be better to research and analyze
different Advantage plans to determine which one will best meet your specific
requirements.
Missing the open enrollment period means
you will not be able to sign up for any of the Medicare Advantage plans unless
a qualifying event occurs. Qualifying events can include migration, losing
health insurance provided by an employer, and other major life events.
Open enrollment is no less than the perfect
opportunity for you to spare some time to figure out if you are receiving
enough coverage to fulfill your needs. Don’t miss out on this opportunity and
research plans, compare costs and coverage, and choose the one that seems best
to you.
Tips to fully Utilize the Open Enrollment
Period
- Review your current plan, and in case you
do not have one, find out if you will need one in the coming year.
- You may also use the Medicare.gov finder
tool for coverage plan and cost comparison.
- You may also look for private insurance
companies for Part D or advantage plans to find out purchase options at
affordable costs.
During this open enrollment period, check
if your plan is still appropriate or providers way more than what you use.
Please take advantage of open enrollment and make changes to your existing plan
or select a new plan that would help you save money, maximize benefits, and
secure you for the year we are entering.
MedPRO has a large network of Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) to choose from. Choosing the right network is also important.
You want to make sure that your specialists are also part of your Medicare
Advantage Plan. For more information on MedPRO, its network, and contracted
Medicare Advantage Plans offered, please call us at 559.450.MEDI (6334) or
visit us at www.cvmedpro.com
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