By Jeremiah Brewer
We are in the second month of the Annual Open Enrollment (OEP). OEP runs from January through March of each year.
During the Open Enrollment Period, older adults (Medicare beneficiaries) and people with disabilities who are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan have from January 1 until March 31 to switch to another MA plan or to Original Medicare, with or without a stand-alone prescription drug plan (Part D).
Importantly, only one plan change can be made during this period. The new plan will take effect on the first day of the month after the month you enroll.
For example, if a person uses this OEP to change from one MA plan to another on March 12, the new coverage begins on April 1.
Changes that can be made during this period include switching from an MA plan to a different MA plan with drug coverage; a different MA plan without drug coverage; Original Medicare and a Part D plan; or Original Medicare without a Part D plan. You cannot change from one PDP (Prescription Drug Plan) to another PDP.
Why would you make a change? You find out that one of your key physician providers is not in the plan network. You need to change to a plan where the provider is in network. You find one of the ancillary benefits of the plan, e.g. dental does not provide coverage that you will need. You need to change to a plan that has that coverage. You find out that you could have an MA plan that gives back a dollar amount to reduce your Part B premium. You contact an agent to learn about those plans to determine if the coverage and network would meet your needs.
Beware! You must be aware of a deceptive threat during OEP. When you receive an insurance agent call from a call center that has your information and offers another “better” plan, hang up! Call me and I will confirm if that plan is a really a better choice. These telephone agents fail to determine if your doctors are in the MA plan network being proposed, or whether your prescription drugs are in the plan formulary. I have had clients switch, based on their “sales pitch,” and find out when it is too late that their doctor is not in the plan network.
Beware! Another deceptive threat. You receive an official letter in the mail stating: Medicare Plan Notice – you are entitled to a plan that has exceptional benefits. Call this number for an agent to assist. In the fine print, you will find “non-government entity”. It is intended to get you to call so the call center agent can sell you another plan. Please call your agent to understand the letter.
I am a local license agent and can help you if you are confused with all the mail and solicitations from Medicare Plan companies and agencies. I have helped many clients and others to sort through “opportunities”. Call or text my cell phone at (850) 699-0774 or email me jeremiah@wenrickinsurance.com.
Author: Sowal Editor
Views: 0
