Author: Mike Causey, Insurance Commissioner
The new year is here and that means it’s time to review your Medicare Advantage Plan. This is the time to review your coverage and make changes to your plan during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, which runs from Jan. 1 to March 31.
Our health can change significantly in a short period. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, now is the time to make sure you have what best meets your needs.
If you’re unhappy with your Medicare Advantage Plan (Medicare Part C), you have options. Each year, there is a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from Jan. 1 to March 31. During this time, if you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan and want to change your health plan, you can do one of these:
- Switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan with or without drug coverage.
- Go back to Original Medicare and, if needed, also join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
If you switch Medicare Advantage Plans or go back to Original Medicare with or without a Medicare drug plan, your new coverage will start the first day of the month after your new plan gets your request for coverage. If you go back to Original Medicare now, you may not be able to buy a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy.
This may seem like a maze. We have a program at the Department of Insurance called the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program. It helps senior citizens sift through all their Medicare options.
Our SHIIP counselors are trained to help you understand your Medicare options and help you choose the plan that best meets your needs. Our counselors provide unbiased information to you. And their service is free.
For assistance with Medicare questions, contact SHIIP at 1-855-408-1212 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to speak to a SHIIP counselor.
You may also wish to check out the Medicare Plan Finder online by going to www.medicare.gov.
You can compare plans and enroll in a new Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medicare drug plan in your area. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for help. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is only for people who are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan and want to change your plan, check out your options today. Remember, the Medicare Advantage Plan Open Enrollment Period ends March 31.