Medicare Open Enrollment kicked off on October 15th and will go until December 7th! Thanks to our Insurance Navigators, Barb Hickner and Antoinette Valle, we’re giving you key information about what you should know about this time of the year.
What can I do during Medicare Open Enrollment?
During Medicare open enrollment, current Medicare plan enrollees can reevaluate their coverage and make changes if they want to do so.
According to Medicare Resources, during Medicare open enrollment, a beneficiary can:
- switch Medicare Advantage plans, switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare or vice versa,
- join a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan,
- switch from one Part D plan to another, or
- drop Medicare Part D coverage entirely.
How do I get Medicare?
There are several ways that people can get Medicare. Typically, when you turn 65 you are newly eligible to receive Medicare benefits. If you already receive social security benefits you do not need to do anything to register for Medicare.
However, if you are still working, delaying retirement and social security, you will have to enroll in Medicare through social security. Medicare typically starts the first day of the month that you turn 65. If you are disabled you may qualify for Medicare benefits before turning 65.
What is Medicare Part A?
Medicare Part A is hospital insurance and helps to cover inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facility care, hospice and home health care. If you have worked 40 quarters then this coverage is typically free of charge.
What is Medicare Part B?
Medicare Part B is medical insurance that covers services from doctors and other health care providers, outpatient care, home health care, durable medical equipment and many preventive services. Part B has a fee.
What does Medicare Part C and Part D do?
Many Medicare recipients also choose to purchase a Part D to cover their prescription drugs and a Supplement to cover the gap of services and fees that Medicare does not cover. The other option is to purchase a Part C or Medicare Replacement (Medicare Advantage) plan to manage your Medicare benefits.
We can help you with your Medicare Open Enrollment Needs!
Does all of this sound confusing? Or, would you just like some more information and advice on what you should do during Medicare Open Enrollment?
There is free help available through the Family Health Clinic’s SHIP counselors that can assist with your medicare questions. SHIP counselors are not agents so they do not sell anything. Their service is to provide education about Medicare options and help you!
Call (800) 321-5043 and ask to speak to our SHIP counselors set set up your meeting!
Come see us at your local library!
Our SHIP Counselors, Barb and Antoinette, have scheduled times to be at the local libraries offering enrollment assistance.
They are as follows:
Monticello library – every Monday through December 15
Flora Library – 4-6pm on Oct 23, 30, NOV 8, 13, 20,29, Dec 4,13
If you need to, you can also schedule a different meeting time by calling (800) 321-5043.
Resources:
https://www.medicareresources.org/glossary/medicare-open-enrollment/
