Open Enrollment was moved to start earlier this year, but that
also means the deadline is earlier as well. Regardless of what type
of Medicare you have (Original, Advantage or Part D) - now is the
time to make any changes for the following year! Beginning October
15 and ending December 7, Medicare's Annual Election Period, more
commonly known as open enrollment, is the perfect time to survey
your current needs and compare plans to ensure you have the best
coverage for you. Doing so can save you money!
Questions to ask yourself:
- What has changed over the past year?
- Have I been diagnosed with a new medical
condition?
- Have any of my medications changed?
- Have I moved to a new area of town or a new town or state
all together?
Changes in your condition or location can indicate your plan may
need updating. It is possible that you are paying for too much
coverage, or that you are not being covered in the areas most
important to your situation.
Medicare Changes
It's important to keep in mind Medicare plans also change from
year to year. Costs can go up or down, benefits offered can be
added or dropped, territories can be redrawn and the list of
prescription drugs covered can fluctuate. This is why it is crucial
to evaluate all the plans and how they might have changed during
this open enrollment period. You might find switching to a
different plan can benefit you more OR you might find that you are
better off right where you are.
By visiting Medicare.gov
or calling 800-MEDICARE, you can compare the plans available and
enroll in a new plan if you choose. Selections you make will not
take effect until January 1, 2012.
What are the options during open enrollment? You can...
- Switch from Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) to a Medicare
Advantage Plan
- Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original
Medicare
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to a different Medicare
Advantage Plan
- Change from a Medicare Advantage Plan offering drug coverage to
different Medicare Advantage Plan that also offers drug
coverage
- Change from a Medicare Advantage Plan offering drug coverage to
a different Medicare Advantage Plan that does not offer drug
coverage
- Join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
- Drop the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan all together
- Switch from one Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to a different
Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
Medicare has a handy dandy online plan finder program
specifically for prescription drugs. Enter your ZIP code, the names
of the drugs you take, their dosages and how often you take them
and with the click of the mouse it will indicate the plan in your
area covering your drugs at the least overall out-of-pocket
cost.
Many enrollees don't bother to compare all the plans available,
and as a result, fewer than seven percent are in a plan that offers
the lowest out-of-pocket costs. By simply comparing and contrasting
the plans, you could be saving yourself several hundred dollars
next year. And that can make a huge difference in this tight
economy!
Carrie Robertson
Research & Community Education
Chicago Skilled Nursing
Chicago Senior
Living