Open enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. During this time you can join Medicare, switch your plan, or drop or add a plan. As long as you make these changes during this time window your coverage will begin on January 1.
During this time there are a few things you should be doing to ensure you have the coverage you need
Review your plan.
This is one of the few times during the year when you can change you benefits. If you are unsure which plan you have or what it covers, take some time to review it.
Ask yourself these questions:
- What benefits you are using and what you are not?
- Are the costs of your plan still working with your personal budget?
- What prescriptions may you need in the next year?
- Are you planning on moving to a new area?
- Are there any gaps in your coverage that you would like covered?
Decide Medicare versus Medicare Advantage
If you started with Original Medicare but have discovered a few extra benefits to a Medicare Advantage plan, or vice versa, now is the time to make a change.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan you can continue to make changes or switch to Original Medicare during the Medicare Advantage open enrollment from January 1 to March 31.
Examine your Medicare Part D Coverage.
Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs. You may be able to save money by making changes to your Part D coverage. During AEP you can add or drop a prescription drug plan or find a Medicare Advantage plan that includes one (or does not include it if that’s your preference).
Research the cost of plans you are interested in.
I can help you explore plans that are within your budget and ways you may be able to cut costs.
Make sure your current providers accept your plan.
Providers may change policies from one year to the next. It’s important to check in with your doctors to make sure they will still accept Medicare in the coming year and will be within your network.
Get help!
There are so many options when it comes to Medicare, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. It’s always helpful to sit down with someone who has knowledge about these options and can explain them. I’ll take time to review your current prescriptions, your doctors, your budget and your plans for the future and make sure you have a Medicare plan that covers it all.
Diane “Dee” Lee Insurance, is an experienced licensed insurance agent and representative providing Medicare (parts A and B), supplemental Medicare, Medicare Advantage (part C) and Medicare Prescription (part D) plans. Diane Dee Lee Insurance also provides healthcare plans to cover dental vision, hospital stays and more. Serving as a Medicare Broker in Deer Valley, Peoria, Glendale, the Phoenix-metro area, as well as the counties of Pima, Pinal, Coconino, Gila, Mohave, Apache, Navajo, Maricopa and Yavapai. Licensed and appointed with multiple insurance carriers, Dee is available to meet in person (with necessary social distancing guidelines) or virtually. Please call (623) 251-6612 or email dleeski@reagan.com