Open enrollment is upon us and that means you can modify your existing Medicare coverage in order to properly accommodate your medical needs and desires. There are a variety of elements to keep in mind during the open enrollment season, and having the right information will make a huge difference for you and your loved ones that are trying to secure sufficient coverage. You can work closely with a licensed Medicare broker to properly navigate the intricacies of open enrollment and more importantly, have a better understanding of the rules and policies that are in place.

 

Fall Enrollment (October 15th-December 7th)

Changes that are made during the enrollment season will take effect on January 1st. In many cases, the fall is the only time that candidates are eligible for choosing a new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. For those who currently have Medicare Advantage, you can also transition to Original Medicare and for those who need drug coverage, it is strongly recommended to partake in a Part D plan. Based on your location, patients could be eligible to purchase Medigap policies, which will cover Original Medicare costs, limitations can apply in terms of who can seek coverage and when.

 

Reviewing Your Health And Drug Coverage

For those who currently have Original Medicare, you can certainly look into the handbook to determine what your Medicare costs and benefits could look like for the following year. Rest assured, the communication process will be streamlined enough, so that you are wary of the imminent changes that are on the horizon. 

 

Medicare Advantage and Part D recipients will receive an ANOC (Annual Notice Of Change) and EOC (Evidence Of Coverage). When you have these documents, it will allow you free reign of control in planning/assessing the extent of your coverage and what could be done to enhance it for your own personal situation. Even if you are perfectly content with your plan as it is, explore alternative options to test the waters. 

 

The goal should always be to have optimal coverage as one person could require more accommodations than another. Studies have shown that Part D plans could lower your costs each year, if you shop amongst the plans that are available.

 

Working With A Licensed Medicare Broker

While it’s feasible to upgrade or enroll in coverage all on your own, this increases the likelihood of missteps which can lead to higher levels of dissatisfaction with your coverage. A Licensed Medicare Broker will work closely with you in aligning the perfect solutions for your situation. Mark Turner is your one stop shop for all of your Medicare needs. 

 

With licenses to practice in New York & other states, having optimal coverage is the end goal for the sake of your health & wellness. If you would like to schedule a consultation, you can click here to get started!